The Pashupatinath temple

The magnificent temple of Lord Pashupatinath, lord of all living and nonliving animals, is the holiest of all Shiva shrines in the World. It is located at 5 km north-east of Kathmandu on the banks of the Bagmati river. It is one of the UNESCO’s world heritage and the one of the most important and holiest Hindu pilgrimage in the world. Due to the temple’s deep religious value and utter spiritual significance, it is also the crematory sight for Hindus.

 

Chronicles indicate the temple existence prior to 400 A.D. This holy place is picturesque collection of temple and shrines. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple shrine, anyone is free to observe the temple’s outer shrines such as the cremation place, the holy Bankali area.

The temples are designed in the familiar Pagoda style and also Shikhara style. The history and legends surrounding the existence of the temple are many but all very acute to the present cultural settings of the Kathmandu inhabitants who live together harmoniously whether they are Buddhist or Hindu, setting an example of religious tolerance and love for god to the world.

This temple is also very close to the Boudhnath Stupa, one of the most religious and holy Buddhist shrine and a must visit for anyone coming to the valley.