Pashupatinath Temple | Kathmandu

Information

Landmark: Pashupatinath Temple
City: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal, Asia

Pashupatinath Temple is a sprawling Hindu temple complex located on both banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu, Nepal. It serves as the seat of Nepal's national deity, Lord Pashupatinath, and is recognized as one of the most significant Shiva dwellings in the Indian subcontinent.

Visual Characteristics

The main temple is a square, two-tiered pagoda structure featuring a gilded copper roof and four silver-plated doors. It is constructed from high-quality timber and stone, with the pinnacle (Gajur) made of solid gold. The surrounding area consists of 492 temples, shrines, and stone chaityas, along with the Arya Ghat cremation platforms made of flat stone slabs lining the riverbank.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated approximately 5 kilometers northeast of central Kathmandu and 1 kilometer from Tribhuvan International Airport. Access is via the Ring Road or Pashupati Nath Road. Public buses and micro-buses from Ratna Park stop at the Gaushala intersection, followed by a 10-minute walk. While the general precinct is open to all, the inner temple courtyard is strictly restricted to practicing Hindus.

Historical & Ecological Origin

While the current main temple was rebuilt in 1692 by King Bhupatindra Malla after termite damage, the site’s religious history dates back to at least 400 CE during the Licchavi period. The complex is situated within a protected forest area (Mrigasthali) that provides a habitat for rhesus macaques and deer, maintaining an ecological corridor within the urban environment of Kathmandu.

Key Highlights & Activities

Religious activities include the daily evening "Aarti" ceremony performed with oil lamps on the eastern bank of the Bagmati. Visitors can observe traditional cremation rituals at the Arya Ghat and visit the various shrines dedicated to different deities. The complex also houses numerous "Sadhus" (holy men) known for their distinctive face paint and ascetic lifestyle.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The complex features a dedicated visitor center, several public restrooms near the main entrances, and a large marketplace selling ritual items. 4G and 5G cellular signals are stable. Extensive paved walkways connect the various shrines, and the Mrigasthali forest offers shaded areas, though the main ghats are exposed to direct sunlight.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is during the evening Aarti, typically starting around 18:00, or in the early morning (07:00–09:00). February or March is significant for the Maha Shivaratri festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Clear weather from October to December provides the best logistical conditions for exploring the vast outdoor grounds.

Facts & Legends

According to legend, Lord Shiva once took the form of a deer in the Mrigasthali forest to escape his celestial duties, leading to his title "Pashupati" or Lord of the Animals. A logistical tip: non-Hindu visitors should head to the eastern bank of the Bagmati River for the best unobstructed view of the main temple and the cremation ceremonies, as entry to the inner sanctum is prohibited.