Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Pashupati, a manifestation of Shiva. Located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, the temple is one of the oldest and most significant religious complexes in Nepal.
Pashupathinath is the guardian spirit and the holiest of all Shiva shrines in Nepal. Lord Shiva is known by many different names; and Pashupati is one. Pashu means animal beings, and Pati means master. In other words Pashupati is the master of all living beings of the universe. This is how lord Pashupati is eulogized in the Vedas, Upanishads and in other religious books. According to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity gained great fame as Pashupati, the Lord of all Pashus, which are living as well as non-living beings in Nepal.
Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. The magnificent temple of Lord Pashupatinath about 5 kms north-east of Kathmandu, is situated amidst many other temples on the right bank of the River Baghmati. Pashupatinath Temple is not known for certain when Pashupatinath was founded. Tradition says it was constructed by Pashupreksha of the Somadeva Dynasty in the 3rd century BC, but the first historical records date from the 13th
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century. The ascetic Pashupata sect was likely related to its foundation. Pashupati was a tutelary deity of the ancient rulers of the Kathmandu Valley. In 605 AD, Amshuvarman is considered to have built the shrine. By the later middle Ages, many imitations of the temple had been built, such as in Bhaktapur (1480), Lalitpur (1566) and Benares (early 19th century). The original Pashupatinath temple was destroyed several times until it was given its present form under King Bhupalendra Malla in 1697AD.
The earliest reference to the Pashupatinath Temple can be found in ancient Hindu texts, such as the Puranas and the Mahabharata. These texts mention a sacred site known as ‘Pashupati,’ which was revered as the abode of Lord Shiva. It is widely believed that the original temple structure was constructed during the reign of King Jayadeva I in the 4th century AD.
The Malla dynasty, which ruled Nepal from the 12th to the 18th century, left an indelible mark on the Pashupatinath Temple complex. During their reign, they not only expanded the temple but also added numerous smaller shrines, courtyards, and ghats (steps leading to the river) to the premises. One of the most notable additions was the ‘Pandra Shivalaya,’ a collection of 15 shrines dedicated to various forms of Lord Shiva. Each of these shrines featured intricate artwork and carvings, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of the time. The Mallas’ patronage of the temple contributed significantly to its grandeur and popularity.
During the rule of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who founded the Kingdom of Nepal in 1768, the temple underwent another major renovation. King Prithvi Narayan Shah is credited with building the current two-tiered pagoda-style temple that stands as the central focus of the complex. This temple, with its distinctive architecture and ornate carvings, exemplifies the traditional Newar architectural style prevalent in the Kathmandu Valley.
I along with my wife went on a pilgrimage to one of holiest Shiva Dham in Nepal. On our arrival early in morning next day we hired a cab and reached revered Pashupatinath temple complex. This is a huge complex of small temples. We went straight to main temple, had Darshan of Shivalinga and prayed to Lord Shiva, the ultimate refuge! After that we went around the temple complex. A great spiritual experience!
Before we returned we went to Indian dhaba for some refreshments. Unaware of the fact that I had lost my purse in the temple complex itself, awkward situation aroused as to how to foot the bill. I searched my pockets again and again but of no avail. Lord Shiva came to our rescue. My wife never used to put any money tied in her saree polu, but this time we found some money there. In the meantime dhaba walla came to collect his dues. I politely told him we have Indian currency with us. He readily said we accept that. What a great relief!
Chaman Lal Gadoo
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