Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant pilgrimage destination. The Temple’s morning hours are 04:00 am to 12:00 pm, and the evening hours are 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm.
The temple complex features ornate architecture, shrines, and cremation ghats. It attracts devotees and visitors worldwide and offers a glimpse into Nepal’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
History of Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu:
Contents
- 1 History of Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu:
- 1.0.1 Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu Legend:
- 1.0.2 Pashupatinath Temple’s Architecture:
- 1.0.3 Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu Timings:
- 1.0.4 Best Time to Visit Pashupatinath Temple:
- 1.0.5 Entry Fee:
- 1.0.6 Pashupatinath Temple Abhishekam:
- 1.0.7 Pashupatinath Temple Aarti Timings:
- 1.0.8 Festivals Celebrated at Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu:
- 1.0.9 Dress Code:
- 1.0.10 Tips for Visiting Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu:
- 1.0.11 Tourist places nearby Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu:
- 1.0.12 Hotels near Temple:
- 1.0.13 Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu Contact Details:
- 1.0.14 How to reach Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu:
- 1.0.15 FAQs:
- 1.1 What is unique about Pashupatinath temple?
- 1.2 How much is the entry fee for Pashupatinath temple?
- 1.3 Is there any accommodation available near Pashupatinath Temple?
- 1.4 Can we participate in a puja or ritual at Pashupatinath Temple?
- 1.5 Are jeans allowed in Pashupatinath temple?
- 1.6 Can we take photographs inside the temple complex?
- 1.7 Can we touch the Pashupatinath shilling?
- 1.8 Is Pashupatinath a Jyotirlinga?
According to the Temple’s history, 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. As per Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity here became famous as Pashupati, the lord of all animals.
Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu Legend:
According to this legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati once transformed themselves into antelopes and visited the dense forest on the eastern bank of the Bagmati River.
Enamoured with the beauty of the place, Lord Shiva decided to stay back as a deer. The other deities soon learned of his mischief and nagged him to resume his divine form by gripping one of his horns, which broke in the process.
This broken horn used to be worshipped as a Shivalinga but was buried and lost after a few years. Several centuries later, a herdsman found one of his cows showering milk on the site. Astonished, he dug deep into the site only to find the divine Shivalinga.
According to Gopalraj Aalok Vamsavali, the oldest chronicle of Nepal, the Pashupatinath Temple was constructed by Supushpa Deva, one of the Lichchavi rulers who ruled way before King Manadeva.
Pashupatinath Temple’s Architecture:
The Temple spans 264 hectares and has 518 buildings. The main Temple was constructed in the pagoda style within a walled courtyard.
The compound had separated into the inner courtyard and the outer complex. The main Temple has intricately carved wooden beams.
The Temple has four significant entrances, all coated in silver sheets. The Temple’s inner sanctum houses the idol, while the outdoor sanctuary is a corridor-styled open space.
Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu Timings:
The temple morning timings are 04:00 am to 12:00 pm, and the evening timings are 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm.
| Days | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
| Monday | 4 am to 12 pm | 4 am to 12 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 pm to 9 pm | 4 am to 12 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 pm to 9 pm | 4 am to 12 pm |
| Thursday | 5 pm to 9 pm | 4 am to 12 pm |
| Friday | 5 pm to 9 pm | 4 am to 12 pm |
| Saturday | 5 pm to 9 pm | 4 am to 12 pm |
| Sunday | 5 pm to 9 pm | 4 am to 12 pm |
Best Time to Visit Pashupatinath Temple:
The Temple is best visited during local festivals such as Teej, Maha Shiv Ratri, and Bala Chaturthi.
The ideal time to visit the Temple is from October to December. At this time of year, the weather is pleasant and dry, and the sky is clear.
Entry Fee:
The temple entry fee is here
| Persons | Ticket Costs |
| Foreign Nationals | NPR 1000 |
| Residents of SAARC Countries | NPR 1000 |
| Indians | Free |
Pashupatinath Temple Abhishekam:
The basic Abhishekam ticket, which covers various pujas, including the Rudrabhisheka, can be purchased from the counter at the entrance.
The Abhisheka is performed depending on the direction from which the face of the deity is viewed.
