Nepal is an ancient nation full of art, religion, and natural resources. From old times, it has been the land of the holy people. Nestled in the Himalayas, this country is known for its religious knowledge, its high range, tourism, and natural beauty. And 3 km away from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, In Devpatan Village, near the banks of the Bagmati river the temple of Lord Shri Pashupati Nath Ji is situated which is included in the World Heritage of UNESCO.
This temple is dedicated to the Pashupati form of Lord Shiva. Every year lakhs of people visit Nepal to visit. Pashupati Nath Temple has architecture also it is one of the best tourist spots.
- Deity Lord Pashupatinath (Lord Shiva)
- Location Kathmandu, Nepal
- Entry Fee Free
- Timings 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit September to October
Pashupati Nath Temple:- Largest temple in Nepal
It is a famous Hindu temple situated in the capital city of Kathmandu in Nepal. People believe that it is the best and most great holy temple. It is the desire of Lord Shiva Devotees they go to Pashupati Nath Temple once in their lifetime. Not only devotees but the tourist are also attracted to this holy place because it comes under UNESCO’s World heritage.
Pashupati Nath is the incarnation of lord Shiva and the lord shiva resides in this temple. Also, Pashupati Nath was among the Eight Rudras of Lord Shiva. It is said that there are 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and Pashupatinath is the 13th jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
The Pashupati Nath temple is the largest and one of the oldest temples in Nepal. There are many temples of Pashupati Nath but Nepal’s Pashupati Nath temple is famous all over the world. It is also believed that the person who visits the Pashupati Nath temple and takes blessings from the Lord Pashupati Nath will take birth as a human being. All the guilts of that person are forgiven.
Therefore, Pashupati Nath Means the God of Animals. It is taken from the Sanskrit word ”PASHU” which means animals and The “PATI” means protector. The Lord Pashupati Nath temple represents sitting in the middle of the Animals.
Pashupati Nath Temple:- Architecture and Design
It is believed that it is reconstructed in 400 A.D and it was made out of wood. But the structure of the termites was destroyed by the termites and then it was rebuilt in the 17th century. It is known that it is the site of Lord Shiva who disguised his thorns as a deer. The Pashupati Nath temple is built in the structure of Nepalese Pagoda style and the inside fortified courtyard is divided into the outer courtyard.
The main temple stands on a platform 23.6 meters above the ground in the middle of a courtyard. The temple is constructed with wooden rafters. The roof of lord Pashupatinath is built with shiny stones and there are four doors in the temple. Each door is covered with silver metal. The temple is spread over 264 hectares in the Bagmati River. Outside the temple, the idols standing of Nandi and Bull are looking at their Lord Pashupati Nath.
Internal Structure of the Temple
Inside the temple, there is Sanatorium Sanctum(Garbhggriha) is the divine stone Shivling(Lingam) of the Pashupati Nath god with silver. In addition, the lingam is a unique structure with four faces that are looking in four directions which are symbolizing the four directions of Lord Shiva. Also, these representations stand for the five basic elements of Hinduism that is Earth, Water, Light, Air, and Metal. Each face holds a rudraksha mala in the right hand and the Kamandalu(a typically shaped water pot) in the left hand.
The Legum of Lord Shiva wears a Golden Dress and only at the time of Abhishekham the dress is removed. The Abhishek of the Lord lingam can be done by the main priests of the temple. Also, the idols of Goddess Parvati, Goddess Laxmi, Lord Ganpati, and Lord hanuman are found in this complex temple. Also, there is Guhyeshwai temple is situated near the Pashupati Nath Temple which is also an important temple of Devi Sati(Wife of Lord Shiva). There are, other idols of Lord shiva found in this temple and Some of the idols of Shiv holding a deer are seen.
Rules of Pashupati Nath Temple
The Temple Rule is that only the males remove the clothes of Lord Pashupati Nath at the time of Abhishek. The main people of the temple perform the Worship or Aarti of Lord Pashupati Nath. In addition, it is not allowed to touch the Lingum at the time of Abhishek. They think that the Lord gets angry and they can punish the people.
The Pashupatinath Temple’s unique feature is that only four priests are allowed to touch the main idol. The daily rites and rituals in the temple are performed by two groups of priests, the first being the Bhandari priests and the second being the Bhatt priests. While the Bhandari is the caretaker of the temple, only the Bhatt are allowed to touch the deity and perform religious rites on the idol.
