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{{Short description|Hindu temple in Kathmandu}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| name = Pashupatinath Temple
| name = Pashupatinath Temple
| image = 108 Night View Of Pasupatinath Temple.jpg
| image = Pashupatinath Temple-2020.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Night view of Pashupatinath Temple
| caption = Pashupatinath Temple, associated with [[Shiva]] as 'the lord of all beings'
| pushpin_map = Nepal
| map_type = Nepal
| map_caption = Location in [[Nepal]]
| map_caption = Location in [[Nepal]]
| coordinates = {{coord|27|42|35|N|85|20|55|E|type:landmark_region:NP|display=inline,title}}
| latd = 27 | latm = 42 | lats = 35 | latNS = N
| native_name = श्री पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर
| longd = 85 | longm = 20 | longs = 55 | longEW = E
| coordinates_region = NP
| coordinates_display= title
| other_names =
| proper_name = Pashupatinath Temple
| devanagari = पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर
| sanskrit_translit =
| tamil =
| marathi =
| bengali =
| country = [[Nepal]]
| country = [[Nepal]]
| state/province =
| province = [[Bagmati Province]]
| district = [[Kathmandu]]
| district = [[Kathmandu]]
| locale = Kathmandu
| locale = Kathmandu
| elevation_m =
| elevation_m = 817
| primary_deity = [[Shiva]]
| deity = [[Shiva]] (as [[Pashupati]])
| important_festivals= [[Shivaratri]], [[Teej]], Bala Chaturdashi
| festivals = [[Maha Shivaratri]], [[Teej]]
| architecture = [[Pagoda]]
| architecture = [[Pagoda]]
| temple_quantity = 519 Pagodas
| number_of_temples =
| location = [[Kathmandu]]
| number_of_monuments=
| inscriptions =
| established = 5th century CE
|site_area=2,460,000 m²|native_name_lang=Nepali|temple_tank=Bagmati River|temple_tree=Ancient Banyan Tree|footnotes={{Designation list
| date_built =
| creator =
| embed = yes
| website =
| designation1 = WHS
| designation1_partof = [[Kathmandu Valley]]
}}
| designation1_date = [[List of World Heritage Sites by year of inscription#1979 (3rd session)|1979]] <small>(3rd [[World Heritage Committee|session]])</small>
{{Hinduism small}}
| designation1_criteria = {{UNESCO WHS type|(iii)(iv)(vi)}}(iii)(iv)(vi)
[[File:Pashupatinath Temple, UNESCO World Heritage Site.jpg|thumb|World Heritage Site, Pashupatinath Temple]]
| designation1_number = [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/121 121bis-006]
}}}}


The '''Pashupatinath Temple''' ({{langx|ne| पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर}}) is a [[Hindu temple]] dedicated to [[Pashupati]], a form of [[Shiva]]. It is located in Kathmandu, [[Nepal]] near the [[Bagmati River]]. The temple was classified as a [[World Heritage Site]] in 1979. This "extensive Hindu temple precinct" is a "sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river", and is one of seven monument groups in [[UNESCO]]'s designation of [[Kathmandu Valley]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Pashupatinath Temple expects over 7 Lakhs Devotees on Mahashivratri|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/02/pashupatinath-temple-expects-over-7-lakhs-devotees-on-mahashivratri/|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|access-date=23 February 2014|archive-date=25 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725112338/http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/02/pashupatinath-temple-expects-over-7-lakhs-devotees-on-mahashivratri/|url-status=live}}</ref> The temple, considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus, is built on an area of 246 hectares (2,460,000 m<sup>2</sup>)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Board |first=Nepal Tourism |title=Pashupatinath Tour |url=https://ntb.gov.np/es/things-to-do/pashupatinath-tour |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=ntb.gov.np |language=en-gb}}</ref> and includes 518 mini-temples and a main pagoda house.
The '''Pashupatinath Temple''' ({{lang-ne|पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर}}) is a famous, sacred [[Hindu temple]] dedicated to [[Pashupati]]nath and is located on the banks of the [[Bagmati River]] 5 kilometres north-east of [[Kathmandu Valley]] in the eastern city of [[Kathmandu]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/world/neighbours/modi-to-perform-special-prayer-at-5th-century-pashupatinath-temple/ |title=5th-century pashupatinath temple |date=2014-08-02 |accessdate=2015-03-25}}</ref> the [[Capital city|capital]] of [[Nepal]]. This temple is considered one of the sacred temples of [[Hindu]] faith .The temple serves as the seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath.This temple complex is on [[UNESCO World Heritage Sites]]'s list Since 1979.<ref name="Newsblaze.com">{{cite web|url=http://newsblaze.com/story/20090108153226zzzz.nb/topstory.html |title=Hindu Shrine: Pashupatinath in Nepal |publisher=Newsblaze.com |date=2009-01-08 |accessdate=2011-10-30}}</ref><ref name="SAARC Tourism">{{cite web|url=http://nepal.saarctourism.org/pashupatinath-temple.html |title=SAARC tourism |publisher=Nepal.saarctourism.org |date= |accessdate=2011-10-30}}</ref> This "extensive Hindu temple precinct" is a "sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river" and is included as one of the seven monument groups in UNESCO's designation of [[Kathmandu Valley]] as a cultural heritage site.<ref name=UNESCO>{{cite web|title=Kathmandu Valley|url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/121/|publisher=UNESCO|accessdate=10 August 2014}}</ref>
One of the major Festivals of the temple is [[Maha Shivaratri]] on which day over 700,000 devotees visit here.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pashupatinath Temple expects over 7 Lakhs Devotees on Mahashivratri|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/02/pashupatinath-temple-expects-over-7-lakhs-devotees-on-mahashivratri/|work=IANS|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|accessdate=23 February 2014}}</ref>


Pashupatinath temple is given a status of one of the most sacred [[Shiva]] Kshetras (abodes of [[Shiva]]) in [[Skanda Purana]], and is also one of the [[Paadal Petra Sthalam]]s (Tamil Tevara Sthalam) of [[Tevaram]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubey |first=Yashika |date=2023-12-21 |title=Pashupatinath Temple: The Celestial Abode of Lord Shiva in Nepal |url=https://www.amargranth.com/post/pashupatinath-temple-kathmandu-nepal |access-date=2024-06-22 |website=Amar Granth |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-16 |title=Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal reopens after 9 months: Check out the darshan timings and other details |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/religion/article/pashupatinath-temple-in-nepal-reopens-after-nine-months-check-out-the-darshan-timings-and-other-details/695174 |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=www.timesnownews.com |language=en}}</ref> The temple is considered to be other half of [[Kedarnath Temple]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Webdunia |title=चारधाम यात्रा : केदारनाथ यात्रा पर जा रहे हैं तो जानिए 10 रहस्य की मुख्य बातें |url=https://hindi.webdunia.com/religious-places/char-dham-kedarnath-yatra-122050600017_1.html |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=hindi.webdunia.com |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=srikubereshwardham.com |date=2024-03-21 |title=Pashupati Ashtakam With Meaning In Hindi {{!}} पशुपत्यष्टकम |url=https://srikubereshwardham.com/pashupati-ashtakam-with-meaning-in-hindi/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |language=en-US}}</ref> both complementary to each other, and is also worshipped as the head of Shiva with his body in [[Kashi Vishwanath Temple|Kashi Vishwanath]] in [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Modi worshipped at Pashupatinath temple as Nepal royals did |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/modi-worshipped-pashupatinath-temple-nepal-2203221 |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Dahal |first=Bishnu Prasad |date=2020-12-31 |title=Significance of Hindu Pilgrimage; study of Pashupathinath and Kashi Vishwonath |url=https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/pragya/article/view/35041/27489 |journal=Patan Pragya |language=en |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=43–54 |doi=10.3126/pragya.v7i1.35041 |issn=2594-3278}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Peak |first=Prayer |date=2024-05-17 |title=Pashupatinath Temple: Discovering The Divine |url=https://prayerpeak.com/pashupatinath-temple-discovering-the-divine/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>"Nepal and India: Pashupatinath temple and the religious connect"; Available at: https://www.indianarrative.com/culture-news/nepal-and-india-ampmdash-pashupatinath-temple-and-the-religious-connect-12957.html</ref> The main temple priests are, as a tradition, [[Vedas|Vedic]] [[Pancha-Dravida|Dravida Brahmin]] scholars from [[Karnataka]] educated by [[Sringeri Sharada Peetham|Śrī Śaṅkarāćārya Dakṣiṇāmnāya Pīṭha, Sringeri]].
The twelve [[Jyotirlinga]] (in India) are the body and the Jyotirlinga at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu (Nepal) is the head over this body.

