Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple, the crown jewel of Kathmandu, Nepal. In the heart of a living museum of culture, arts, tradition, and spirituality, this temple is well-known among the Hindu devotees all over the world. This historical temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more detailed tour of Kathmandu, the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour is perfect.

Located on the banks of the holy river Bagmati, visitors can experience the architecture, Pashupatinath temple history, devotion, and mysticism. Pashupatinath is perfect for travellers who are seeking blessings or for a curious mind who wants to learn about the world’s quirks.

First things first, what is so special about Pashupatinath Temple? Well, this temple is one of the oldest Hindu Temples in Nepal. Similarly, this temple is of Lord Shiva, worshiped here as Pashupati, the “Lord of All Living Beings.” This holy temple holds the faith that goes back centuries, and every corner has its history.

As the seat of Nepal’s national deity (Lord Pashupati, a form of Shiva), the temple area covers about 246 hectares and contains 518 smaller shrines and ashrams. The central pagoda shrine has a gilded double-tier copper roof and is the focal point of a vast complex.

Pashupatinath Temple is the most significant Shiva temple in South Asia. It attracts millions of devotees and tourists annually, especially during festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Teej. This blog will explain in more detail why Pashupatinath is so famous.

Where is Pashupatinath Temple? Location in Nepal and Kathmandu

Pashupatinath Temple is located in the capital of Nepal, on the northern bank of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu. The temple lies about 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu’s city center.

The temple is in Bagmati Province, just 2-3 kilometers from Tribhuvan International Airport. Because it sits along a river, the temple complex includes riverbank ghats used for sacred cremation rites. In recognition of its cultural importance, the entire Pashupatinath area is a protected zone in the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO heritage designation.

Access to the temple is convenient from Kathmandu. Taxis, private cars, and tourist buses can reach Gaushala near the temple; microbuses and three-wheeled “tempos” also run from the city and drop visitors at Gaushala, from where it is a short walk to the main shrine.

Foreign tourists often fly into Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport (about 2.6-5 km away), then take a taxi or rickshaw to the temple. At around 15 USD round-trip from the city center, taxi fares are reasonable. For orientation: the temple complex is on the north bank of the Bagmati, facing a series of terraces on the south bank for non-Hindu visitors to look across.

History of Pashupatinath Temple Nepal

Pashupatinath’s origins are ancient and partly legendary. Hindu tradition holds that Lord Shiva once took the form of a deer in these forests, and when the gods forced him back to his divine form, one of his antlers (pashu = animal, pati = lord) fell to earth at this spot. This broken horn was worshipped as a sacred linga (Shiva’s emblem).

Archaeological and textual evidence indicate the site was a holy grove long before any built temple existed. Earliest records of a shrine at Pashupatinath date from around 400 CE, making the temple over 1,600 years old. By legend, the Lichchhavi king Prachanda Deva (circa 5th century) is credited with first constructing a stone temple here. In another account, an even earlier Linga-shaped shrine was later enlarged into a five-story temple by King Supuspa Deva.

Over the centuries, Pashupatinath was continually repaired and expanded. In the 11th-12th centuries, King Shivadeva I (ruled 1099-1126 CE) reconstructed the temple. A later king, Ananta Malla (13th-14th century), is said to have added the iconic pagoda roof. The present main temple structure dates from 1692 CE, when Malla-period artisans rebuilt it (after termites and earthquakes had damaged earlier versions).

Many smaller temples and ashrams have been added on both riverbanks over time, especially between the 11th and 17th centuries. The entire precinct grew into today’s vast compound of 246 hectares, with 518 subsidiary shrines and sacred sites.

Throughout Pashupatinath Temple history, it has remained a living center of Hindu worship. Hindu scriptures (Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana) praise the linga here as a wish-fulfilling manifestation of Shiva. Legend even holds that this Lingam is the “head” of Shiva (with other body parts spread to the five Panch Kedar temples in the Himalayas). Thus, pilgrims have flocked to Pashupatinath for millennia, carrying on ancient rites of life, death, and devotion in the heart of Kathmandu.

Pashupatinath Temple Height and Architecture

The main Pashupatinath Temple is built in the traditional Nepali pagoda style. It shows the Newar artisanship. Its roof is gold-plated. The temple rests on a broad square plinth of grey stone. The four sides of the temple are made up of large silver doors.

