- Address: PO Box: 11018 Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Phone: +977 1 42 56 909
- Website: www.pashupatinathtemple.org
- E-mail: info@ntb.org.np
On the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu , on both banks of the Bagmati River, is the most famous temple of Shiva in Nepal - Pashupatinath. It is located near the stupa of Bodnath . This is the oldest of the temples of Nepal , dedicated to Shiva in the incarnation of Pashupathi - the king of animals.
Historical background
According to legend, Shiva wandered around here in the guise of antelope, but other gods who wanted to return him to the fulfillment of divine duties, caught him and accidentally broke off one horn, after which Shiva regained his divine appearance. And one of the shepherds grazing their flocks here found a horn lost by God, and a temple was erected on the site of the find. Up to now, the original building has not survived.
In 1979, the Kathmandu Valley, in which the temple is located, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And in 2003 the temple was included in the Red List of Endangered Objects.
Buildings and territory
Pashupatinath consists of many buildings. In addition to the main building, there are:
- the temple of Rajradeshvari , the Hindu goddess of knowledge;
- the temple of Rama (located on the left bank of the river);
- 11 small temples with lingams ; they are usually prayed by women - about a successful childbirth and a happy family life;
- the Yoni Gukhyeshvari temple , where only men pray;
- the temple of Vishvarut ;
- Goharnatsky temple ;
- a shelter for those who are waiting for their death.
The main temple has a two-tiered roof with a gilded spire. It is relatively new - it was erected in the XIX century and is considered a masterpiece of Hindu architecture.
On the east bank of the river there is a park where many animals live, and monkeys freely walk and throughout the territory of the temple complex. It is believed that animals that die on the territory of the temple can be reborn by people.
Sacred temple rituals
Every year the Pashupatinath temple attracts to Kathmandu a lot of Shiva hindus, especially the elderly. They come here to die in a sacred place, it is here that they should be cremated and together with the sacred waters of the Bagmati River go to the further path and merge into the waters even more sacred to the admirers of the Hindu river - the Ganges.
It is believed that the one who died on the territory of the temple complex, will be reborn as a man and with purified karma. Astrologers of the temple predict the exact date of death of believers. But to die and be cremated "in the right place" is not all: it is also necessary that all rituals be performed in strict accordance with religious dogmas.
Like any temple, Pashupatinath is the venue for various Hindu rituals:
- Cremations. They are carried out along the river bank; for this purpose, special platforms are used. The place for burning bodies is clearly defined: south of the bridge, representatives of the lower castes are burned, to the north - brahmanas and kshatriyas, and for the deceased, belonging to the royal family, there is a separate platform. Tourists can watch cremations from the eastern bank of the river.
- Sacred ablutions. Hindus make them in the same river. And women wash clothes here - the ashes from the bodies of the deceased contain liquor, which is good for getting rid of dirt.
- Others. But Pashupatinath, sometimes called the crematorium, serves not only for these purposes. There are other rituals of Shiva worship. The temple is very popular with the sadhus - wandering ascetics.
How to visit the temple?
The temple is located on the eastern outskirts of the city. From Tamel , you can get here by taxi for about 200 rupees (about 2 US dollars) - this cost is only one way. The taxi will reach the shopping street, from where it will be necessary to walk to the temple; it will take 2-3 minutes.