The temple is one of the 275 [[Paadal Petra Sthalam]]s (''Holy Abodes of Shiva'') on the continent. Kotirudra Samhita, Chapter 11 on the Shivalingas of the North, in [[Shiva Purana]] mentions this Shivalinga as the bestower of all wishes.


==History==
==History==
[[File:Shivalaya Pashupatinath Kathmandu Nepal Rajesh Dhungana (5).jpg|thumb|267x267px|15 Shivalayas and viewpoint for visitors overlooking the temple area]]Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. The temple is considered to be pre-[[Vedic period|Vedic]] in its origin<ref>{{Cite web |title=Isha Sacred Walks News |url=https://www.sacredwalks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/Newsletters/Newsletter-02.html |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=www.sacredwalks.org}}</ref> and according to ''Nepal Mahatmaya'' and ''Himvatkhanda'' of [[Skanda Purana]], the deity here gained great fame as [[Pashupati]].<ref>{{cite web |date=5 May 2009 |title=Sacred destinations |url=http://www.sacred-destinations.com/nepal/kathmandu-pashupatinath.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501143754/http://www.sacred-destinations.com/nepal/kathmandu-pashupatinath.htm |archive-date=1 May 2009 |access-date=30 October 2011 |publisher=Sacred destinations |location=Kathmandu, Nepal}}</ref> Pashupatinath Temple's existence is recorded as early as 400 CE.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pashupatinath's History – Pashupatinath Temple|url=https://pashupatinathtemple.org/pashupatinaths-history/|access-date=2022-01-15|language=en-US}}</ref> The ornamented pagoda houses the [[lingam|linga]] of [[Shiva]]. There are many legends describing how the temple of Aalok Pashupatinath came into existence here.
The temple was erected anew in the 15th century by Lichhavi King Shupuspa after the previous building was consumed by [[termite]]s.<ref>Robertson McCarta and Nelles Verlag: Nelles Guide to Nepal, First Edition, 1990, page 94</ref> Over time, countless further temples have been erected around this two -storied temple. These include the Vaishnava temple complex with a [[Rama|Ram]] temple from the 14th century and the [[Guhyeshwari Temple]] mentioned in an 11th-century manuscript.


One legend says that Shiva and [[Parvati]] took the form of antelopes in the forest on the Bagmati river's east bank. The gods later caught up with him and grabbed him by one of his horns, forcing him to resume his divine form. The broken horn was worshipped as a ''linga'', but over time it was buried and lost. Centuries later a herdsman found one of his cows showering the earth with milk, and after digging at the site, he discovered the divine linga of Pashupatinath.
===Legend surrounding the origin of the temple===
Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is not known for certain when Pashupatinath Temple was built. But according to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-destinations.com/nepal/kathmandu-pashupatinath.htm |title=Sacred destinations | location =Kathmandu, Nepal |publisher=Sacred destinations |date=2009-05-05 |accessdate=2011-10-30}}</ref> the deity here gained great fame there as Pashupati, the Lord of all Pashus, which are living as well as non-living beings.
Pashupatinath Temple's existence dates back to 400 B.C. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or holy symbol of Lord Shiva.
There are many legends describing as to how the temple of Lord Pashupatinath came to existence here. Some of them are narrated below:-


According to Gopalraj Aalok Vhat, the temple was built by Prachanda Deva, a [[Licchavi (kingdom)|Licchavi]] king. Another chronicle states that Pashupatinath Temple was in the form of Linga shaped Devalaya before Supuspa Deva constructed a five-storey temple of Pashupatinath in this place. As time passed, the temple needed to be repaired and renovated. It is known that this temple was reconstructed by a medieval king named Shivadeva (1099–1126 CE). It was renovated by Ananta Malla adding a roof to it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nepal.saarctourism.org/pashupatinath-temple.html |title=Pashupatinath |publisher=Nepal.saarctourism.org |access-date=5 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722213803/http://nepal.saarctourism.org/pashupatinath-temple.html |archive-date=22 July 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mahashivratri.org/legend-of-shiva-linga.html |title=holy symbol |publisher=Mahashivratri.org |access-date=5 August 2014 |archive-date=25 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725012025/http://www.mahashivratri.org/legend-of-shiva-linga.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Further temples have been erected around the two-storied temple, including the [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnava]] temple complex with a [[Rama]] temple from the 14th century and the [[Guhyeshwari Temple]] mentioned in an 11th-century manuscript, overtime. The current form of the temple was renovated in 1692 CE after the previous structures were affected by termites and earthquakes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ltd |first=Footprint Adventure Pvt |title=The Pashupatinath Temple, Biggest Hindu Temple in Nepal {{!}} Footprint Adventure |url=https://www.footprintadventure.com/blog/pashupatinath-biggest-hindu-temple-in-nepal |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=www.footprintadventure.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sharma |first=Prayag |title=A fresh look at the origin and forms of early temples in the Kathmandu Valley |url=http://himalaya.socanth.cam.ac.uk/collections/journals/contributions/pdf/CNAS_26_01_01.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Contributions to Nepalese Studies. Centre for Nepal and Asian Studies (CNAS) |volume=26 |pages=1–25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802033616/http://himalaya.socanth.cam.ac.uk/collections/journals/contributions/pdf/CNAS_26_01_01.pdf |archive-date=2 August 2019 |access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref>
====The Cow Legend====
<br />
Legend says that Lord Shiva once took the form of an antelope and sported unknown in the forest on Bagmati river's east bank. The gods later caught up with him, and grabbing him by the horn, forced him to resume his divine form. The broken horn was worshipped as a linga but overtime it was buried and lost. Centuries later an astonished herdsmen found one of his cows showering the earth with milk. Digging deep at the site, he discovered the divine linga of Pashupatinath.


The main temple complex of Pashupatinath and the [[sanctum sanctorum]] was left untouched, but some of the outer buildings in the complex were damaged by the [[April 2015 Nepal earthquake]].
====The Linchchhavi Legend====
<br />
According to Gopalraj Vamsavali, the oldest ever chronicle in Nepal, this temple was built by Supuspa Deva, a Linchchhavi King, who according to the stone inscription erected by Jayadeva 11 in the courtyard of Pashupatinath in 753 AD, happened to be the ruler 39 generations before Manadeva (464-505 AD).


==Architecture==
====The Devalaya Legend====
[[File:Pashupatinath (17804565536).jpg|thumb|265x265px|Temple structures along river bank]]
<br />
This main temple is built in [[Newar architecture|Newari architecture]]. The two-level roofs are of copper with gold covering. The temple rests on a square base platform with a height of 23m 7&nbsp;cm from base to pinnacle. It has four main doors, all covered with silver sheets. This temple has a gold pinnacle (peak). Inside are two [[Garbhagriha|''garbhagrihas'']]: the inner garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum is where the idol is placed, and the outer sanctum is an open corridor-like space.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Natarajan |first=Murali |date=2023-01-01 |title=PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE |url=https://www.academia.edu/105940967 |journal=Pashupathinath Temple - Nepal}}</ref>[[File:The Pashupatinath Temple 27.jpg|center|thumb|583x583px|Panorama of Pashupatinath temple featuring the main temple's eastern gate, mini-temples and cremation spots along Bagmati river]]
Another chronicle states that Pashupatinath Temple was in the form of Linga shaped Devalaya before Supuspa Deva constructed a five storey temple of Pashupatinath in this place. As the time passed, the need for repairing and renovating this temple arose. It is learnt that this temple was reconstructed by a medieval King named Shivadeva (1099-1126 AD). It was renovated by Ananta Malla adding a roof to it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nepal.saarctourism.org/pashupatinath-temple.html |title=Pashupatinath |publisher=Nepal.saarctourism.org |date= |accessdate=2014-08-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mahashivratri.org/legend-of-shiva-linga.html |title=holy symbol |publisher=Mahashivratri.org |date= |accessdate=2014-08-05}}</ref> Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple, that is also known as 'The Temple of Living Beings'.


