This Pagoda-styled temple, built in the 17th century, is a significant religious icon for Hindus in Nepal. The history of the Pashupatinath temple dates back several centuries before the structure was built. Many tales surround this location, and most are worth hearing regardless of whether you practice Hinduism.
This shrine is among the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal’s Valley of Kathmandu. This shrine, surrounded by lively marketplaces, overlooks the glistening Bagmati River. In every religious tourist’s opinion, this place is a symbol of spiritual force.
Pashupatinath Temple opening hours & Best time of day?
Temple hours are 4 AM to 9 PM, but it closes between noon and 2 PM to 5 PM. Early morning or late evening is the best time to visit the temple. It is recommended that you reserve about 90 to 120 minutes to visit this temple.
Pashupatinath Mandir has 4 entry gates, and the primary gate is located on the western part of the Temple. Only during special celebrations & festivals are the other gates open.
- The internal area of the temple is open from 4 A.M. until 9 P.M. every day.
- Worshippers can visit the Shiva lingam from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Abhishekam is held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The entry fee for Pashupatinath Temple
The entrance fee to Pashupatinath Temple is NPR 1000 for foreign nationals and residents of SAARC countries. There is no entry fee for Indians.
- The entry cost is NPR 1000 (approx $10) for foreign nationals and for Indians it’s free.
- Abhishekam is NPR 1100.
Pashupatinath Temple’s History
According to mythology, lords occasionally disguise themselves as creatures, birds, or men to relax from their cosmic activity and enjoy the earth. On such occasions, Lord Parvati and Lord Shiva visited Earth in the guise of deer. They arrived in Nepal’s forest areas and were captivated by the grandeur of the land. They resolved to spend the rest of their lives on the banks of the Bagmati River. When all the other saints and gods agreed to bring the couple to their cosmic duties, then Lord Shiva declined.
Gods had no other choice but to use power to bring them back. Disguised as a deer, Lord Shiva broke one of his horns during this massive battle. This horn was worshipped as Nepal’s first lingam at Pasupatinath Temple. The lingam is thought to have been recovered by Mother Earth and had been lost for ages until one day, Kamadhenu, a cow-headed deity, descended to earth, watered the soil all around the area with her milk, and recovered the lingam. The locals recovered the lingam & constructed a wooden shrine. The temple is supposed to have existed on the site since 400 AD.
Based on an inscription in the temple, the wooden temple thrived during the year 800 AD, and the Supusapa Deva ruler constructed the five-story structure over the temple out of wood. In the fifth century, the temple was restored. King Ananta Malla added aesthetic features to the temple in the 13th century. It was eventually destroyed by the evolution of time & termites. The current complex was reconstructed in the seventeenth century, with 492 shrines in addition to the main temple.
What is the importance of the Pashupatinath Temple?
Pashupatinath temple contains a row of many Shiva Lingams. The Pashupatinath Mandir is significant because, according to beliefs, persons who died in this temple are reincarnated as humans, irrespective of any transgression that may damage their karma. Temple astrologers prophesy the specific day of their demise. As a result, it attracts a large number of senior Hindu pilgrims.
Pashupatinath Mandir is located on the western side of the Bagmati River and is regarded as a Hindu historical masterpiece. Furthermore, only Hindus can access the main temple, although all other structures are open to non-Hindus. Another distinguishing aspect of this temple is that only four priests are permitted to touch the idol.
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What festivals are celebrated in Pashupatinath Temple?
The main festival celebrated at the Pashupatinath Temple is:
- Mahashivratri: This celebration is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees think he is the Adi Guru, the origin of the Yogi tradition. Devotees commemorate it by worshiping Shiva, reciting prayers, fasting, and practicing Yoga and meditation. Read More: Maha Shivratri 2023: Date, Puja, Story, Celebrations & More
Pashupatinath Temple’s location
The Pashupatinath temple is situated in the valley of Kathmandu on Pashupatinath Road. It is located about 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu, near the banks of the River Bagmati.
Distance Between:
- Pashupatinath Temple & Kathmandu City– 3 Km
- Pashupatinath Temple & Airport – 5 Km
- Pashupatinath Temple & Bhaktapur – 13.5 Km
- Pashupatinath Temple & Bus Stop of Kathmandu – 2.4 Km
- Pashupatinath Temple & Thamel – 4.5 Km
- Pashupatinath Temple & Patan – 9.7 Km
Pashupatinath Temple’s Architecture
The temple spans 264 hectares of land and has 518 buildings. The main temple is constructed in the pagoda style within a walled courtyard. The compound is separated into the inner courtyard and the outer complex. The main temple has intricately carved wooden beams. The temple’s roof is built of copper and is gold-plated. The temple has four significant entrances, all coated in silver sheets. The temple’s inner sanctum houses the idol, while the outdoor sanctuary is a corridor-styled open space.
