Pashupatinath Temple

The Pashupatinath Temple is considered as one of the holiest Hindu temples in all of Nepal, and it can be found on both sides of the Bagmati River in the eastern suburbs of Kathmandu.

Things to do at Pashupatinath Temple:

• Understand the religious value it holds:

Pashupatinath is the most significant temple in the world that is devoted to the god Shiva. They come here to find sanctuary for the last few weeks of their existence, to meet death, to be cremated on the banks of the river, and to travel their final voyage with the waters of the holy river Bagmati, which will eventually meet the sacred river Ganges. They arrive here to meet death.

Those who pass away inside the Pashupatinath Temple are thought to be reborn as humans, regardless of whether or not they engage in any behaviors that would cause their karma to be negatively affected.

• Examine the idol of Shiva and its intricate details:

Although there is a door facing each cardinal direction, the entry leading into the temple is on the western side. The heads of this effigy, which are located in the westernmost position, present an intimidating image of Lord Shiva. This head makeup depicts three rasps or relishes, each in the shape of a bun, and is accompanied by venomous snakes. Additionally, a third eye and an opened underlie are visible.

• Witness special practices that will leave you shocked and in awe:

The vision of local ladies washing their clothes downstream in the river is another item that may be disturbing to visitors from different cultures in Pashupatinath. The ashes of devout Shiva worshippers who were burnt contribute animal fat to the waters of Bagmati, which also can effectively remove dirt from linen. 

• Admire the natural surroundings and its creatures:

Since Shiva is believed to be the protector of all living things, including animals, the temple complex on both sides of the Bagmati River is home to many wild animals, including monkeys and deer.

• Observe the nomadic way of living here:

In Pahsupathinath, you are also likely to come across several sadhus. Sadhus are traveling yogis who follow an ascetic lifestyle and practice meditation to achieve enlightenment and break free from the cycle of death and rebirth. The lives of sadhus are known to be highly austere and, in some cases, even depressing, but to Westerners, the free-spirited and disorderly conduct of sadhus seems odd. They have a distinctive appearance, with yellow paintings that are pretty peculiar covering their body.