With the largest temple complex in Nepal, dating back to 400 BC, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the four most sacred sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva. It is located on both sides of the Bagmati River, which is considered holy by Hindus.
The Pashupatinath Temple complex is a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The main temple is designed in pagoda style and has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver. The two-storeyed roof is made from copper, while the pinnacle is covered with gold and richly decorated with exquisite wood carvings is known to make wishes come true. One of the most astonishing decorations of the temple is the enormous golden statue of Nandi – Shiva’s bull. The largest temple complex in Nepal includes 518 temples, buildings, and structures.
With people’s active participation, Pashupatinath is the center of energy at all times of the day, every day. Witness the most mesmerizing rituals. Pashupati Bagmati Aarati starts at 6 pm every evening, where prayers are sung for the betterment of whole humanity, and coming together as one is the main aim. Since the year 2006, it has been established as a regular tradition. The Bagmati Aarati is a major attraction among visitors, and Pashupati is widely recognized for it. Many people come from parts of the world to be a part of the Aarati during holidays, Mondays, and festivals.
The rituals of cremation of Hindus take place on raised platforms along the Bagmati river. Only the Hindus are allowed through the main temple’s gates, but all the other buildings are available for foreigners to visit. The Sadhus here have a unique appearance with specific yellow paintings on their bodies. It is believed that those who die in Pashupatinath Temple are reborn as a human.
Visit Pashupatinath for a divine mix of cultural, religious, and spiritual experiences. It is located 3 km northwest of Kathmandu on the banks of the Bagmati River, and the temple area includes Deupatan, Gaurighat (Holy Bath), Kutumbahal, Gaushala, Pingalasthan, and Sleshmantak forest. Pashupatinath extends from the main temple of Pashupatinath to Guheshwori. This place includes the famous temples inside this area, including the Panchdewal, Bishwarupa, the Dakshinamurti, Bhuwaneshwori, Tamreshwor, and others. Each site there has its own set of rituals, specific values, and customs to be performed. There are around 492 temples, 12 Jyotirlinga (phallic shrines), and 15 Shivalayas (shrines of Lord Shiva) to explore.
While a non-Hindu can enter the temple for a $10 entrance fee. The inner temple is open from 5 am to 12 noon for morning worship and viewing and then 5 pm to 7 pm for the evening prayer and viewing. The temple remains closed from noon to 5 pm every day.