In plan, the structure is roughly 23.07 meters tall from its platform up to the peak of the roof, or about 75 feet. This Pashupatinath Temple height includes the roof levels and golden pinnacle. Due to its size and ornamentation, the shrine dominates the complex’s skyline.

Under the pagoda roof, the inner sanctum houses the temple’s main idol (a Mukhalinga, or Shiva lingam with four carved faces) and is surrounded by open-air corridors. Above these lower sections, the double-tiered copper roofs gleam gold in sunlight. The roof edges are intricately carved with metalwork and small statues of deities.

Detailed woodcarvings decorate the struts under the eaves (not visible from outside). The temple’s stone walls and platform have motifs and inscriptions, though they are mostly hidden behind metal sheets and dhotis. The design of the temple is a stone base with richly decorated wooden and metal upper elements, a hallmark of traditional Kathmandu Valley temple architecture, which you can see in other places to visit in Kathmandu Valley.

Around the main temple stands a forest of smaller shrines, ashrams, and monuments. There are hundreds of mini-temples in various styles, one of which, the Ganesh temple, is said to be the oldest structure on site. Other notable shrines include the Guhyeshwari Temple (dedicated to the goddess Guhya Kali) and a Ram temple under the same Vaishnava complex.

Stone statues of deities (Ganesha, Hanuman, etc.) and ornamental ponds (the “temple tanks” filled from the Bagmati) are scattered around. The ash-smeared monks and sadhus who live here contribute to the unique atmosphere. A 3,000-year-old banyan tree (the devapat tree) is also part of the sacred precinct.

Religious Significance and Festivals

Pashupatinath is not only an architectural landmark but also Nepal’s holiest Shiva temple. In Hindu belief, Lord Shiva as Pashupati (“Lord of All Creatures”) manifests here. The temple’s four-faced linga (Mukhalinga) represents Shiva looking in the four cardinal directions, embodying his omnipresence. Devotees say that sincere worship at this shrine grants boons and cleanses sins; legendary lore even calls the lingam a wish-fulfilling emblem.

Pashupatinath is one of the four Char Dham Kshetras (sacred abodes of Shiva) in South Asia. In Tamil Hindu tradition, it is counted among the Paadal Petra Sthalams (sung in the Tevaram hymns). Nepali culture regards it as the “national temple,”  the heart of Kathmandu, and a symbol of Hindu identity.

The temple’s annual calendar is filled with major festivals. Maha Shivaratri (February/March) is the biggest. On Shivaratri, thousands of pilgrims (including tens of thousands of sadhus and devotees from India) gather day and night to chant and offer prayers to Shiva. The temple compound becomes a sea of worshippers and fire lamps; over 800,000 people may visit during the festival. Teej, a women’s festival in late summer (around August-September), is also celebrated with great fervor.

On Teej, Hindu women in red saris flock to Pashupatinath to pray for marital bliss and well-being. Every fortnight’s Ekadashi (especially Harishayani and Haribodhini Ekadashis) sees massive crowds for prayers. Other important days include Bala Chaturdashi, Bhai Tika, and the various Shivaratris of each month.

Daily rituals at the temple also draw pilgrims. Early each morning (before dawn), priests perform the Mangala Aarti: lighting oil lamps and reciting Vedic mantras at the sanctum. In the evening, there is a second Sandhya Aarti, when worshippers gather for fire offerings around the idol (bhajans and Sanskrit prayers).

Particularly enchanting is the Bagmati Aarti: a ritual on the riverbank around sunset, where priests perform aarti with lamps on floating oil-filled buckets, while priests chant and musicians drum, with hundreds of pilgrims lining the ghats. The Aarti rituals are considered so significant that visitors often time their visit to witness these light ceremonies.

Apart from worship, the temple grounds are known for the centuries-old practice of Hindu cremation on the Bagmati’s ghats. Devotees believe that having one’s last rites performed here by the river grants salvation (moksha). Slender brick platforms (like the Aryaghat) line the river in front of the temple, where families gently lower the bodies and light funeral pyres.

Who Built Pashupatinath Temple?

The founder of Pashupatinath is not recorded in stone, but tradition credits Licchavi kings of ancient Kathmandu. Most legends point to King Prachanda Deva (a Licchavi ruler) as the earliest builder on the site.

According to historical chronicles, Prachanda Deva erected a stone shrine to Lord Shiva here. One chronicle further states that before Prachanda Deva’s time, the site already contained a simple lingam shrine, which King Supuspa Deva later enlarged into a five-story temple.

