Pashupatinath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal, present near in the eastern side of Kathmandu valley. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. He is a supreme deity in Nepal and his form of Lord Pashupatinath is said to be the guardian deity of Nepal.

Pashupatinath Temple – Facts

The temple is present on the banks of river Bagmati. Devotees believe that the 12 Jyotirlingas in India are the representations of a body, and the Jyotirlinga at Pashupatinath Temple is the head of that body.

What are the timings of Pashupatinath Temple?

Pashupatinath Temple opens at 4 AM in the morning and closes at 9 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as aarti and poojas.

Here are the timings of Pashupatinath Temple:

What is the significance of Pashupatinath Temple?

The significance of Pashupatinath Temple is that, as per beliefs, those who die in this temple are reborn as a human, regardless of any misconduct that could worsen their karma. The exact day of their death is predicted by astrologers of the temple. Hence, it attracts numerous elderly Hindu pilgrims.

It is located on the Western bank of Bagmati and is considered a masterpiece of Hindu architecture. Moreover, only followers of Hinduism can enter the main temple, but all the other buildings are available for foreigners to visit. Another unique feature of this temple is that only 4 priests can touch the idol.

What is the history of Pashupatinath Temple?

According to the history of the Pashupatinath Temple, since termites destroyed the original building, Lichhavi King Shupuspa reconstructed the temple in the 15th century. However, the temple’s existence dates back to 400 B.C. Over time, countless further temples have been erected around this two -storied temple.

As per Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity here became famous as Pashupati, which means, the lord of all animals.

What are the festivals celebrated at Pashupatinath Temple?

The major festival celebrated at Pashupatinath Temple is:

• Mahashivratri: This festival is in the honour of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adi Guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition.  Devotees observe it by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga as well as meditating.

How to reach Pashupatinath Temple?

Here’s how to reach Pashupatinath Temple:

• Air: The nearest airport is Tribhuvan International Airport (2 km away from the temple).
• Train: One can reach Raxaul Railway Junction and then avail a bus to Brigunj and then Kathmandu.
• Road: Devotees can avail buses from New Delhi to Pokhara, and then to Kathmandu.

Where to stay near Pashupatinath Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near the temple are:

• Hotel Pashupati Darshan: With its location just 1.5 km from the city center and 1.2 km from the airport, this 1-star hotel attracts numerous travelers each year. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. For the comfort and convenience of guests, the hotel offers 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, daily housekeeping, ticket service.
• Palagya Hotel: This 2-star hotel commands an excellent location and provides access to the city’s biggest attractions.  The hotel provides 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas to ensure our guests the greatest comfort. The hotel’s kids club, garden are ideal places to relax and unwind after a busy day.
• Dwarika’s Hotel:  Dwarika’s Hotel is just a 10-minute drive away from the city of Kathmandu. It is also close to the Royal Golf Course in Kathmandu Valley. The restaurant serves a 22-course Newari feast and also has Friday night barbecues. With its unique and intricate beauty, the romantic 5-star hotel is ideal for anyone who wants to experience Nepal’s rich and artistic atmosphere.

What are some temples near Pashupatinath Temple?

Some of the temples that one can visit near the temple are:

• Muktinath Temple: It is a place of religious importance for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is present in the Muktinath Valley in Mustang, Nepal. As per Hinduism, it is the ‘Mukti Kshetra’ or ‘the place of liberation’ and is among the 108 Divya Desam of the Vaishnava sect. Also, it is one of the oldest temples of Lord Vishnu.
• Manakamana Temple: It present in the Gorkha district of Nepal is in dedication to the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati, who is an incarnation of goddess Parvati (Shiva’s consort). Further,  ‘Manakamana’ originates from two words, ‘mana’ meaning heart/mind and ‘kamana’ meaning wish, hence meaning ‘the heart’s wish‘.

Frequently Asked Questions