What is the story behind Pashupatinath Temple Nepal?

The Pashupatinath Temple Nepal, a 17th-century pagoda-style temple, is a well-known holy icon for Hindus in Nepal. Before the temple was even erected, the Pashupatinath mandir has a long history. This region is the subject of many mythologies, most of which are worth learning about whether or not you practise Hinduism. One of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley is the Pashupatinath Temple Nepal. This temple, which is surrounded by bustling markets, has a stunning view of the Bagmati River. Every religious traveller claims that this location is a representation of spiritual energy and is therefore among the greatest tourist destinations in Nepal.

The Pashupatinath Temple Nepal, which is devoted to Lord Shiva, is one of the most revered Hindu holy monuments on the continent. This temple, which dates back to the fifth century, is reputed to have the largest temple complex in the nation. Hindus regard the River Bagmati, where the temple is situated, as a holy body of water. Only Hindus are permitted inside the inner sanctuary, which houses the Shiva lingam, due to local customs. Throughout the complex of the temple, there are hundreds of Shiv Lingams.

It is a significant pilgrimage destination and one of the valley’s eight historic sites. It is more than just a single shrine. More than 500 minor shrines to various Hindu deities are housed within this compound. To navigate the complex, rickshaws and electric scooter rides are available at the temple’s southwestern gate. Elder pilgrims are free to use this service.

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE INFORMATION (Pashupatinath Mandir)

of the Bagmati River in east Kathmandu, Nepal, is thought to have been built out of wood around 400 A.D. Termites decimated the temple’s structure, and it wasn’t rebuilt until the 17th century. The initial temple, which was constructed around 400 A.D., is thought to have been situated where Lord Shiva, who was appearing as a deer, misplaced one of His antlers. The main Pashupatinath temple (Pashupatinath Mandir) is housed inside a fortified courtyard that is divided into the outer courtyard and the inner courtyard. It is constructed in the magnificent Nepalese Pagoda style. At Deopatan, the main temple dominates an open courtyard from a platform 23.6 metres above the ground.

The Pashupatinath temple was built with intricately carved timber rafters, and it features four silver-metal-covered doorways and a gilded roof. The 264-hectare temple complex is situated on both sides of the banks of the Bagmati River. Numerous additional Hindu and Buddhist temples can be found inside the Pashupatinath temple complex. Nandi, a golden bull, is outside facing Bhagwan Pashupatinath’s main temple (Pashupatinath Mandir) and keeping a watchful eye on His Lord and Master.

Pashupatinath temple interior

The Divine stone Lingam of Pashupatinath God with a Silver Serpent is located in the hospital sanctum (Garbhagriha). This lingam is distinctive in its own right. It features four faces on its four sides, with the top representing Shiva in his numerous avatars, including Sadyojata or Barun facing West and Vamdeva. Aghor faces south, Tatpurusha faces east, Uma Maheswara faces north, and Ishana faces the zenith. These images stand in for the five fundamental elements of Hinduism: metal, earth, water, air, and light. Each face features two projections that resemble hands, each holding a Rudraksha Mala in the right hand and a Kamandalu (a typical-looking water container) in the left.

Unlike other Shivlings, the Pashupati nath Shivling always wears His Golden clothing or Vastram, and the Vastram is only ever taken off during Abhishekham. Therefore, only the major priests designated by the temple are permitted to perform the Abhishek of God, Pashupatinath Lingam.

The temple complex contains statues of Lord Ganapati, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Parvati, Goddess Laxmi, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ram, and Sita Devi, in addition to hundreds of smaller temples dedicated to other Gods and Goddesses. The Guhyeshwari temple, which is situated close to the primary Pashupatinath temple and is the shrine of Sati Devi (Lord Shiva’s consort), is a significant one. Other statues of Lord Shiva that have been discovered in the temple occasionally depict him holding a deer (Mrugadhara) and having a deer beneath his altar. The Budha Nilkantha temple of Lord Vishnu, which is very well-known there, has an intriguing legend associated with it. Within the boundaries of the temple are 108 Shivling shrines.