Later monarchs have repaired or reconstructed Pashupatinath. Notably, King Shivadeva I (ruled 10991126) rebuilt the sanctum. In the late 12th-13th century, Ananta Malla repaired damage and installed the iconic pagoda roof. After termite and earthquake damage, the final major rebuild was commissioned in 1692 CE by King Bhupatindra Malla, giving the shrine its present appearance.

Thus, the temple’s main structure is the culmination of work by several royal patrons over more than a millennium. In summary, temple lore and records give the following lineage:

• King Prachanda Deva (Licchavi)is credited with the first stone temple on this site.
•  King Supuspa Deva (Licchavi) expanded the shrine to a five-story temple.
• King Shivadeva I (Malla dynasty) rebuilt and consecrated the temple in 1099-1126 CE.
• King Ananta Malla (Malla dynasty) repaired and added a golden roof in the 13th-14th century.
• King Bhupatindra Malla (Malla dynasty) major renovator in 1692 CE; the current tiered roof and gold plating date to his reign.

Throughout, the title “Shree Pashupatinath Temple” (श्री पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर) honors Shiva. The honorific “Shree” (श्री) is often prefixed to the temple’s name in Nepali and Hindi contexts, denoting its sanctity.

How Old is Pashupatinath Temple?

The question of the temple’s age depends on what one counts as the “temple.” Archaeological and textual evidence place the origins of Pashupatinath at least as early as the 5th century CE. The sacred lingam here is mentioned in medieval Puranas, and historians cite records of a shrine around 400 CE.

Therefore, Pashupatinath is known to be over 1,500 years old one of the oldest temples in Kathmandu.

On the other hand, the present pagoda structure is only a few centuries old. As noted, the existing temple architecture was largely built or restored in the late 17th century. Some sources simplify by saying the main temple is about 300400 years old (dating from around 1692).

However, in Hindu belief, the temple’s sanctity is timeless, tied to the eternal Shiva linga at its core. Devotees consider the site itself far older than any building: tradition treats the spot where Shiva’s antler fell as sacred since the time of the epics.

Architecture Details and Pashupatinath Temple Height

The principal pagoda of Pashupatinath has some distinctive measurements and features. It has a square stone base platform, and its total height from ground to the pinnacle is about 23.07 meters. This includes a two-tiered copper roof gilded in gold. According to descriptions, each roof level has gracefully curving eaves, and the top is capped by a golden spire (finial) and trident.

The main hall (garbhagriha) is compact, housing the primary four-faced lingam idol. The outer courtyard is open and larger. Four elaborately carved silver doors (on the four sides) provide access; above these hang heavy metal grilles to protect the inner sanctum.

Supporting structures around the temple include:

• A metal drum tower (Damaha Dhwaja) adjacent to the shrine, on which soldiers beat ceremonially during rituals.
• Stone and brick shikhara-style shrine (Ram temple) on the south side, built in the 14th century.
• A small pond (water tank) near the entrance gates, fed by the Bagmati River, is used for ritual bathing.
• The ancient Nag Pokhari (snake pond), where snakes are worshipped.
• Countless smaller shrines and statues (Ganesha, Nandi bull, etc.) in the courtyard.

These elements, combined with the architecture of the main pagoda, form a sprawling temple complex. Visitors describe it as a “sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions… raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River”.

Religious Importance and Cultural Context

Pashupatinath’s status goes beyond its architecture: it is the most important Hindu shrine in Nepal. The government of Nepal and UNESCO alike emphasize its cultural value. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu.

The Nepal Tourism Board explicitly calls it “the most revered Hindu temple in Nepal”. It is regarded as a living heritage site where century-old rituals continue today.

Religiously, the temple’s four-faced lingam idol (Mukhalinga) is special. Each face represents an aspect of Shiva (Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurusha), symbolizing creation, preservation, destruction, and obscuration.

Unlike most lingams, this one is never anointed directly; priests pour water or milk over it from a separate silver cup. Only a few official Brahmin priests (all from the Karnataka Brahmin lineage) are allowed to touch the idol.

This tradition of having Dravida (South Indian) priests was established long ago: today, four Karnataka-born priests, trained at the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, rotate performing the main rituals. This custom links Pashupatinath to Shiva worship in southern India.

Culturally, Pashupatinath dominates Kathmandu Valley’s Hindu traditions. It is central to national festivals (Maha Shivaratri is a major holiday in Nepal) and a magnet for pilgrimage from India and Nepal.

