The most visited pilgrimage destination in Nepal, Pashupatinath temple is located in Kathmandu. It is culturally a magnificent, monumental site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple has been spread over 240 hector land. The temple has been certified as the most ancient religious pilgrimage site in the Kathmandu valley by historical records. Pashupatinath temple is an open museum, where several temples, Stupas, and other sites are open, and everybody can worship there. In the main temple, only Hindu devotees are allowed to enter.
The Pashupatinath temple has become a lively temple, where the devotees perform ceremonies from birth to death. The Aaryaghat side, where the dead bodies are burnt, is proof of it.
Shivaratri is the most important festival, celebrated hugely at the Pashupatinath temple premises. It is the main pilgrimage destination for Hindu devotees who worship Lord Shiva. However, the Shivaratri festival is celebrated around the country as a whole.
The structure of the Pashupatinath temple is pagoda style. It has been built from special wood. The Shikhar top of this temple, has been made from gold plates. The Pashupatinath temple has four silver doors. The vehicle of Lord Shiva, the Nandi (ox) statue, is impressively put outside the entrance of the temple.
Daily Routine in Pashupatinath Temple: What happens there?
Worshipping begins at 4 am every day. It is performed by the Bhatta (main priest of the temple) and the main statue of the Pashupatinath is bathed, along with cleaned, and a new dress is put on. Then they offer some special holy feast. Special worship is done from 12.30-2 pm. The evening prayer is performed at 5.30. Except for the special day, the temple will be closed at 6 pm.