Every full Moon night, the Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, which is a part of the Pashupati temple complex, hosts a music concert, which is a lovely event under the full Moonlight.

With the development of technology, a devotee can easily arrange Pashupatinath temple pooja online rather than travelling to the Shree Pashupatinath temple in Nepal to perform Pashupati puja.

the adoration of Lord Pashupati All followers of Lord Shiva aspire to travel to Pashupatinath and perform

a personal Pashupatinath puja. Male devotees must remove their tops or shirts in order to access the main temple’s inner sanctum, and female visitors must wear traditional attire. Puja is performed by priests for devotees, and during Abhishek, the Lingam must not be touched. Here are some specifics.

Famous Rudrabhishek can be done by temple priests on behalf of devotees, in their presence, at the Pashupatinath temple. In the Pashupatinath temple, there are various types of Rudrabhishek, each with a distinct payment for the services.

The Lord Pashupati Mantra, according to legend

Even one repetition of a mantra can eliminate all threats and obstacles in life because of its incredible power. One becomes victorious after saying it 100 times, whether in battle or other spheres of life. It is believed that performing a Havan or Homam while reciting the Pashupatinath mantra will enable a devotee to successfully accomplish the impossible.

Why is the name Pashupati given to Lord Shiva?

We commemorate Mahashivaratri, the worship of Lord Shiva, on March 4, 2019. Another name for Lord Shiva is Pashupati. Pashu is an animal, and a pasha is a noose or other object used to bind someone. The Lord is referred to as pati. Why is Pashupati the name of the Lord? A pashu, or an animal restrained by a pasha or a rope, is restricted to a small area, depending on the food and liquids provided by others, and only has a limited amount of information. A free animal appreciates its independence, is able to move around, eat green grass, drink water from natural sources, breathe clean air, and is significantly happier.

The three pashas of the gunas—sattva, rajas, and tamas—bind the pashu known as jiva or the individual self. The jiva must transcend the three gunas that created the body in order to be free, and this can only be done through brahma jnana, or knowing oneself. According to the Bhagavad Gita:

Gunaneta Natitya Trindehi Dehasamudbhavan Janma Mruta Mashnute (14:20)

As the “Lord of knowledge” (Jnanam maheshwarat icchet), Lord Shiva is revered. The jiva can only be freed from the pasha or the Maya-induced bondage via the blessing of Lord Shiva. The Lord who can set the pashu free from the pasha and bestow liberty is the source of the name Pashupati.

Visitation hours for Pashupatinath Temple

There are four entrance gates in the Pashupatinath Temple (Pashupatinath Mandir), with the main one on the western side. Only during festivals and special events are the other entrances accessible.

Every day from 4 AM to 9 PM, the inner temple area is accessible.
From 5 AM to 12 PM and from 5 PM to 7 PM, devotees can visit the lingam.
Abhishekam is held from 9 to 11 am.

Daily Pashupatinath Temple rituals

Unlike other historical landmarks or museums, Pashupatinath is a hub of activity where visitors can be found at all hours of the day. The daily rituals of Pashupatinath Temple (Pashupatinath Mandir) include the following:

4 AM: The west gate is open for visitors.

8:30 AM: The Lord’s idols are cleansed and bathed once the Pujaris arrive, and the Lord’s attire and accessories are changed for the day.

9:30 AM: Baal Bhog, or breakfast, is served to the Lord.

10:00 AM: Puja is welcome for anyone who wish to perform it. It is also referred to as Farmayishi Puja, and it occurs when people ask the Pujari to perform a particular Puja for a particular cause. The Puja will continue into the afternoon at 1:45.

Lunch is offered to the Lord in the primary Pashupatinath Temple around 1:50 PM.

Morning prayers end at 2:00 PM.

At 5:15 PM, the main Pashupatinath Temple (Pashupatinath Mandir) begins its evening Aarati.