The temple’s primary idol is a rock lingam with a metal snake. This lingam has five faces and four sides. Each face has two hands, one with a rudraksha mala and the other with a Kamandalu. When you approach the excellent arch gate, a statue of the golden bull will be seen, which is claimed to be Lord Shiva’s enabler. The Pashupatinath temple is designed in the pagoda style. Lord Ganesh, Lord Parvati, Lord Ram with Sita, Lord Kumar, Lord Hanuman, & Lord Lakshmi are among the sculptures.
How to Get to the Pashupatinath Temple
The temple is within a 15-minute drive from Durbar Square of Kathmandu. Buses frequently run from Ratna Park to the temple. A personal taxi ride from Kathmandu City to the shrine will cost approximately $15. This includes both to and from travel as well as a waiting period.
If you reside closer to Boudhanath, it’d be easy to travel there and then catch a bus or cab, depending on your budget. Cabs to the temple are easily accessible from anywhere in Kathmandu or Thamel. If you arrive in Nepal by plane, you may take buses or cabs directly from the airport to the temple.
What temples are next to Pashupatinath Temple?
Near the Pashupatinath, there are other temples as well. Some temples nearby that may be visited include:
Manakamana Temple: Located in Nepal’s Gorkha region, it is dedicated to the Goddess Bhagwati, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati. Furthermore, the term ‘Manakamana’ is derived from two words: ‘mana,’ which means heart/mind, & ‘kamana’, which means wish, indicating ‘the heart’s wish.’
Muktinath Temple: This is a sacred site for both Buddhists and Hindus. It may be found in the Valley Muktinath in Mustang, Nepal. According to Hindus, it is the “Mukti Kshetra”, or “seat of emancipation”, It is also one of Lord Vishnu’s oldest temples.
FAQs About Visiting Pashupatinath Temple
1. Can anyone visit Pashupatinath Temple?
Yes, anyone can visit the outer areas of Pashupatinath Temple, including the courtyards and the banks of the Bagmati River. However, entry into the inner sanctum is reserved for Hindus only.
2. What is the significance of Pashupatinath Temple?
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s a significant cultural and religious site, attracting pilgrims and visitors from all over the world for its spiritual importance, architectural beauty, and the rituals performed here.
3. How old is Pashupatinath Temple?
The temple’s history dates back to the 5th century, making it over 1500 years old. The current structure has been rebuilt and renovated several times, with the most recent significant construction in the 17th century.
4. What are the main rituals performed at Pashupatinath Temple?
Daily rituals include the morning and evening Aarti. The Pashupati Bagmati Aarati, performed in the evenings along the Bagmati River, is a particularly grand ceremony filled with music, fire offerings, and chanting.
5. Is photography allowed inside Pashupatinath Temple?
Photography is not allowed inside the main temple to maintain its sanctity. However, visitors can take photos in the outer courtyards and other areas of the temple complex.
6. What is the architectural style of Pashupatinath Temple?
The temple is a splendid example of Nepalese pagoda architecture, featuring a two-tiered golden roof, silver doorways, and a collection of ashrams, temples, and inscriptions that date back centuries.
7. Are there any restrictions for non-Hindus at Pashupatinath Temple?
Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the temple’s inner sanctum but can view the temple from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River and visit the outer courtyards.
8. How can one reach Pashupatinath Temple from Kathmandu city center?
The temple is located about 5 kilometers northeast of the city center. Visitors can take a taxi, local bus, or enjoy a walk to the temple, offering a chance to see more of Kathmandu along the way.
9. Are there any festivals celebrated at Pashupatinath Temple?
Maha Shivaratri is the most significant festival celebrated at the temple, drawing thousands of pilgrims. The temple complex becomes a hub of festivities, rituals, and spiritual activities.
10. What are the timings and entry fees for visiting Pashupatinath Temple?
The temple complex is open from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. The inner sanctum closes at noon and reopens in the late afternoon. There is no entry fee for the temple complex, but certain areas may have small charges for maintenance purposes.
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