Pashupatinath Tour – A
pilgrimage tour to seven UNESCO designated world heritage site in Kathmandu.
Himalayan Pilgrimage Journey offers the best Pasupatinath
pilgrimage tour package in Nepal at most affordable rates! If you are planning
your pilgrimage yatra in Pashupatinath, then you need not look further.
We also offer pre-packaged tour for pilgrimage tour in
Nepal, India and Tibet and customize the trip to make your pilgrimage tour
special and personalized as per your needs.
About Pashupatinath
Dedicated to lord Shiva, Pashupatinath is one of the four
most significant holy site in Asia for devotees of Shiva. The temple was built
in the 5th century and later renovated by Malla King; this venerated
site was believed to be existed from the beginning of the millennium when lord
Shiva “Linga” was discovered here.
Pashupatinath is located on the bank of the Bagmati River
about 3km northwest of central Kathmandu. The temple is prohibited to
non-Hindus but a fascinating view of temple and ongoing religious ceremony can
be viewed from the vantage point located to the opposite bank of the river.
The entrance fee of Pashupatinath temple is NRS 1,000 (10
USD). Don’t forget to bring your ID card or Passport or you may be restricted
to enter other temples.
Every day a fest 84 foods are prepared for Pashupatinath and
12 foods are offered inside the main temple to feed lord Shiva. The feeding
process is done by chief Bhatta. On full moon day, the feast is offered to the
public on the right hand side of the temple.
Although the temple is embellished with fine art and
woodworks, taking pictures are strictly prohibited here.
It is not known exactly when the Pashupatinath was founded. There
are many legends liked with the formation of the temple. It is believed that
the temple was built on the site where Lord Shiva lost one of his antlers,
while he was in the guise of a deer. Another myth claims that the site was
founded by a herdsman whose cow showed the location of lingam by irrigating the
place it was buried with her milk.
The temple is a site where century-old religious ceremony
are practiced, offering the pilgrimage or visitors to experience the unique
spirit of Hindu tradition of life, death and reincarnation.
Places to visit during Pashupatinath Tour
The main temple of Pashupatinath is made with a bunk roof
and a golden spire. Located to the western bank of Bagmati, it is known for
masterpiece of ancient Hindu architecture.
The temple is in cubic shape with four main doors, all made
with silver sheets. The temple is two-storied made of copper; topped with gold
corn and stands 23.6m above the ground. The wood arts are highly fascinating
which is amazing to explore.
The both sides of each door are niches of various sizes with
gold-painted of deities. Inside the temple is narrow ambulatory around the
sanctum. The sanctum has Linga (1 m high) with four sides (Chaturlinga) and
represents the Lord Vishnu, Surya, Devi and Ganesh.
The priests operating the religious ceremony are called
Bhattas and the main Bhatta is called Mool Bhatta or Raval.
You can see the premises of temple decorated with wooden
made members of Lord Shiva’s family – Parvati, Ganesh, Kumar, Yoginis and
Hanuman, Rama, Sita, Lakshman and other gods and goddess.
The open ground of Pashupatinath contains many other ancient
and significant temples, shrines and statues. To the south of temple is
Chadeshvar, 7th century Licchavi Linga and to the north is 9th
century temple of Brahma. There is also Dharmashila, a stone where holy oaths
are taken and you also can see statues of various Shah Kings.
Likewise to the northeast corner of the temple is small
pagoda temple of Lord Vasuki, the King of Nags. Legend has it that Vasuki
settled here to protect Pashupatinath. You can see many pilgrims taking a Kora
of Vasuki before going to the main temple.
The Bagmati River located next to the Pashupatinath Temple
is highly venerated sites for Hindu. The bank of river has bathing spots for
the use of pilgrims. Arya Ghat, dating back to 1900s has special importance where
members of royal families are cremated. Bhasmeshvar Ghatt is the place which is
most used cremating site in the Kathmandu valley. Gauri Ghat to the north is
preferred bathing site for women.
Visitors can see 15 votive shrines, the Pandra Shivalaya
which were built between 1859 and 1969 to enshrine Lingas in memory of deceased
persons.
You can also see Kali emerging halfway at the bank of the
Bagmati River. It is said that, the statue is supposed to gradually emerge and
once it comes out totally, it signals the end of the world.
The evening Aarati with songs and dances is worth exploring
in Pashupatinath. Devotees flock here to see the aarati. It gives you the pure
feeling of spiritual attainment.
Festivals
Pashipatinath temple is major center to celebrate different
kinds of festivals throughout the year. Hundreds of thousands of people join
and enjoy the festival here. Maha Shiva Ratri Bala Chaturthi Festival and Teej
festivals are most significant festivals to celebrate here. Many people from
all over the world visits Pashupatinath during these festivals.
Sadhus
We can meet many Sadhus at Pashupatinath Temple Complex. They
have unique looks with unique paintings all over the body. Sadhus are ascetic
yogis who are meditating to acquire liberation from the cycle of death and take
a rebirth. Interesting thing about Sadhus is that, they are very friendly and
love to pose picture with Tourists. Don’t forget to give some bucks!
They live strange lifestyle in a holy cave or tiny cells on
the territory of Pashupatinath.
Daily Rituals performed in Pashupatinath
You can perceive many cultural and religious act of devotees
during Pashupatnath tour. Here are the daily schedules of Pashupatinath temple:
4:00 Am – The main gate opens for pilgrims
8:30 AM – The main Pugaris arrives and the lords
are bathed and clothes and jewelries are changed
9:30 AM – Baal Bhog or breakfast is feed to the
lord
10:00 AM – Pilgrims on Pashupatinath pilgrimage
trip are welcomed to offer their prayers. The Puja continues till 1:45 PM.
1:50 PM: Lunch is fed to the Lord Shiva
2:00 PM – Morning prayers ends
5:15 PM – The evening Aarati is operated inside
the main temple
6:00 PM – The Bagmati Ganda Aarati is performed
by the bank of Bagmati. Mostly people visit to see Aarati in Saturday, Monday
and special occasion.
7:00 PM: Door is closed
How to Get to Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath temple lies about 3km northwest of Kathmandu
city and it is close to the Boudhanath stupa and Tribhuvan International
Airport (about 2km, approx. 10 minute drive). If you like to tour
Pashupatinath, you can make combine trip to Boudhanath or visit Pashupatinath
upon your arrival or just before departure.
Distance from Major Places
in Kathmandu
Thamel – Pashupatinath – about 4.5km, approx. 20 minute
drive via cab
Kathmandu Durbar Square – Pashupatinath Temple – 5km,
approx. 20 minute drive via cab
Boudhanath Stupa – Pashupatinath Temple – 3km, approx. 15
minute drive via cab
Cost Info
Cost Includes
- Airport pick up and drop service
- 2 night accommodation at deluxe hotel in
Kathmandu
-
City tour with private guide and car
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, all days
-
All the monumental entrance fees
-
All the applicable governmental and local taxes
Cost Excludes
- International Flights/ Nepal entry visa fee
- Personal nature expenses
- Tips for guide and driver
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International
Airport
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our airport representative
will receive you outside the terminal hall and transfer you to the hotel. Enjoy
your free day at Thamel.
Day 02: Full day pilgrimage tour to Pashupatinath
Proceed for early morning visit to Pashupatinath with our
expert tour guide on private cab/car. After darshan and puja, also visit
Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. Drive back to the hotel and enjoy your time
exploring the bustling city.
Day 03: Final Departure
Our airport representative will transfer you to the
Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure.
