In the 17th century, Pashupati Kshetra – a revered pilgrimage site of Hindus situated on the banks of Bagmati River at Kathmandu’s core – was constructed in Pagoda-style. For more than 2000 years, this temple complex has been associated with Kirati civilization and is worshiped as Nepal’s presiding deity. The antiquity within its walls trace back to human settlement in Kathmandu Valley plains since time immemorial, making it an important symbol for locals who revere Lord Pashupatinath.Pashupati, which translates to “Lord of the Animals,” is a temple devoted to Lord Shiva and attracts countless devotees from all over the world year-round.
The spiritual vibes of this temple are absolutely indomitable; it is a symbol for positive energy and one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nepal. Its alleys, street vendors and architectures make up an incredible atmosphere that will energize any visitor.
This temple’s roof is crafted of gleaming copper, artfully embellished with a sheen of gold. Four grand doors made from silver adorn the entrance and open up to an outer sanctum – a corridor-style area that surrounds the inner chamber containing their beloved deity.
As you step through the grand arch gate, your eyes will be met with a shimmering golden bull statue – said to represent Lord Shiva’s celestial vehicle. The chief idol in the temple is an intricately-woven stone lingam entombed by a silver serpent and featuring four sides as well as five faces, each of which holds two hands bearing Rukrasha mala and kamandalu. Additionally, this pagoda-style sanctuary houses sculptures of Lord Parvati, Ganesh Kumar, Ram & Sita Hanumanaswellas Lakshmi.
Located on the banks of Bagmati river, Arya ghat is a sacred place where mourning families come to honor their lost ones with open-air cremation ceremonies.
Although the precise date of its construction is uncertain, in 1692 CE the two-storied temple we see today was established.[2] Subsequently, many temples have been added to this complex including a 14th century Rama Temple and an 11th century Guhyeshwari Temple which are mentioned in manuscripts.
The legendary Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in all of Kathmandu, with records dating as far back as 400 CE. This ornate pagoda houses a linga of Shiva and has been steeped in ancient legends since its inception long ago. Some say it was built to honor Aalok Pashupatinath and his influence on the area; no matter what tale you hear, one thing remains certain: this sacred site has stood for centuries and will continue to inspire awe for generations to come.
According to an ancient legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took the form of antelopes in a forest near Bagmati river’s east bank. The gods later found them and forcibly broke off one of his horns, which was then worshipped as “linga”. Centuries down the line, a herdsman chanced upon finding this holy lingam after noticing that one of his cows were showering milk at that particular spot while grazing. This miraculous discovery eventually made its place in history as Pashupatinath!
Prachanda Deva, a Licchavi King is credited for the construction of Pashupatinath Temple. Further records state that before Supuspa Deva constructed its five-storey temple structure, it was in Lingam form. As time progressed, periodic repair and renovation became necessary; one such update came during the reign of Shivadeva (1099–1126 CE). Afterward Ananta Malla provided a roof to complete its magnificent visage.
Although the sacred inner temple of Pashupatinath and its sanctum sanctorum remained unharmed, some of the outlying buildings in that complex unfortunately sustained destruction during the tragic April 2015 Nepal earthquake.