Beginning at 6:00 PM: Bagmati Recently, the practise of Ganga Aarati along the Bagmati River’s banks has grown in popularity. More people gather on Saturdays, Mondays, and significant occasions. Additionally, Shiva’s Tandava Bhajan is performed during the sunset Ganga Aarati.

Doors close at 9 p.m.

Pashupatinath Temple History

In order to take a break from their cosmic tasks and enjoy life on Earth, legend claims that Gods occasionally took the form of animals, birds, or mankind. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati occasionally manifested as deer on Earth. When they reached Nepal’s wooded regions, they were astounded by the beauty of the nation. As they arrived near the banks of the Bagmati River, they decided to stay for good. Lord Shiva resisted going when the other gods and goddesses made the decision to bring them to their cosmic duties. Gods had to use physical force to compel them back. During this violent battle, Lord Shiva, who was posing as a deer, lost one of his antlers.

This antler was the original lingam at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, Nepal, where it was venerated. It is believed that Mother Earth discovered the lingam after it had been missing for a very long period. The lingam was discovered by the cow-headed goddess Kamadhenu after she had watered the surrounding land with her milk one day. The populace rescued the lingam and constructed a wooden temple. The temple is believed to have been present since 400 AD.

According to an inscription discovered on the property, the wooden temple thrived about the year 800 AD. Supusapa Deva King built the five-story wooden structure that presently dominates the temple at that time. In the fifth century, the temple was reconstructed. Ananta Malla King added a magnificent design to the temple in the 13th century. Termites and the passage of time ultimately destroyed it. The present complex, which includes 492 additional temples in addition to the main temple, was constructed in the 17th century.

What is the story behind Pashupatinath Temple Nepal?

Various versions of the Pashupatinath tale exist.

concerning the origins of Pashupatinath ka Mandir and Shree Pashupatinath. The most well-known of them is the Pashupatinath legend, which recounts how Lord Shiva and His consort, Goddess Parvati, once paid a visit to the picturesque, tranquil banks of the Bagmati river. They were drawn to the location and thought it was ideal for Divine spiritual practises, so they chose to stay. To do this, they adopted the appearance of two deer. The Gods and Celestial Sages eventually realised that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had taken on their acquired Deer form and were now on Earth.

At first, they all begged Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to go back to their heavenly home, but Lord Shiva insisted on staying. The Lord and the Gods then engaged in combat, which caused one of His antlers to break. According to legend, the first Lingam/Linga to be worshipped in the Pashupatinath temple (Pashupatinath Mandir) was this broken antler. However, this antler or Lingam got misplaced in Mother Earth, and no one was able to find it until a cow belonging to a cowherd decided to irrigate the area with her milk one day (much like Abhishekham). The Cowherd realised that his Cow’s actions had a deeper significance, and as he dug deeper, the Lingam appeared to him.

Another legend surrounding Lord Pashupati nath states that during the Tripura Samhar period, when Shiva assumed the role of Lord of All Demons (Pashu or beasts), and destroyed Tripura, the three cities of illusion ruled by the Asuras Kamlaaksha, Taarakaaksha, and Vidyunmaali who were wreaking havoc by attacking Gods and Sages, Lord Vishnu and other Gods gave Shiva the name Pashupati. Shiv Purana also holds that any living thing, including humans, that is held captive by his ego, cravings, and ignorance is regarded as an animal (pashu), and that only Pashupati may free him or her.

Value of the Pashupatinath Temple

Sex, birth, and death are all necessary aspects of life.

This temple stands for an old Hindu idea that says sex should not be mocked and that death should not be dreaded. Because of this, there is a ritual cremation site very close by and sensual artwork on the temple’s roof.

There are numerous temples.

The Pashupatinath temple (Pashupatinath Mandir) is the main temple in this region. However, the complex contains a huge number of little temples. Here you can find temples like Guhyeshwari Temple, Vatasala Temple, Ram Temple, Sati’s Gate, and others. Additionally, the complex of the Gorakhnath temple contains a large number of little tombs.