====Other beliefs====
== Deity ==
The ''sacro sanctum'', or the main idol, is a stone [[Mukhalinga]] with a silver ''[[yoni]]'' base bound with a silver serpent. It is one metre high and has faces in four directions, which represent various aspects of Shiva; Sadyojata (also known as Barun), Vamadeva (also known as Ardhanareshwara), Tatpurusha, Aghora, and Ishana (imaginative).<ref name=shaivism>[https://books.google.com/books?id=N4xIBNmhpXcC& Encyclopaedia of Saivism] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501101333/https://books.google.com/books?id=N4xIBNmhpXcC&dq=pashupatinath |date=1 May 2016 }}, Swami P. Anand, Swami Parmeshwaranand, Publisher Sarup & Sons, {{ISBN|8176254274}}, {{ISBN|9788176254274}}, page 206</ref> Each face has tiny protruding hands holding ''[[rudraksha]]'' mala in the right hand and a [[kamandalu]] in the other. Unlike other Shiva lingams in India and Nepal, this lingam is always dressed in its golden vastram except during ''[[abhisheka]]'', so pouring milk and Ganga Jal is only possible during the ritual through the main priests.
There are several complex stories involving the origins of Pashupatinath. One story goes, in brief, that Shiva and Parvati came to the Kathmandu Valley and rested by the Bagmati while on a journey. Shiva was so impressed by its beauty and the surrounding forest that he and Parvati changed themselves into deers and walked into the forest. Many spots in the Kathmandu Valley have been identified as places where Shiva went during his time as a deer. After a while the people and gods began to search for Shiva. Finally, after various complications, they found him in the forest, but he refused to leave. More complications ensued, but ultimately Lord Shiva announced that, since he had lived by the Bagmati river in a deer's form, he would now be known as Pashupatinath, Lord of all animals. It is said that whoever came here and beheld the [[lingam]] that appeared there would not be reborn as an animal.


==Priests==
====Finding of Shiva Linga at Pashupatinath Temple====
[[File:Shankaracharya Math Pashupatinath Temple Pashupati Kathmandu Nepal Rajesh Dhungana 6.jpg|thumb|265x265px|[[Adi Shankara]]charya math within temple complex. Adi Shankara was an 8th century [[Vedanga|Vedic scholar]] from [[Kerala]], India]]
It is said that the wish-fulfilling cow Kamadhenu took shelter in a cave on the Chandravan mountain. Everyday Kamadhenu went down to the place the lingam was sunken into the soil and poured her milk on top of the soil. After a few thousand years some people saw Kamadhenu pouring milk on that same spot everyday, and started to wonder what that would be. So they removed the soil and found the beautiful shining lingam and started worshiping it.
Only four priests can touch the idol. Daily rituals of Pashupatinath are carried out by two groups of priests: the Bhatta and the [[Rajbhandari]]. Bhatta perform the daily ritual and can touch the lingam, whereas Rajbhandaris are helpers and temple caretakers who are not qualified to perform [[Puja (Hinduism)|''puja'']] rituals or to touch the deity.<ref name="Gellner">{{cite book |title=Language, caste, religion and territory: Newar identity ancient and modern|last=Gellner |first=David |year=1986 |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]}}</ref>
{{wide image|Pashupati dec 20 2009.jpg|990px|Pashupatinath Temple Panorama of the Pashupatinath Temple from the other bank of Bagmati river, [[Kathmandu]], [[Nepal]].}}


==Temple complex==
===Bhatta===
Bhatta are highly educated [[Vedas|Vedic]] [[Karnataka Brahmin]] scholars from [[Karnataka]]. Unlike other Hindu temples, the priesthood of Pashupatinath is not hereditary. Priests are selected from a group of scholars. The chosen priest is sent to [[Kathmandu]] to perform ''puja'' and daily worship of Pashupatinath.
The area of Pashupatinath encompasses 264 hectare of land including 518 temples and monuments.<ref name="Newsblaze.com"/> Main pagoda style temple is located in the fortified courtyard within the complex guarded by Semi-Military [[Nepal Police]] and Military Force [[Nepal Army]] and has a police outpost post along with living quarter within. In front of the western door there is a huge statue Nandi bull, in bronze. Along with many temples and shrines of both [[Vaishnav]] and [[saiva]] tradition.


The current Bhatta priests of the temple are:
===Temples and Shrines in the inner courtyard===


* Ganesha Bhatta (15th head priest of the Pashupatinath Temple aka Mool Bhat) from [[Udupi]].<ref name="Deccanherald" />
*Vasuki nath temple
*Girisha Bhatta from [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]].<ref name="Deccanherald">{{cite web |date=3 May 2015 |title=State's spiritual Kathmandu link |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/475315/worship-pashupatinath-faltered-just-3.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202094356/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/475315/worship-pashupatinath-faltered-just-3.html |archive-date=2 February 2016 |access-date=28 January 2016 |work=Deccan Herald}}</ref>
*Unmatta Bhairav temple
*Narayana Bhatta from [[Bhatkal]].<ref name="Deccanherald" />
*[[Surya]] narayan temple
*B.S Binaya Adiga-Bhatta <ref name="Myrepublica">{{cite web|url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/newly-appointed-bhatta-adiga-admitted-to-pashupatinath-temple/?categoryId=81|title=Newly-appointed Bhatta Adiga admitted to Pashupatinath Temple|work=Republica|date=9 August 2023 |access-date=16 August 2023|archive-date=16 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816023844/https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/newly-appointed-bhatta-adiga-admitted-to-pashupatinath-temple/?categoryId=81|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Kirti mukh bhairav shrine
The current Bhatta priest of the Vasukinath Naag temple of Pashupatinath
*Budanil kantha shrine
*Raghavendra Bhatta
*[[Hanuman]] shrine
[[File:Pashupatinath crowd at the time of aarati pooja.jpg|thumb|264x264px|Pashupatinath during aarti (religious ritual)]]
*184 shivaling shrine


===Rajbhandaris===
===Temples and Shrines in the outer complex===
The Rajbhandaris are the treasurers, temple caretakers, and assistant priests of the temple. They are the descendants of helper priests brought up by early Bhatts, but were allowed to settle in [[Kathmandu valley]] and later assimilated into the existing [[Newar caste system]] of Rajbhandari – a high-caste Chathariya/[[Kshatriya]] clan of [[Kashyapa]] [[gotra]]. Their main task is to help the Bhatt priests and perform maintenance of the inner ''garbhagriha''. They can have little or no Vedic knowledge but still qualify as assistant priests if they belong from the same family lineage and undergo some basic criteria like caste, gotra, lineage purity, and educational qualification. They work in a set of three and switch every full moon day. There are a total of 108 Rajbhandaris.<ref name="Levy 1990">{{cite book |title=Mesocosm Hinduism and the Organization of a Traditional Newar City in Nepal |last=Levy |first=Robert I. |year=1990 |publisher=[[University of California Press]] }}</ref><ref>Dor Bahadur Bista (People of Nepal)</ref>
*Ram mandir
*Virat swaroop temple
*12 jyotirlingha and Pandra Shivalaya
*[[Guhyeshwari Temple]]


==Entry==
[[File:Pashupati temple surroundings.JPG|thumb|Pashupati temple surroundings]]
[[File:Pashupatinath Entrance Bull.JPG|thumb|The western entrance of main temple courtyard|275x275px]]
The temple courtyard has four entrances in the cardinal directions. The western entrance is the main entrance to the temple courtyard and the remaining three entrances are open only during festivals. The temple security ([[Armed Police Force Nepal]]) and the Pashupatinath area development trust are selective regarding who is allowed entry into the inner courtyard. Only practising Hindus of [[South Asia]]n diaspora and Buddhists of Nepali and Tibetan diaspora are allowed into the temple courtyard. Practising [[Hindus]] of Western descent are not allowed into the temple complex and must go no further than other non-Hindu visitors. An exception is granted to [[Sikhism|Sikhs]] and [[Jainism|Jains]] of Indian ancestry who may enter the temple complex. Others can look at the main temple from the adjacent side of the river<ref name="Lonely Planet (2006)">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/nepal00brad|url-access=registration|quote=Pashupatinath.|title=Nepal|publisher=[[Lonely Planet]]|year=2006|page=[https://archive.org/details/nepal00brad/page/166 166]|isbn=978-1-74059-699-2|first1=Bradley|last1=Mayhew|first2=Joe|last2=Bindloss|first3=Stan|last3=Armington}}</ref> and pay $10 (1,000 Nepali rupees) to visit the small temples located in the external premises of the temple complex.


