Pashupatinath, the temple and the area surrounding it is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Nepal. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over the world. The temple is situated on the banks of the Holy Bagmati River 6km east of the old city of Kathmandu. It is a two-tiered golden temple with four triple silver doorways. The Pashupatinath complex is one of the largest temple complexes in Nepal covering and area of 281 hectares.
Pashupatinath temple at dusk
This is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; one of the trinity and the guardian deity of Nepal. Pashupati, which means “Lord of Animals”, is one of the many names of Lord Shiva. The date of construction of this temple, although unknown, is believed to be during the 6th centuary. It was built by the Lichchhavi King Supuspadeva. It was renovated by King Jyoti Malla in 1416 A.D. and again by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1697.
Main entrance of Pashupatinath temple
Non–Hindus are not allowed inside the main temple. Photography is also not allowed inside the main temple complex.
Pashupatinath temple during the festival of Shivaratri in 1997
However, you can have a good view of the temple complex from the other side of the Bagmati River and that is where most of the pictures of the temple are taken from.
Shrines in Pashupatinath Area
The Pashupatinath Temple area has numerous other smaller temples and shrines. Most of them do allow entrance to non-Hindus and photography. These temples were built over centuries during the rules of different dynasties and they reflect development of art and sculpture during their reign.
A Shiva temple
The different styles of architecture are the evidence of this. The art of metal-works, stone-carving and wood-carving was highly developed during that time and you can see some of the finest samples here.
Rows of Shiva shrines on the way to Guhyeshwari
The carvings on these temples were used as the medium to keep records, depict ancient stories and for educational purpose. For example the wood carving in the picture below was used for sex education.
Sex symbols in temples
Every year millions of Hindus come to this temple on pilgrimage, specially during the festival of Shivaratri. However special prayers and celebrations are performed here throughout the year.
'Lakh Batti' a special prayer performed by lighting 100,000 cotton wicks
'Aarati' the evening prayer
Apart from religious and historic masterpieces, the Pashupatinath temple area offers quite a few other interesting sights that can’t be found elsewhere.
'Sadhoos' the holy men
A boy searching for coins in the offerings, half naked lying on wet stones on a cold winter day
Courting couple at Pashupatinath
Nepal's first old-age home at Pashupatinath
Funeral pyre on the banks of Bagmati river at Pashupatinath