- Abhishekam Ticket Cost: NPR 1100
- Abhishekam Timings: 09:00 am to 11:00 am
Pashupatinath Temple Aarti Timings:
The temple aarti timings are here
| Sessions | Timings |
| Morning Aarti | 09:30 am to 10:00 am |
| Evening Aarti | 09:30 am to 10:00 am |
Festivals Celebrated at Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu:
Some of the famous festivals celebrated at the Temple are here.
Mahashivratri:
This celebration was dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees think he is the Adi mentor, the origin of the Yogi tradition. Devotees commemorate it by worshipping Shiva, reciting prayers, fasting, and practising Yoga and meditation.
Teej:
A festival primarily observed by women, Teej involves fasting, singing, dancing, and praying for marital bliss and the well-being of their husbands.
Bala Chaturdashi:
This festival commemorates the departed souls. Devotees light oil lamps and offer offerings at the Temple and nearby Aryaghat cremation sites.
Haritalika Teej:
Another important festival for women, Haritalika Teej, celebrates the reunion of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Dashain:
It is Nepal’s most significant Hindu festival and is enthusiastically celebrated. During this auspicious period, devotees visit Pashupatinath Temple to seek blessings and offer prayers.
Dress Code:
All genders should cover their shoulders and knees. Traditional attire is appreciated. Shoes or socks are not allowed inside the temple complex. Head covering is optional but respectful. Avoid tight or transparent clothing.
Tips for Visiting Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu:
Here are some tips for visiting the Temple
- Be careful of the monkeys; they tend to cause mischief by snatching food and belongings.
- It costs about NPR 1000 to hire a guide who will take you to the temple complex and explain the traditions and rituals of the Pashupatinath Temple.
- Respect the religious customs and practices observed by devotees.
- Keep an eye on your belongings and valuables.
- Photography is generally allowed in the temple complex’s outer areas, but it is prohibited inside the main Temple and some specific areas.
Tourist places nearby Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu:
- Buddha Stupa
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Garden of Dreams
- Narayanhiti Palace Museum
- Patan Darbar Square
- Radha Rani Temple Barsana
- Thamel
- Langtang National Park
- Bankey Bihari Temple
- Chandragiri Cable Car
- Har Ki Pauri
- Swoyambhu Mahachaitya
- Kopan Monastery
- Hanuman Dhoka
Hotels near Temple:
- Kailash Kuti Inn
- Pashupati View Hotel
- Golden Temple Inn
- Hotel Tibet International
- The Dwarika’s Hotel
- Hotel Anand Pashupati
- Dalai La Boutique Hotel
- Mirage Lords Inn
- Hotel Maharaja Palace
Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu Contact Details:
- Address: Pashupatinath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple Road, Gaushala, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
- Contact Numbers: +91 85000 85151, 977.1.4256909, +977-14256910
- Pashupatinath Temple: Official Website
How to reach Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu:
By Road:
The nearest bus stand to the Temple in Kathmandu is the Pashupati Bus Stop.
By Rail:
Raxaul Railway Junction is the nearest railway station.
By Air:
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the nearest airport.
FAQs:
What is unique about Pashupatinath temple?
Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Temple in Kathmandu. Its construction date is unknown. However, according to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity here gained great fame as Pashupati.
How much is the entry fee for Pashupatinath temple?
The Pashupatinath Temple entrance fee is NPR 1000 for foreign nationals and all SAARC country residents except Indians. Indians are free to enter the Temple.
Is there any accommodation available near Pashupatinath Temple?
Yes, there are various accommodations available near Pashupatinath Temple.
Can we participate in a puja or ritual at Pashupatinath Temple?
Yes, you can participate in a puja or ritual at Pashupatinath Temple.
Are jeans allowed in Pashupatinath temple?
No dress code. Any comfortable dress you can wear. But only Hindus can enter the Temple.
Can we take photographs inside the temple complex?
Photography is generally allowed in the outer areas of the temple complex. However, it may be restricted inside the main Temple and some specific areas.
Can we touch the Pashupatinath shilling?
The priests perform the puja for the devotees, and the Lingam cannot touch during Abhishek.
Is Pashupatinath a Jyotirlinga?
This Lord Shiva temple is the seat of the 13th Jyotirlinga, which is complementary to the Jyotirlinga in Kedarnath. The Temple is situated in a large area where many Hindu pilgrims come to have the ‘darshan’ of Lord Pashupati.