The inner temple courtyard remains open from 04:00 to 19:00 for the devotees, but the inner Pashupatinath Temple is open from 05:00 to 12:00, for the morning ritual and viewing and from 17:00 to 19:00 for the evening ritual. Unlike many other Shiva temples, devotees are not allowed to enter the inner ''garbhagriha'', but are allowed to watch from the exterior premises of the outer ''garbhagriha''. The temple closing times change depending upon the season: in November, it closes at 18:30. In summers, it closes at 20:00.
==Main temple architecture==
This main temple is built in the Nepalese [[pagoda]] style of architecture. All the features of pagoda style is founded here like cubic constructions, beautifully carved wooden rafters on which they rest (tundal). The two level roofs are of copper with gold covering. The temple resides on a square base platform with a height of 23m 7&nbsp;cm from base to pinnacle. It has four main doors, all covered with silver sheets. This temple has a gold pinnacle (Gajur).Inside are two [[Garbhagriha]]s, outer and inner .The inner garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum is where the idol is placed and outer sanctum is an open corridor like space.

== The Deity ==
The sacro sanctum, or the main idol is a stone [[Mukhalinga]] with a silver [[yoni]] base bound with silver serpent .The lingam is one metre high and has faces in four directions .These faces represent various ascepts of Shiva; Sadyojata (also known as Barun), Vamdeva (also known as Ardha nareshwor), Tatpurusha, Aghor & Ishana (imaginative).Facing West, North, East, South and Zenith respectively representing five primary elements namely earth, water, air, light and ether.<ref name=shaivism>[https://books.google.com/books?id=N4xIBNmhpXcC&dq=pashupatinath&source=gbs_navlinks_s Encyclopaedia of Saivism], Swami P. Anand, Swami Parmeshwaranand, Publisher Sarup & Sons, ISBN 8176254274, ISBN 9788176254274, page 206</ref> Each face has tiny protruding hands holding [[rudraksha]] mala on right hand and a [[kamandalu]] on the other.Unlike other shiva lingams in India and Nepal this pashupati shiva lingam is always Dressed in its golden vastra except during abhishakam, so pouring milk and ganga jal is only possible during abhishakam through the main priests.

==Priest==
[[File:Priest of Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu-2009.jpg|thumb|Raghavendra Bhat (right) and Girish Bhatt in traditional 4-5&nbsp;kg heavy Priestly garb<ref name="Deccanherald">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/475315/worship-pashupatinath-faltered-just-3.html|title=State’s spiritual Kathmandu link|publisher=Deccanherald |date= |accessdate=2016-01-28}}</ref> of Pashupatinath Temple]]
Daily rituals of Pashupatinath are carried out by two sets of priests ;one being the Bhatt priests and other Bhandari. Bhatta or Bhatt are the one who performs the daily ritual and can touch the lingam, where as Bhadaris are the helper and temple care taker priests who are not qualified to perform pooja rituals or to touch the deity.
===Bhatta===
Bhatta also spelled as ''Bhatt''are highly educated Vedic Dravida Brahmin Scholars from Karnataka. Unlike other Hindu temples, priesthood of Pashupatinath is not hereditary. Priests are selected from a group of scholars educated by Shri Shankaracharya Dakshinamnaya Peeth [[Sringeri]] on [[Rigveda|Rig Vedic]] Recitation, initiated in Pashupata Yoga by [[Kashi Math]],Shiva [[Āgama (Hinduism)|Āgama]] and learned Recitation of [[Samaveda]] from [[Haridwar]].After qualifying and fulfilling all those criteria they will be selected for Priesthood by Raj Guru of Pashupatinath Temple undergoing strict examination on Vedas and Shiva Agamas and then the qualifies are sent to [[Kathmandu]] for performing Puja and Daily Worship of Lord Shri Pashupatinath This tradition is reported to have started by the request of [[Adi Shankaracharya]] in the 8th century, who sought to unify the different states of [[Bharatam]] (Unified India) by encouraging cultural exchange. This procedure is also followed in other temples around Bharata-varsa which were sanctified by Adi Shankaracharya. The unique feature of this temple is that only 4 Bhatta priests can touch the deity.Current Bhatt priests of the temple are;
*Ganesh Bhat (15th head priest of the Pashupatinath Temple aka Mool Bhat) from [[Udupi]].<ref name="Deccanherald" />
*Ram Karanth Bhat from [[Mangaluru]].<ref name="Deccanherald"/>
*Girish Bhat from [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]].<ref name="Deccanherald"/>
*Narayan Bhat(Recently appointed) from [[Bhatkal]]<ref name="Deccanherald"/>
*Raghavendra Bhat (Priest for Vasuki Nath temple only)

===Bhandaris===
Also called '''[[Rajbhandari]]''' are the treasurers, temple caretakers, and assistant priest of the temple.<ref name="Newsblaze.com"/> These Bhandaris are the descendants of helper priests brought up by early Bhatts, but were allowed to settle in [[Kathmandu valley]] and later assimilated in existing Newar caste of Rajbhandari - a high-caste Chathariya/[[Kshatriya]] clan of [[Kashyapa]] gotra. Their main function is to help the Bhatta priest and perform maintenance of the inner [[Garbhagriha]]. They can have little or no Vedic knowledge but still qualify as assistant priests if they belong from the same family lineage and undergo some basic criteria like caste, gotra, lineage purity, educational qualification, etc. They work in set of four and change in every full moon day.<ref name="Newsblaze.com"/> There are a total of 108 Bhandaris.

==Entry and Darshan==
[[File:Pashupatinath Entrance Bull.JPG|thumb|200px|The western entrance of main temple courtyard]]
[[File:NP-pashu-terrasse.jpg|thumb|200px| Pandra Shivalaya and ghat (viewpoint for tourist from adjacent side of river Bagmati,East of main temple)]]
Temple courtyard has 4 entrances in all directions.The western entrance is the main entrance to the temple courtyard and rest three entrances are only opened during big festival . Temple security ([[Armed Police Force Nepal]]) and Pashupatinath area development trust are selective regarding who is allowed entry into the inner courtyard . Practicing Hindus and buddhist of Nepali, Indian and Tibetan diaspora are only allowed into temple courtyard . Practicing Hindus of western descent are not allowed into the temple complex along with other non Hindu Visitors with an exception to Sikh and Jain groups if they are of Indian ancestry.Others can look at the main temple from adjacent side of the river<ref name="Lonely Planet (2006)">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/?id=dtSIz1vwg4YC&pg=PA166&dq=Pashupatinath&cd=3#v=onepage&q=Pashupatinath|title=Nepal|publisher=[[Lonely Planet]]|year=2006|page=166|isbn=978-1-74059-699-2|first1=Bradley|last1=Mayhew|first2=Joe|last2=Bindloss|first3=Stan|last3=Armington}}</ref> and has to pay a nominal fee of $10 (1000 Nepali rupee) for visiting hundreds of small temples in the external premises of the temple complex . The inner temple courtyard remains open from 4 am to 7 pm for the devotee but the Inner Pashupatinath Temple where the Lingam of Lord Pashupatinath is established is open from 5am to 12 pm for the morning ritual and viewing and from 5pm to 7 pm for evening ritual. Unlike many other Saiva temples devotees are not allowed to enter in the inner-most [[Garbhagriha]] but are allowed to view from the exterior premises of the outer Garbhagriha.


