Pashupatinath

Overview

Pashupatinath, a millennia-old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most revered Hindu temples in the world. The main temple and compound are flanked by a number of lesser temples, ashrams, and sculptures, and are bordered to the east by the sacred Bagmati River. Only Hindus are permitted to enter the main temple, but everyone is welcome to observe from the hills along the Bagmati riverbanks. Tourists will find it intriguing to observe the different rites, ceremonies, and funerals. The vast number of pilgrims who visit this temple, especially during holy events like Teej and Shivaratri, when visitors number in the hundreds of thousands in a single day, is a witness to its value.

The genesis of Pashupatinath temple is the subject of a popular story. According to story, a cow would come across the specific mark every day and offer her milk in the ground. When the cow’s shepherd noticed this action one day, he became very suspicious. As a result, he dug up the site and discovered Lord Shiva’s Jyotirlinga. More people gathered around the Shivalinga every day to do their rituals. Since then, Pashupatinath has grown in popularity, and it has become a popular pilgrimage destination.