Pashupatinath Temple: History, Importance, and Travel Guide

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples in the world, located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River and attracts millions of devotees every year. Let us delve deeper into the history, importance, and travel guide of Pashupatinath Temple.

Pashupatinath Temple

Where is Pashupatinath Temple?

Pashupatinath Temple is located in the eastern part of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, and it is surrounded by a lush green forest. The temple is easily accessible by road and air, and it is just a few kilometers away from the Kathmandu airport.

History of Pashupatinath Temple

The history of Pashupatinath Temple dates back to the 5th century AD. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a deer in the forest of Pashupati. The hunters who saw the deer reported it to the King, and the King then realized that it was Lord Shiva who appeared in the form of a deer. The King then built a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in that very place.

Over the years, several rulers have renovated and expanded the temple complex. The current temple was built in the 17th century by the Malla Kings of Nepal. The temple complex is spread over 264 hectares, and it consists of several smaller temples, shrines, and ashrams.

 Importance of Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple holds immense significance for Hindus all around the world. The temple is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are the most sacred Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also considered one of the 51 Shaktipeethas, which are the places where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell.

Pashupatinath Temple is also the site of the famous Maha Shivaratri festival, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. During the festival, thousands of devotees from all over the world gather at the temple complex to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

Best Time to Visit Pashupatinath Temple

The best time to visit Pashupatinath Temple is from September to November and from March to May. The weather during these months is pleasant, and the temple complex is less crowded. The Maha Shivaratri festival is also celebrated during this time, so if you want to witness the grandeur of the festival, then this is the perfect time to visit.

How to Reach Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is easily accessible by road and air. The temple is just a few kilometers away from the Kathmandu airport, and several airlines operate daily flights to Kathmandu from major cities in India and other countries.

If you are traveling by road, then you can hire a taxi or take a bus from Kathmandu. The temple is well-connected by roads, and the journey takes around 30 minutes.

 Hotels Near Pashupatinath Temple

There are several hotels near Pashupatinath Temple that offer comfortable accommodations. Some of the popular hotels near the temple complex are Hotel Shambala, Hotel Nepalaya, and Hotel Pashupati Plaza. These hotels offer a range of amenities such as Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and 24-hour room service.

Pashupatinath Temple Timings:

The Pashupatinath Temple is open from 4:00 am to 7:00 pm every day. However, the timings for puja and darshan may vary depending on the day of the week and the festival season. It is recommended to check the official website or with the temple authorities for the latest timings.

Pashupatinath Puja Vidhi:

The puja vidhi (rituals) at the Pashupatinath Temple are performed according to the traditional Hindu scriptures. The temple follows the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism, which worships Lord Shiva as the ultimate deity. The daily puja at the temple includes aarti, bhajan, and the offering of flowers and other items to Lord Shiva.

Devotees can also perform special puja at the temple, such as Rudrabhishek, which is performed to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings for good health and prosperity. The temple also conducts various festivals and special events throughout the year, including the Maha Shivaratri festival, which is celebrated with great fervor.

Travel Guide to Pashupatinath Temple:

The Pashupatinath Temple is located in the capital city of Kathmandu in Nepal. The temple is easily accessible by road and air. The nearest airport is the Tribhuvan International Airport, which is about 6 km from the temple. The temple is also well-connected by buses and taxis.

Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple complex. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main temple, but they can view the temple from the other side of the Bagmati River. Photography is also restricted in some