==Abhisheka==
==Abhisheka==
{{Main|Abhisheka}}
The inner sanctum where the shivling is placed, has four entrance, East, west, north, south. Normally devotees will have the shivling darshan though western door entrance only. During arthi time, around 7pm evening, the outer sanctum doors are open, where devotees can have the shivling darshan through all the four corridors.(One can enter inside).
The inner sanctum where the lingam is placed has four entrances: east, west, north, south. From 09:30 to 13:30, devotees can worship from all four doors. All four doors are also opened during ''abhisheka'' from 09:00 to 11:00. Abhisheka is done based on the direction the mukh is viewed.

all the four doors are also opened during the [[Abhisheka]] time i.e. 9-11am. All the four sides of the shivling darshan is possible during this period. One can take the abhisheka ticket at the SBI counter, available at the entrance of the temple. The basic abhisheka ticket costs around NPR.1000/-, which includes the Rudraabhisheka and various other poojas. Abhisheka will be done based on the direction the mukh is viewed. If your receipt says as eastern direction then one needs to stand in the queue at the eastern entrance, wherein the priests will do the abhisheka for the eastern mukh of the shivling.


==Festivals==
==Festivals==
There are many festivals throughout the year, such as the [[Maha Shivaratri]] and the Teej festival. Teej is one of the most celebrated festival at Pashupatinath Temple.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.welcomenepal.com/whats-on/maha-shivaratri.html|title=Maha Shivaratri in Nepal|last=Nepal|first=Naturally|website=welcomenepal.com|language=en|access-date=6 March 2018|archive-date=8 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308041410/https://www.welcomenepal.com/whats-on/maha-shivaratri.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref>
There are many festivals throughout the year .Thousands of people attend these festival.The most important festival is the Maha Shiva Ratri .Bala chaturthi and Teej.


== Buddhist pilgrimage ==
==Controversy of 2009==
[[File:Gorakhnath or Goraksanath Temple Mrigasthali Pasupati Kathmandu Nepal Rajesh Dhungana (4).jpg|thumb|251x251px|[[Gorakshanath|Gorakhnath]] Temple in Pashupati Kshetra. Gorakhnath was the disciple of [[Matsyendranath]] who is believed to have received teachings of [[Yoga]] from [[Shiva]]]]
Buddhists consider the temple complex as sacred, and is associated with numerous [[mahasiddha]]s such as [[Matsyendranath]], [[Gorakshanath|Gorakhnath]], [[Padmasambhava]], [[Naropa]] and [[Tilopa]]. The temple area is believed to be the place where Gorakhnath opened up the practices of [[haṭha yoga]] to people from all walks of life.<ref>Agniyogana- "exploring the true potential of the ancient yogic path in the modern world" by Emma Balnaves. Documentary press kit, available at https://agniyogana.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Agniyogana-Press-Kit_0224.pdf</ref> In [[Vajrayana|Vajrayana Buddhism]], the cremation zone of the temple complex falls under ''<nowiki/>'Lhundrup Tsek'<nowiki/>'' or '<nowiki/>''Spontaneous Mound'' ''charnel ground''' and is revered among the eight great [[charnel ground]]s where [[Padmasambhava]] meditated and gained spiritual accomplishments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lhundrup Tsek (Pashupati, Kathmandu Valley) |url=https://www.nekhor.org/padmasambhava/nepal/lhundrup-tsek |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Nekhor |language=en-US}}</ref> The two caves situated to the north of the cremation zone along the river banks are worshipped as the meditation caves of mahasiddhas [[Tilopa]] and his disciple [[Naropa]]. The caves are considered sacred as the site where Naropa received direct teachings from his master Tilopa and had the vision of [[Vajrayogini]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-17 |title=Tilopa Cave, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu, Nepal - Sannidhi The Presence |url=https://sannidhi.net/sannidhi/tilopa-cave-pashupatinath-kathmandu-nepal/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |language=en-US}}</ref> Naropa was also the main teacher of [[Marpa Lotsawa|Marpa]], the founder of [[Kagyu|Kagyu school]] of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] who brought [[Vajrayana]] teachings to [[Tibet]]. Marpa, in turn, was the master of [[Milarepa]], one of Tibet's most famous yogi.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Guru Marpha and Milarepa {{!}} Kagyu Masters of Tibet Buddhism |url=https://www.termatree.com/blogs/termatree/marpha-milarepa-kagyu-masters |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=termatree |language=en}}</ref>


== Controversy ==
In January 2009, after the forced resignation by the chief priest of Pashupatinath temple, the Maoist-led government of Nepal "hand picked" Nepalese priests to lead the temple, thus bypassing the temple's long-standing requirements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/indian-priest-in-nepal/406643/ |title=Indian Express |publisher=Indian Express |date=2009-01-05 |accessdate=2014-08-05}}</ref> This appointment was contested by the Bhandaris of the temple, stating that they were not against the appointment of Nepalese priests but against the appointment without proper procedure.<ref name="Newsblaze.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?nid=172819 |title=Kantipur |publisher=Kantipuronline.com |date= |accessdate=2011-10-30}}</ref> After the appointment was challenged in a civil court, the appointment was overruled by [[Supreme Court of Nepal]].<ref name="Sify">{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14829992 |title=Sify |publisher=Sify |date=2009-01-04 |accessdate=2011-10-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?nid=173161 |title=Kantipur |publisher=Kantipuronline.com |date= |accessdate=2011-10-30}}</ref> However, the government did not heed the ruling and stood by its decision. This led to public outrage and protests over a lack of transparency. The paramilitary group of the CPN (Maoist), called YCL, attacked the protesters, leading to over a dozen injuries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=173695 |title=Kantipur |publisher=Kantipuronline.com |date= |accessdate=2011-10-30}}</ref> Lawmakers and activists from opposition parties joined protests, declaring their support for the Bhatta and other pro-Bhatta protesters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?nid=173971 |title=eKantipur |publisher=Kantipuronline.com |date= |accessdate=2011-10-30}}</ref> After long dissatisfaction and protest by Hindus both in and outside Nepal, the government was forced to reverse its decision that had been declared illegal by the Supreme Court of Nepal and reinstate Bhatta priests.
[[File:2015 Earthquake in Nepal-Pashupatinath Temple Area (12).JPG|thumb|One of the outer shrines damaged in [[April 2015 Nepal earthquake|2015 Nepal earthquake]].|251x251px]]In January 2009, after the forced resignation by the chief priest of Pashupatinath temple, the Maoist-led government of Nepal "hand picked" Nepalese priests of Khas-Gorkhali ethnicity to lead the temple, bypassing the temple's long-standing requirements.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ghimire|first=Yubaraj|date=5 January 2009|title=Nepal Govt defies court order, Maoists assault Pashupatinath priests|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/nepal-govt-defies-court-order-maoists-assault-pashupatinath-priests/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031142714/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/nepal-govt-defies-court-order-maoists-assault-pashupatinath-priests/|archive-date=31 October 2021|access-date=5 August 2014|work=The Indian Express}}</ref> This appointment was contested by the [[Rajbhandari]]s (temple caretakers) of the temple, stating that they were not against the appointment of Nepalese priests but against the appointment without proper procedure.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?nid=172819 |title=Kantipur |publisher=Kantipuronline.com |access-date=30 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221133158/http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?nid=172819 |archive-date=21 February 2009 }}</ref> After the appointment was challenged in a civil court, the appointment was overruled by the [[Supreme Court of Nepal]],<ref name="Sify">{{cite web |url=http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14829992 |title=Sify |website=[[Sify]] |date=4 January 2009 |access-date=30 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131091011/http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14829992 |archive-date=31 January 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?nid=173161 |title=Kantipur |publisher=Kantipuronline.com |access-date=30 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222201657/http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?nid=173161 |archive-date=22 February 2009 }}</ref> but the government ignored the ruling and stood by its decision, which led to public outrage and protests over a lack of transparency. A clash between the youth wing of the [[Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre)|Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist)]] and the protesting temple staff caused over a dozen injuries when some 100 Maoist cadres attacked the temple caretakers,<ref>{{Cite web |title=10 hurt as Maoists attack protesting Pashupati temple staff |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-10-hurt-as-maoists-attack-protesting-pashupati-temple-staff-1218771 |access-date=2022-03-25 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref> though the maoists denied the attack.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=173695 |title=Kantipur |publisher=Kantipuronline.com |access-date=30 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221133023/http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=173695 |archive-date=21 February 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-09-05 |title=Tension at Pashupatinath, Nepal Maoists deny role in attack |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world/tension-at-pashupatinath-nepal-maoists-deny-role-in-attack/story-ucIATkhA775cqS3YAZILzH.html |access-date=2022-03-25 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Lawmakers and activists from opposition parties joined protests, declaring their support for the Bhatt and other pro-Bhatt protesters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?nid=173971 |title=eKantipur |publisher=Kantipuronline.com |access-date=30 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221133217/http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?nid=173971 |archive-date=21 February 2009 }}</ref> After long dissatisfaction and protest by Hindus both in and outside Nepal, the government was forced to reverse its decision and reinstate Bhatta priests.