Pashupatinath Jyotirlinga complex number one

There are twelve jyotirlingas altogether in the globe. Shiva is said to have appeared as a huge pillar of light that pierced the universe. The places where light has come into contact with the ground are known as Jyotirlingam. Each of the twelve Jyotirlingams, which once stood at different locations, is now a Shiv mandir. One of these twelve places is the Pashupatinath Jyotirlinga in Nepal, which is regarded as a very pure pilgrimage destination.

Heavenly salvation

The faults a soul commits while living on earth are thought to be forgiven by this temple. To ensure that people pass away in this location of spiritual redemption, many saints and elders remain in this temple.

How To Reach Pashupatinath Temple Nepal

The Pashupatinath Temple is easily reachable by both public and private transportation, and it is dispersed throughout a vast region on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The trip by cab to the temple from Boudhanath Stupa and Tribhuvan International Airport takes around ten minutes. It will take a cab about 20 minutes to go to the temple from Thamel Street and Kathmandu Durbar Square. There are additional local buses, however they are frequently packed.

The Durbar Square in Kathmandu is 15 minutes’ drive from the temple. Between Ratna Park and the temple, regular buses run. The cost of a private taxi from Kathmandu City Centre to the temple is approximately $500. This includes waiting time as well as travel to and from.

If Boudhanath is close by, it would be simpler to get there first before taking a bus or taxi, depending on your budget. Nearly everything in Kathmandu or Thamel offers easy access to taxis that will take you to the temple. If you fly into Nepal, you can get buses or cabs that will transport you right to the temple. The temple is only a 15-minute stroll away from the airport. It’s really approachable, isn’t it?

Pashupatinath Temple fascinating facts

• The roof and tower of the temple are covered with gold. The big bull statue within the temple is made of gold as well, and the doors are covered in silver sheets.
• This lingam temple is unique in relation to other Shiv mandirs in Nepal. The god is a five-sided structure with a top part called as Ishan, and the lingam has four faces.
• One of the few temples in the world where the main temple and inner courtyard are solely accessible to Hindus.
• One of the top tourist destinations in Nepal is this one.
• The artwork in the temple is primarily made of gold.
• Hindu doctrine holds that a soul would not be born as a human in a subsequent life if it commits a great number of sins. Instead, it will assume an animal shape. It is thought that if you receive a blessing from the lingam at the temple, all of your sins would be washed away and you will have a future birth as a human.
• Today, open-air cremations take place on the banks of the Bagmati River. You might come across burning bodies while you’re there.
• A 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal in 2015 destroyed buildings and claimed lives. The historic Pashupatinath temple was intact, but for a few cracks.

Best Time to Visit Pashupatinath Temple Nepal

The best times to go to the temple are right before or after important local holidays like Teej, Maha Shiv Ratri, Bala Chaturthi, etc. The months of October through December are the best for visiting the temple. The current season is characterised by nice and dry weather. The sky will be clear as well. The temperature could be a tad warm if you visit during Maha Shiv Ratri, which is in March or February. As much water as you can bring with you. You should avoid being dehydrated throughout your brief stay in the region.

Advice For Travelling To Pashupatinath Temple

• The Maha Shivaratri festival is the ideal time to travel. A million or more devotees attend this festival. It is, nevertheless, the busiest period of the year.
• Please abide by the restrictions if you are not permitted to enter a particular area of the sanctuary. You cannot ignore the cause just because it is trivial, such as caste or religion.
• At the temple’s entrance, there are a lot of sadhus who offer blessings or fortune telling sessions. There is always a cost.
• Every sadhu in the temple is available for photos with you or to pose for them. Please do not sneak up and take images without their knowledge; instead, feel free to ask.
• Have the decency to refrain from taking pictures when you are attending a funeral or other final ceremony. Though it may be a one-of-a-kind experience for you, keep in mind that it is also their final goodbye to their beloved. Be appropriate.
• Many sadhus and priests offer medications that they represent as coming directly from the Lord. You ought to be more knowledgeable about whether or not to employ an untested mixture.
• Inside the complex, you would be passing past many shrines. The entire structure is composed of stone, which has a propensity to retain heat. As a result, bring adequate water with you.

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