For many Indians travelling to Nepal, pilgrimages in the Kathmandu Valley are a major attraction. That’s why a trip to this beautiful country whether for honeymoon, shopping, or a tryst with the Shopping mountains always carries with it the added meaning of going on a religious tour as well as a pleasurable one. Here, Indian visitors can pay homage to Lord Pashupatinath at the Pashupatinath temple, one of the holiest religious sites for Hindus.
The Hindus of South Asia have such an immense faith in Lord Pashupatinath that they believe their going to the four dhanis (pilgrimage sites) of Dwarika, Kedar, Rameswar, and Jagannath would be meaningless without a final trip to Pashupatinath. Straddling both shores of the Bagman river, close to the airport, the Pashupatinath temple houses the sacred lingam of Lord Shiva, the Lord of Animals.
Besides being an immensely important site for Hindus, the Pashupatinath temple complex is a unique heritage site for archaeology enthusiasts and a charming and lively spot for those interested in religion and culture. Apart from the main temple, Pashupatinath has many shrines, statues, rest houses, ghats, and park land that enthrall the pilgrims. The temple of Lord Pashupatinath stands in the center of an open courtyard surrounded by numerous other temples. There are four entrances on the sides of the temple. The courtyard of Pashupati may be approached from all four directions. The main gate can be approached from the market of Deopatan to the west, from the Aryaghat cremation grounds to the east, from the quadrangle of 64 Shiva lingas to the south, and from the Rudrakeswar of Kailas to the north.
The temple itself is constructed on a raised platform. Built in the architectural style of a pagoda, the temple has roofs that are coated in gold and the doors made of silver and intricately carved wood. On both sides of each of the temple doors, there are niches containing artistic images of various gods, goddesses and nymphs. The tympanums right above the door and the struts supporting the roof are other attractions that make the temple tantalizing According to Gopalraj Vamsavali, one of the oldest chronicles of Nepal’s history, the main temple was built in the fifth or sixth century during the reign of King Supuspa Dev. Architectural experts suggest that the history of the main temple goes back to 1359 AD. The current structure dates from 1697 AD, but there are legends that tell of an even earlier tale. The well-known Mahabharat epic describes many important pilgrimage sites in Nepal, including that of the Masheswarpur, which is another name for Pashupati. As the Mahabharat is thought to have been written about 5,000 years ago, Pashupati must have existed even before then.
Pashupati temple can be best watched from the hill opposite the Aryaghat. From here, one can see the temple, the activities on the ghat, and the Panchadeval complex. Many trees on this area have been imported from as far away as Argentina. A short climb from here takes the visitor to the courtyards of Viswarup, Gorakhnath, Tribhuvan Parameswar, an old shrine of Kirateswar, a shrine of Gauri, and the Kailas area where many Shiva lingams some more than 1,400 years old — are scattered.
Pashupatinath’s long history is reflected in other structures built over hundreds of years. Rajrajeshwari, a temple with a brass-plated roof, was built in 1407 AD. A gilded water spout, housed in Nawali Tole near the Jayabageswari temple at Deopatan, was constructed in 1387 by King Jayasthiti Malla. The temple of Guheswari. who is a powerful form of a goddess and spouse to Shiva. has not been dated. but it was restored in 1653 by a Malla king. The Bhubaneswari temple as constructed in the 17th century, whereas Dakshinamurti has erected in the 18th century. Gorakhnath Sikhma was also constructed in the 18th century and contains a footprint of the legendary Gorakhnath. an ascetic, wandering incarnation of Shiva.
.As one of the oldest temples in Nepal, Pashupatinath is a living museum of
sculptural art. Here, an image of Vishnu Vikarna, dating back to the 15th century,
shows Vishnu in his dwarf form. A half-buried Buddha, a huge Shiva linga placed
on a ling pedestal, and sculptures of Yama, Saraswati, Umamaheswar, Ardha Savriswar
(half Shiva and half Vishnu), and Garuda Nara an are some of the tinest stone
sculptures in the area. An 18th-century terra cotta Vishnu is an excellent example
of this art form hailing
from that period. Other terra cotta pieces include two devotees worshipping
a Shiva lingam. In the temple of Bhavareswari and the rest houses of Pachadeval
complex. some of the best woodcarving in the Valley is preserved.
Major attractions for Hindu pilgrims to Pashupati are the ghats. the riverside platforms used for ritual haduniz and cremation. In Hinduism, rivers are holy; and the Bagamati river cradling Pashupati carries a special meaning for the Hindus. A second or third-century stone image of Birupak-sha can be found at Arya Ghat. The Surya Ghat next to the Arya Ghat, contains a sixth centurty, with some of its sculptures as old as the 17th century.
As Pashupatinath is invaluable in its religious, cultural and archeological aspects. efforts have been taken to preserve its sanctity and protect and promote the site. The Pashupati Area Development Trust hasbeen working hard to keep the area clean and promote activities to preserve this unique religious and cultural heritage.
Maha Shiva Ratri, the Great Night of Lord Shiva. is the most colorful of festivals in the country. Hundreds of devotees from remote corners of Nepal and India gather at Pashupatinath to pay homage to the Lord of Animals. Sadhus, wandering ascetics who emulate Shiva, descend upon Pashupati days before the actual festival. These ash-covered, wild-haired mendicants carry tridents, the symbol of Shiva, and brass bowls that are used to collect alms. On the day of the festival, devotees pray to the Shiva lingam, fast, and prepare to stay awake all night. In the air there are smells of incense, burning wood, cremation, and burning cowdung.
Pashupati is easily accessible to visitors as it is only about five kilometers from the center of Kathmandu. Buses and autorickshaws frequently run from Tundikhel to Gaushala, which is where Pashupati is located. You can also hire a taxi to take you to Pashupati.
Daily schedule for the main Pashupatinath temple is as follows: Opening of the West door: 4 am; all four doors open: 9:30 am; all four doors close: 2 pm; evening prayers: 5:30 pm; last prayer: 6:30 pm, after which the temple closes.
The Pashupati Area Development Trust, located in the Pashupati area, offers
any help that it can to provide comfort and a pleasant stay for the pilgrims.
Its large building often works as a dharmasala, and the friendly staff there
can direct you to other accommodations nearby. The Trust also runs a health
clinic complete with a lab and doctors.