==2015 Earthquake==
== Gallery ==
<gallery widths="250" heights="150">
[[File:2015 Earthquake in Nepal-Pashupatinath Temple Area (12).JPG|thumb|One of the outer shrine damaged in 2015 Nepal earthquake]]
File:Pashupatinath temple at night time.jpg|Pashupatinath at night
The main temple complex of Pashupatinath and the sanctum sanctorum was left untouched but some of the outer buildings in the World Heritage Site were damaged by the [[April 2015 Nepal earthquake]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/533-earthquake-victims-cremated-at-ghats-of-pashupatinath-temple/articleshow/47159409.cms |title=holy symbol |publisher=economic times |date= |accessdate=2015-05-05}}</ref>
File:Shivalaya Pashupatinath Kathmandu Nepal Rajesh Dhungana (18).jpg|15 shivalayas

File:Sadu Kathmandu Pashupatinath 2006 Luca Galuzzi.jpg|Wandering ascetics of Pashupatinath
==Gallery==
File:Pashupatinath Kathmandu Nepal Rajesh Dhungana (9).jpg|Bagmati river
{{Gallery
File:Buddha Statue Pasupati Area Pashupatinath Kathmandu Nepal Rajesh Dhungana.jpg| [[The Buddha|Buddha]] statue
|title=Pashupatinath Temple scenes
File:Ganesh Statue Various Statue Ram Mandir Pasupatinath Kathmandu Nepal Rajesh Dhungana (2).jpg|[[Ganesha]] and [[Hanuman]] statue
|width=300
File:Vishnu Temple Ram Mandir Pasupatinath Area Pashupati Kathmandu Nepal Rajesh Dhungana (4).jpg|[[Vishnu]] temple ([[Rama|Ram]] Mandir)
|height=300
File:Jhankeshwari Temple Pashupatinath Kathmandu Nepal Rajesh Dhungana (10).jpg|Goddess temple in Pashupatinath
|lines=5
File:Guhyeshwari Temple Pashupatinath Kathmandu Nepal Rajesh Dhungana (26).jpg|Goddess temple
|align=center
</gallery>
|File:Pashupatinath Temple and its premises, Nepal 3.jpg|Pashupatinath Temple
|File:Pashupatinath temple.JPG|Temple from the river side
|File:Pasupatinath Temple, Front gate-IMG 3501.jpg|Front entrance from the street side
|File:Pashupatinath_Cremation.jpg|Temple [[cremation]]s on the [[Bagmati River]]
|File:Pashupatinath Temple Tending a ghat.jpg|Cremations up close
|File:Nepal - Kathmandu - 017 - Sadhus at Pashupatinath Temple (5793637308).jpg|Temple [[sadhus]]
|File:A glimpse at the temple.jpg|A glimpse at the temple
|File:Shiva Ratri.jpg|A sadhu in Pashupatinath Temple during [[Shivaratri]]
|File:Western entrance of Pasupatinath Temple, Front Gate-IMG 3466.jpg|Entrance From Western side
|File:Pashupati Temple-IMG 0030.jpg|Bridge at Bagmati river of Pashupati temple
|File:Pashupati Temple-IMG 0031.jpg|Manson Bagmati river and temple
|File:Pashupati temple-G0237311.jpg|
|File:Pashupati Temple-IMG 0061.jpg| Evening Aarati Pray
}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite book|last=Michaels|first=Axel|year=1994|title=Die Reisen der Götter: Der nepalesische Paßupatinatha-Tempel und sein rituelles Umfeld, mit einem Beiheft Pasupatiksetras|author-link=Axel Michaels}}
* {{cite book|last1=Michaels|first1=Axel|first2=Govinda|last2=Tandan|year=1994|title=Pasupatiksetra. Maps of Deopatan|author-link1=Axel Michaels}}
* {{cite book|last=Michaels|first=Axel|year=2008|title=Siva in Trouble: Festivals and Rituals at the Pasupatinatha Temple of Deopatan (Nepal)|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|author-link=Axel Michaels}}
*von Schroeder, Ulrich. (2019). ''Nepalese Stone Sculptures''. Volume One: ''Hindu''; Volume Two: ''Buddhist''. (Visual Dharma Publications). {{ISBN|978-3-033-06381-5}}. Contains SD card with 15,000 digital photographs of Nepalese sculptures and other subjects as public domain.

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Pashupatinath temple}}


==External links==
{{Commons category|Pashupatinath temple}}
* [http://www.npsin.in/mandir/Shri-Pashupatinath-Mandir Shri Pashupatinath Mandir, Nepal]
* [http://www.pashupatinathtemple.org Pashupatinath Temple]
* [http://www.muktinathdarshan.com/tripDetail/232-Pashupatinath-Darshan.html Pashupatinath Darshan]
* [http://nepal.tv/watch/pashupatinath Video guide to Pashupatinath Nepal]
* [http://www.nepalopedia.com/virtual-tour/Pashupati Virtual Tour of Pashupatnath Temple]
{{Hindu temples in Nepal}}
{{Hindu temples in Nepal}}
{{Shaivism}}
{{Famous Shiva temples}}
{{Shiva temples}}
{{Hindu deities and texts}}
{{Hindu deities and texts}}
{{World Heritage Sites in Nepal |state=expanded}}
{{World Heritage Sites in Nepal}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Pashupatinath Temple]]
[[Category:5th-century establishments in Nepal]]
[[Category:5th-century Hindu temples]]
[[Category:Char Dham temples in Nepal]]
[[Category:Cultural heritage of Nepal]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Kathmandu District]]
[[Category:Padal Petra Stalam]]
[[Category:Padal Petra Stalam]]
[[Category:Newar]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in Nepal]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Kathmandu]]
[[Category:Shiva temples in Nepal]]
[[Category:Shiva temples in Nepal]]
[[Category:5th-century Hindu temples]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in Nepal]]
[[Category:Newa architecture]]

Latest revision as of 05:10, 21 December 2024

Pashupatinath Temple
श्री पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर
Pashupatinath Temple, associated with Shiva as 'the lord of all beings'
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictKathmandu
ProvinceBagmati Province
DeityShiva (as Pashupati)
FestivalsMaha Shivaratri, Teej
Features
  • Temple tank: Bagmati River
  • Temple tree: Ancient Banyan Tree
Location
LocationKathmandu
CountryNepal
Pashupatinath Temple is located in Nepal
Pashupatinath Temple
Location in Nepal
Geographic coordinates27°42′35″N 85°20′55″E / 27.70972°N 85.34861°E / 27.70972; 85.34861
Architecture
TypePagoda
Date established5th century CE
Specifications
Site area2,460,000 m²
Temple(s)519 Pagodas
Elevation817 m (2,680 ft)
CriteriaCultural: (iii)(iv)(vi)
Designated1979 (3rd session)
Part ofKathmandu Valley
Reference no.121bis-006

The Pashupatinath Temple (Nepali: पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Pashupati, a form of Shiva. It is located in Kathmandu, Nepal near the Bagmati River. The temple was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1979. This "extensive Hindu temple precinct" is a "sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river", and is one of seven monument groups in UNESCO's designation of Kathmandu Valley.[1] The temple, considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus, is built on an area of 246 hectares (2,460,000 m2)[2] and includes 518 mini-temples and a main pagoda house.