Importance
- The Pashupati Nath temple represents the Ancient Hindu concept that defines we should not be feared by death or sex should not be ridiculed.
- People believe that from the sins committed by the people, you get salvation by coming to this land. Many old saints live in this temple because they believe that they should die in this holy land.
Interesting Facts About the Pashupati Nath Temple
- The Lingam of Lord Shiva is different and the only which has four faces from the other lingams in Nepal.
- It is considered one of the top tourist destinations in Nepal. It is one of the few temples in the world that only allows Hindus to enter the inner courtyard and main temple.
- The majority of the temple’s artwork is made of gold.
- 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.
- Also according to the beliefs, if a person comes into this temple he will bear as a human in his next birth. All sins are forgiven by the blessings of Lord Pashupati Nath.
- Also, The Bagmati River which is situated near the Pashu Pati Nath Temple is used for open-air cremations.
- In 2015, an earthquake struck Nepal and it destroyed most human lives. But the Pashupati Nath Remains Unharmed except for a few cracks. People believe that temple remains safe because of the Blessings of the Pashupati Nath temple.
How to reach Pashupati Nath temple in Kathmandu
The Temple is located on the east side of Kathmandu and near the Tribhuvan International Airport. Therefore, The Durbar Square in Kathmandu is 15 minutes drive from the temple. Regular buses run between Ratna Park and the temple. You can easily take a taxi or local bus from this airport to Pashupati Nath temple. The cost of a private taxi from Kathmandu City Center to the temple is about $6.11. This includes waiting time as well as travel to and from. The taxi or bus drops you at the Temple.
If Boudhanath is nearby, it would be simpler to get there first before taking a bus or taxi, depending on your budget. Everything in Kathmandu offers easy access to taxis that will take you to the temple. Also, 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 walk away from the airport.
Best Time To Visit In Pashupati Nath Temple
You can visit this temple during the festival of Maha Shiv Ratri. The Best time to visit this temple is October to December because this time the weather stays pleasant or dry. Also, the sky stays clear during this time. The most important thing is when you are planning to visit this temple in these months, carry a water bottle. The Maha Shivratri Falls from March to February but the climate can be a little bit hot at this time. There are four entrance gates in the Pashupatinath Temple, with the main one on the western side. Only during festivals and special events are the other entrances available.
- Abhishekam is held from 9 to 11 am.
- Every day from 4 AM to 9 PM, the inner temple area is open.
- From 5 AM to 12 PM and from 5 PM to 7 PM, devotees can visit the lingam.
The most popular thing to do near the Pashupati Nath Temple
There are many fun activities include that can you do near the Pashupati Nath Temple. The Natures and the Wildlife Tours attracts tourist a lot. Nepal is always famous for there culture, nature, and temples. Also, You can explore the tradition and the culture of Nepal. Knowing the culture and tradition of another region fascinates us. Also, You can Plan a Multi-day tour. And the most fascinating thing which attracts the tourist is Hiking and camping Tours. So, Near the Pashupati Nath temple, You can also go hiking or trekking. As well as You can also Plan Private Tours.
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Multi-day Tours
- Hiking & Camping Tours
- Private Tours
Best Places for hiking and Camping tours near Pashupati Nath Temple
You can go to these Hiking and Camping Places which we are mentioning Below Near the Pashupati Nath temple.
- Travel with me to Nepal
- Frolic Adventure Pvt. Ltd.
- Trek Mania Nepal
- Dolma Treks & Adventure
- Outdoor Himalayan Treks
Best Experience Near the Pashupati Nath Temple
Landing at Everest Base Camp by Helicopter is one of the best experiences near the Pashupati Nath Temple. Also, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Landing crosses the Himalayas on a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Mount Everest Base Camp.
Summary
Pashupati Nath is the temple of lots of people. People think that they can connect their souls to the lord. But if you are a tourist or just want to visit this temple, then you should definitely go because from a tourist perspective it is a place to explore. If you go there you can explore its beauty and nature too much and also you get a piece. When you explore you may get to know about the culture of the region which fascinates a lot. So, when you are making the plan to visit this amazing heritage? Therefore, We recommend that you should definitely visit this place with your family and friends.
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