The temple walls and rooftops are often covered in saffron and vermilion from offerings. During ceremonies, oil lamps, incense, and music fill the air. Monks and holy men (sadhus) with ash-smeared bodies and flowing beards roam the grounds; they often pose for photographs with visitors (for a tip). The energy is a mix of devotion, mysticism, and everyday life in Kathmandu.

Pashupatinath Temple Timings

Pashupatinath Temple is open every day from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM. There is a midday break when the temple closes (usually from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM). In practice, morning darshan runs roughly from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and evening darshan from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. These hours apply year-round, including most festival days (except special occasions like Maha Shivaratri, when opening hours extend overnight).

A nominal entry fee is charged to foreign visitors (about NPR 1,000 or USD 10). Nepali and Indian citizens enter free of charge. Note that while tourists can enter the outer complex, only practicing Hindus are allowed inside the inner temple courtyard and sanctum. Visitors of other faiths may view the temple from the eastern riverbank terraces.

Outside clothing and shoes must be removed; leather items (belts, wallets, shoes, cameras, etc.) are strictly forbidden inside. Photography is generally not allowed within the temple itself. Visitors should dress modestly and be prepared for security checks at the entrances.

Pashupatinath Temple Aarti Timings

Daily aarti ceremonies are a highlight of visiting Pashupatinath. The Mangala Aarti (early morning) is performed around 5:00 AM, just before dawn. In the evening, a second Sandhya Aarti takes place around 6:00 PM.

These rituals involve lighting fire lamps, offering flowers, and reciting chants to Shiva. Especially moving is the Bagmati Ganga Aarti on the riverbank: priests carry plates of lamps while chanting, and the temple area is illuminated by hundreds of lamps floated on the river.

The Bagmati Aarti is done from about 6:00 to 7:30 PM daily.

Witnessing the aarti is highly recommended. The temple’s outer areas stay open during the evening aarti, even after the sanctum gates close for the night. Devotees and visitors gather along the water’s edge or just inside the temple courtyard to participate. On festival nights, especially Maha Shivaratri, aarti ceremonies continue through the early hours of the morning.

Daily Schedule (General):

• Morning Darshan: 4:00 AM noon (Temple opens 4:00 AM). Mangala Aarti 5:00 AM.
• Midday Break: noon to 5:00 PM (temple closed).
• Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM  9:00 PM (Temple closes 9:00 PM). Evening Aarti 6:00 PM; Bagmati River Aarti 6:007:30 PM.
• Festival Hours: May extend or continue overnight during Shivaratri, Teej, etc.

Guidelines for Visitors

• Dress code: Modest, conservative clothing is required (e.g., long pants or sari for women, no bare shoulders or midriffs).
• Prohibited items: Remove shoes, belts, wallets, and all leather/camera items before entering; storage is available at the entrance. Photography inside the main temple is forbidden.
• Prasada and offerings: Devotees bring oil lamps, flowers, and rice to offer at the shrines. It is customary to pour water into the river from a silver urn as a ritual.
• Behavior: Maintain silence during worship; ask permission before photographing people (especially sadhus). Queues patiently crowd can be large.
• Timings: Plan to arrive early or late to avoid midday closure. Early morning (58 AM) and evening (68 PM) are the most spiritual times.

How to Reach Pashupatinath Temple?

Pashupatinath Temple location in Kathmandu makes it easily accessible by various modes of transport. Here are some common ways to reach the temple:

• By Air: Fly to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. The airport is only about 2.6 km (1.6 miles) from the temple, roughly a 510-minute drive. Many visitors take a taxi or ride-share directly from the airport to Pashupatinath.
• By Car/Taxi: From central Kathmandu (e.g., Thamel or Durbar Square), Pashupatinath is roughly 5 km to the east. Taxis, private cars, and ride-hailing services will drop passengers off at the temple gates. A round-trip taxi service (including waiting time) from the city center typically costs on the order of US\$15. If hiring a private car, be sure the driver knows to wait or return after the visit, since local taxis may charge extra for a second pick-up.
• By Public Bus/Tempo: Microbuses (“tempo”) run from various parts of Kathmandu to Gaushala (the neighborhood at Pashupatinath’s edge). These are the same small red minibuses that serve much of the city. They are inexpensive (a few rupees) but often crowded and with variable schedules. Upon arriving at Gaushala, it’s a short 510-minute walk along the riverbank to the main temple entrance. Bus routes from places like Ratnapark or Lagankhel may have stops near Gaushala. However, note that local buses are generally not recommended by tour guides due to crowding and delays.
• By Motorcycle/Walking: Motorbike taxis and rickshaws (autos) can be hired around the city; an auto might charge more, but it is useful for one-way trips. If you are in very central Kathmandu (like Basantapur), Pashupatinath is about a 3045-minute walk along city streets (though the route is not pedestrian-friendly for most visitors).
• Guided Tours: Access Nepal Tours and Trekking offers packages like the Kathmandu Day Tour of the city’s heritage sites. These usually cover transportation and a guide. If hiring a guide, clarify whether the entry fee and donation are included or extra.

Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu’s Culture

Pashupatinath Temple is deeply woven into Nepalese cultural life. It is often referred to simply as “Pashupati”, and most Nepalis know its chants and stories from childhood. As Nepal’s largest and richest Hindu temple, it receives significant support from the government’s Temple Trust. The temple’s economic impact is also considerable: the daily flow of pilgrims and tourists supports local shops, restaurants, and markets in the Gaushala and Chabahil areas.

Art and language in Nepal reflect Pashupatinath’s influence. Festivals like Shivaratri are national holidays, and devotional songs (bhajans) in praise of Pashupati are common. The Nepali national anthem itself invokes Lord Shiva, attesting to how the temple’s presence permeates identity.

Nearby cultural landmarks complement the visit. Just across the river lies the Guhyeshwari Temple (an important Shakti shrine). The sacred Bagmati River itself, in which Hindus wash and scatter ashes, is regarded as holy due to its association with Pashupati. A short drive away are other Kathmandu heritage sites (Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square), making Pashupatinath often part of a broader cultural tour.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are foreigners allowed in Pashupatinath Temple?

Foreigners are not allowed inside the main temple (inner courtyard and sanctum). Only Hindus are permitted there. But foreigners can visit the outer complex, ghats, and surrounding areas by paying an entry fee.

How is Pashupatinath Temple related to the Mahabharata?

Pashupatinath Temple is closely linked to the Mahabharata through a legend about the Pandavas. After the great war, the Pandavas wanted to free themselves from the sins of killing their relatives. They went in search of Lord Shiva for forgiveness. Shiva, not wanting to meet them, disguised himself as a bull (Nandi) and tried to hide in Kathmandu. When the Pandavas found him, Bhima grabbed the bull by the tail and hind legs. The bull disappeared into the ground, but later its body parts appeared in different places in Nepal. The place where the bull’s hind part (the hump) came out is believed to be Pashupatinath Temple. Other parts are worshipped in Kedarnath and other Jyotirlinga sites in India.

How was Pashupatinath Temple formed?

According to legend, Pashupatinath Temple was formed when Lord Shiva took the form of a deer and came to the Bagmati forest. The gods later caught him, and while struggling, one of his antlers broke. That sacred spot became the place of worship, and later, the temple of Pashupatinath was built there.

How old Pashupatinath Temple?

Pashupatinath Temple is believed to be about 1,500 years old. The first temple was built in the Lichhavi period, though legends say the site has been sacred since ancient times, even before the temple was built.

What is Pashupatinath Temple famous for?

Pashupatinath Temple is famous as one of the holiest Hindu temples of Lord Shiva. It is known for its main Jyotirlinga (Shivalinga), its pagoda-style architecture, the Bagmati River ghats where cremations take place, and the Maha Shivaratri festival, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India.

When was Pashupatinath Temple built?

Pashupatinath Temple was first built in the 5th century AD. Later, many kings of Nepal rebuilt and renovated it, especially after damage from time and invasions. The current structure mainly dates back to the 17th century.

Where is Pashupatinath Temple located?

Pashupatinath Temple is located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, about 5 km east of Kathmandu Durbar Square and near Tribhuvan International Airport.

Which king built Pashupatinath Temple?

The Pashupatinath Temple was built by Prachanda Deva, a Licchavi King. The first existence of the temple has been recorded as far back as 400CE. Later, many kings renovated and expanded it, with the main structure restored in the 17th century by King Bhupatindra Malla.

Which god is in Pashupatinath Temple?

Pashupatinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Pashupatinath, meaning “Lord of all living beings.” The main deity is a sacred Shivalinga inside the temple.