Pashupatinath temple is given a status of one of the most sacred Shiva Kshetras (abodes of Shiva) in Skanda Purana, and is also one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams (Tamil Tevara Sthalam) of Tevaram.[3][4] The temple is considered to be other half of Kedarnath Temple,[5][6] both complementary to each other, and is also worshipped as the head of Shiva with his body in Kashi Vishwanath in India.[7][8][9][10] The main temple priests are, as a tradition, Vedic Dravida Brahmin scholars from Karnataka educated by Śrī Śaṅkarāćārya Dakṣiṇāmnāya Pīṭha, Sringeri.

History

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15 Shivalayas and viewpoint for visitors overlooking the temple area

Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. The temple is considered to be pre-Vedic in its origin[11] and according to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda of Skanda Purana, the deity here gained great fame as Pashupati.[12] Pashupatinath Temple's existence is recorded as early as 400 CE.[13] The ornamented pagoda houses the linga of Shiva. There are many legends describing how the temple of Aalok Pashupatinath came into existence here.

One legend says that Shiva and Parvati took the form of antelopes in the forest on the Bagmati river's east bank. The gods later caught up with him and grabbed him by one of his horns, forcing him to resume his divine form. The broken horn was worshipped as a linga, but over time it was buried and lost. Centuries later a herdsman found one of his cows showering the earth with milk, and after digging at the site, he discovered the divine linga of Pashupatinath.

According to Gopalraj Aalok Vhat, the temple was built by Prachanda Deva, a Licchavi king. Another chronicle states that Pashupatinath Temple was in the form of Linga shaped Devalaya before Supuspa Deva constructed a five-storey temple of Pashupatinath in this place. As time passed, the temple needed to be repaired and renovated. It is known that this temple was reconstructed by a medieval king named Shivadeva (1099–1126 CE). It was renovated by Ananta Malla adding a roof to it.[14][15] Further temples have been erected around the two-storied temple, including the Vaishnava temple complex with a Rama temple from the 14th century and the Guhyeshwari Temple mentioned in an 11th-century manuscript, overtime. The current form of the temple was renovated in 1692 CE after the previous structures were affected by termites and earthquakes.[16][17]

The main temple complex of Pashupatinath and the sanctum sanctorum was left untouched, but some of the outer buildings in the complex were damaged by the April 2015 Nepal earthquake.

Architecture

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Temple structures along river bank

This main temple is built in Newari architecture. The two-level roofs are of copper with gold covering. The temple rests on a square base platform with a height of 23m 7 cm from base to pinnacle. It has four main doors, all covered with silver sheets. This temple has a gold pinnacle (peak). Inside are two garbhagrihas: the inner garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum is where the idol is placed, and the outer sanctum is an open corridor-like space.[18]

Panorama of Pashupatinath temple featuring the main temple's eastern gate, mini-temples and cremation spots along Bagmati river

Deity

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The sacro sanctum, or the main idol, is a stone Mukhalinga with a silver yoni base bound with a silver serpent. It is one metre high and has faces in four directions, which represent various aspects of Shiva; Sadyojata (also known as Barun), Vamadeva (also known as Ardhanareshwara), Tatpurusha, Aghora, and Ishana (imaginative).[19] Each face has tiny protruding hands holding rudraksha mala in the right hand and a kamandalu in the other. Unlike other Shiva lingams in India and Nepal, this lingam is always dressed in its golden vastram except during abhisheka, so pouring milk and Ganga Jal is only possible during the ritual through the main priests.

Priests

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Adi Shankaracharya math within temple complex. Adi Shankara was an 8th century Vedic scholar from Kerala, India

Only four priests can touch the idol. Daily rituals of Pashupatinath are carried out by two groups of priests: the Bhatta and the Rajbhandari. Bhatta perform the daily ritual and can touch the lingam, whereas Rajbhandaris are helpers and temple caretakers who are not qualified to perform puja rituals or to touch the deity.[20]

Bhatta

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Bhatta are highly educated Vedic Karnataka Brahmin scholars from Karnataka. Unlike other Hindu temples, the priesthood of Pashupatinath is not hereditary. Priests are selected from a group of scholars. The chosen priest is sent to Kathmandu to perform puja and daily worship of Pashupatinath.

The current Bhatta priests of the temple are:

  • Ganesha Bhatta (15th head priest of the Pashupatinath Temple aka Mool Bhat) from Udupi.[21]
  • Girisha Bhatta from Sirsi.[21]
  • Narayana Bhatta from Bhatkal.[21]
  • B.S Binaya Adiga-Bhatta [22]

The current Bhatta priest of the Vasukinath Naag temple of Pashupatinath

  • Raghavendra Bhatta
Pashupatinath during aarti (religious ritual)

Rajbhandaris

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The Rajbhandaris are the treasurers, temple caretakers, and assistant priests of the temple. They are the descendants of helper priests brought up by early Bhatts, but were allowed to settle in Kathmandu valley and later assimilated into the existing Newar caste system of Rajbhandari – a high-caste Chathariya/Kshatriya clan of Kashyapa gotra. Their main task is to help the Bhatt priests and perform maintenance of the inner garbhagriha. They can have little or no Vedic knowledge but still qualify as assistant priests if they belong from the same family lineage and undergo some basic criteria like caste, gotra, lineage purity, and educational qualification. They work in a set of three and switch every full moon day. There are a total of 108 Rajbhandaris.[23][24]

Entry

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The western entrance of main temple courtyard

The temple courtyard has four entrances in the cardinal directions. The western entrance is the main entrance to the temple courtyard and the remaining three entrances are open only during festivals. The temple security (Armed Police Force Nepal) and the Pashupatinath area development trust are selective regarding who is allowed entry into the inner courtyard. Only practising Hindus of South Asian diaspora and Buddhists of Nepali and Tibetan diaspora are allowed into the temple courtyard. Practising Hindus of Western descent are not allowed into the temple complex and must go no further than other non-Hindu visitors. An exception is granted to Sikhs and Jains of Indian ancestry who may enter the temple complex. Others can look at the main temple from the adjacent side of the river[25] and pay $10 (1,000 Nepali rupees) to visit the small temples located in the external premises of the temple complex.

The inner temple courtyard remains open from 04:00 to 19:00 for the devotees, but the inner Pashupatinath Temple is open from 05:00 to 12:00, for the morning ritual and viewing and from 17:00 to 19:00 for the evening ritual. Unlike many other Shiva temples, devotees are not allowed to enter the inner garbhagriha, but are allowed to watch from the exterior premises of the outer garbhagriha. The temple closing times change depending upon the season: in November, it closes at 18:30. In summers, it closes at 20:00.

Abhisheka

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Main article: Abhisheka

The inner sanctum where the lingam is placed has four entrances: east, west, north, south. From 09:30 to 13:30, devotees can worship from all four doors. All four doors are also opened during abhisheka from 09:00 to 11:00. Abhisheka is done based on the direction the mukh is viewed.

Festivals

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There are many festivals throughout the year, such as the Maha Shivaratri and the Teej festival. Teej is one of the most celebrated festival at Pashupatinath Temple.[26]

Buddhist pilgrimage

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Gorakhnath Temple in Pashupati Kshetra. Gorakhnath was the disciple of Matsyendranath who is believed to have received teachings of Yoga from Shiva

Buddhists consider the temple complex as sacred, and is associated with numerous mahasiddhas such as Matsyendranath, Gorakhnath, Padmasambhava, Naropa and Tilopa. The temple area is believed to be the place where Gorakhnath opened up the practices of haṭha yoga to people from all walks of life.[27] In Vajrayana Buddhism, the cremation zone of the temple complex falls under 'Lhundrup Tsek' or 'Spontaneous Mound charnel ground' and is revered among the eight great charnel grounds where Padmasambhava meditated and gained spiritual accomplishments.[28] The two caves situated to the north of the cremation zone along the river banks are worshipped as the meditation caves of mahasiddhas Tilopa and his disciple Naropa. The caves are considered sacred as the site where Naropa received direct teachings from his master Tilopa and had the vision of Vajrayogini.[29] Naropa was also the main teacher of Marpa, the founder of Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism who brought Vajrayana teachings to Tibet. Marpa, in turn, was the master of Milarepa, one of Tibet's most famous yogi.[30]

Controversy

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One of the outer shrines damaged in 2015 Nepal earthquake.

