Kathmandu · Nepal
Pashupatinath Temple
Lord Shiva (Pashupati - Lord of all Living Beings / Mukhalinga)
Spiritual philosophy
Revered as the supreme guardian of all animal life and creation (*Pashu* meaning bound soul, *Pati* meaning Lord). It teaches that Shiva liberates individual souls from the bonds of earthly animalistic instincts (*Pasha*), leading them toward ultimate self-realization.
Architecture & structure
Nepalese Pagoda Architecture
Situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Features a two-tiered golden roof pagoda built on a cubic structure with carved wooden rafters depicting deities. Houses a unique four-faced black stone Lingam (Chaturmukha Lingam) representing Tatpurusha, Aghora, Sadyojata, Vamadeva, and the unmanifest Ishana.
Sacred mantras (Sanskrit)
What to go for
Viewing the four-faced holy Lingam, observing the grand evening Bagmati Ganga Aarti with classical music and lamps, witnessing the transient nature of human existence at Arya Ghat, and seeking blessings from Bhatt priests.
Special rituals & poojas
- Nitya Puja & Abhishekam using Panchamrit (performed exclusively by Vedic Bhatta priests from South India)
- Sandhya Bagmati Ganga Aarti (6:00 PM onwards on the opposite riverbank)
- Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam & Special Rudri Path
Events & timings
- Mahashivratri (Largest gathering in Nepal with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and Sadhus)
- Teej Festival (Grand gathering of women praying for family health)
- Bala Chaturdashi (Sowing 7 types of grains for departed ancestors)
- Daily Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Main sanctum accessible only to Hindus)
Dress code & guidelines
Respectful and covered clothing. Men are advised to wear Kurta-Pyjama or Dhoti; women should wear Saree or Salwar Suit. Leather items (belts, shoes, jackets) are prohibited near the inner courtyards.