In January 2009, after the forced resignation by the chief priest of Pashupatinath temple, the Maoist-led government of Nepal "hand picked" Nepalese priests of Khas-Gorkhali ethnicity to lead the temple, bypassing the temple's long-standing requirements.[31] This appointment was contested by the Rajbhandaris (temple caretakers) of the temple, stating that they were not against the appointment of Nepalese priests but against the appointment without proper procedure.[32] After the appointment was challenged in a civil court, the appointment was overruled by the Supreme Court of Nepal,[33][34] but the government ignored the ruling and stood by its decision, which led to public outrage and protests over a lack of transparency. A clash between the youth wing of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and the protesting temple staff caused over a dozen injuries when some 100 Maoist cadres attacked the temple caretakers,[35] though the maoists denied the attack.[36][37] Lawmakers and activists from opposition parties joined protests, declaring their support for the Bhatt and other pro-Bhatt protesters.[38] After long dissatisfaction and protest by Hindus both in and outside Nepal, the government was forced to reverse its decision and reinstate Bhatta priests.

[edit]
  • Pashupatinath at night
    Pashupatinath at night
  • 15 shivalayas
    15 shivalayas
  • Wandering ascetics of Pashupatinath
    Wandering ascetics of Pashupatinath
  • Bagmati river
    Bagmati river
  • Buddha statue
    Buddha statue
  • Ganesha and Hanuman statue
    Ganesha and Hanuman statue
  • Vishnu temple (Ram Mandir)
    Vishnu temple (Ram Mandir)
  • Goddess temple in Pashupatinath
    Goddess temple in Pashupatinath
  • Goddess temple
    Goddess temple

References

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  1. ^ "Pashupatinath Temple expects over 7 Lakhs Devotees on Mahashivratri". news.biharprabha.com. Indo-Asian News Service. Archived from the original on 25 July 2014. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  2. ^ Board, Nepal Tourism. "Pashupatinath Tour". ntb.gov.np. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  3. ^ Dubey, Yashika (21 December 2023). "Pashupatinath Temple: The Celestial Abode of Lord Shiva in Nepal". Amar Granth. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  4. ^ "Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal reopens after 9 months: Check out the darshan timings and other details". www.timesnownews.com. 16 December 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  5. ^ Webdunia. "चारधाम यात्रा : केदारनाथ यात्रा पर जा रहे हैं तो जानिए 10 रहस्य की मुख्य बातें". hindi.webdunia.com (in Hindi). Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  6. ^ srikubereshwardham.com (21 March 2024). "Pashupati Ashtakam With Meaning In Hindi | पशुपत्यष्टकम". Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  7. ^ "Modi worshipped at Pashupatinath temple as Nepal royals did". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  8. ^ Dahal, Bishnu Prasad (31 December 2020). "Significance of Hindu Pilgrimage; study of Pashupathinath and Kashi Vishwonath". Patan Pragya. 7 (1): 43–54. doi:10.3126/pragya.v7i1.35041. ISSN 2594-3278.
  9. ^ Peak, Prayer (17 May 2024). "Pashupatinath Temple: Discovering The Divine". Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  10. ^ "Nepal and India: Pashupatinath temple and the religious connect"; Available at: https://www.indianarrative.com/culture-news/nepal-and-india-ampmdash-pashupatinath-temple-and-the-religious-connect-12957.html
  11. ^ "Isha Sacred Walks News". www.sacredwalks.org. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  12. ^ "Sacred destinations". Kathmandu, Nepal: Sacred destinations. 5 May 2009. Archived from the original on 1 May 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  13. ^ "Pashupatinath's History – Pashupatinath Temple". Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  14. ^ "Pashupatinath". Nepal.saarctourism.org. Archived from the original on 22 July 2010. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  15. ^ "holy symbol". Mahashivratri.org. Archived from the original on 25 July 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  16. ^ Ltd, Footprint Adventure Pvt. "The Pashupatinath Temple, Biggest Hindu Temple in Nepal | Footprint Adventure". www.footprintadventure.com. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  17. ^ Sharma, Prayag. "A fresh look at the origin and forms of early temples in the Kathmandu Valley" (PDF). Contributions to Nepalese Studies. Centre for Nepal and Asian Studies (CNAS). 26: 1–25. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  18. ^ Natarajan, Murali (1 January 2023). "PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE". Pashupathinath Temple - Nepal.
  19. ^ Encyclopaedia of Saivism Archived 1 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine, Swami P. Anand, Swami Parmeshwaranand, Publisher Sarup & Sons, ISBN 8176254274, ISBN 9788176254274, page 206
  20. ^ Gellner, David (1986). Language, caste, religion and territory: Newar identity ancient and modern. Cambridge University Press.
  21. ^ a b c "State's spiritual Kathmandu link". Deccan Herald. 3 May 2015. Archived from the original on 2 February 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
  22. ^ "Newly-appointed Bhatta Adiga admitted to Pashupatinath Temple". Republica. 9 August 2023. Archived from the original on 16 August 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  23. ^ Levy, Robert I. (1990). Mesocosm Hinduism and the Organization of a Traditional Newar City in Nepal. University of California Press.
  24. ^ Dor Bahadur Bista (People of Nepal)
  25. ^ Mayhew, Bradley; Bindloss, Joe; Armington, Stan (2006). Nepal. Lonely Planet. p. 166. ISBN 978-1-74059-699-2. Pashupatinath.
  26. ^ Nepal, Naturally. "Maha Shivaratri in Nepal". welcomenepal.com. Archived from the original on 8 March 2018. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
  27. ^ Agniyogana- "exploring the true potential of the ancient yogic path in the modern world" by Emma Balnaves. Documentary press kit, available at https://agniyogana.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Agniyogana-Press-Kit_0224.pdf
  28. ^ "Lhundrup Tsek (Pashupati, Kathmandu Valley)". Nekhor. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  29. ^ "Tilopa Cave, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu, Nepal - Sannidhi The Presence". 17 December 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  30. ^ "Guru Marpha and Milarepa | Kagyu Masters of Tibet Buddhism". termatree. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  31. ^ Ghimire, Yubaraj (5 January 2009). "Nepal Govt defies court order, Maoists assault Pashupatinath priests". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 31 October 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  32. ^ "Kantipur". Kantipuronline.com. Archived from the original on 21 February 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  33. ^ "Sify". Sify. 4 January 2009. Archived from the original on 31 January 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  34. ^ "Kantipur". Kantipuronline.com. Archived from the original on 22 February 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  35. ^ "10 hurt as Maoists attack protesting Pashupati temple staff". DNA India. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
  36. ^ "Kantipur". Kantipuronline.com. Archived from the original on 21 February 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  37. ^ "Tension at Pashupatinath, Nepal Maoists deny role in attack". Hindustan Times. 5 September 2009. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
  38. ^ "eKantipur". Kantipuronline.com. Archived from the original on 21 February 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2011.

Further reading

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  • Michaels, Axel (1994). Die Reisen der Götter: Der nepalesische Paßupatinatha-Tempel und sein rituelles Umfeld, mit einem Beiheft Pasupatiksetras.
  • Michaels, Axel; Tandan, Govinda (1994). Pasupatiksetra. Maps of Deopatan.
  • Michaels, Axel (2008). Siva in Trouble: Festivals and Rituals at the Pasupatinatha Temple of Deopatan (Nepal). Oxford University Press.
  • von Schroeder, Ulrich. (2019). Nepalese Stone Sculptures. Volume One: Hindu; Volume Two: Buddhist. (Visual Dharma Publications). ISBN 978-3-033-06381-5. Contains SD card with 15,000 digital photographs of Nepalese sculptures and other subjects as public domain.
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