Knowing “Pasupatinathâ€, The Most Revered Hindu Shrine
8183 10/04/2015 Trekking 159 /The temple of Pashupatinath, lies on the banks of the Bagmati River in Deopatan, a village 3 kms northwest of Kathmandu. It is dedicated to a manifestation of the Supreme Hindu Lord, “Shiva†being incarnated as “Pashupati“(lord of animals). This pious shrine attracts thousands of Hindu pilgrims each year from around the world. Although the non-Hindus are prohibited to enter the temple, they can still enjoy a good view of the premises from the opposite bank of the river.
History of Pashupatinath Temple
It is not known for certain when Pashupatinath was actually founded. Tradition says that it was constructed by King Pashupreksha of the Somadeva Dynasty in the 3rd century BC although the first historical records reveal the construction of the temple in the 13th 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, King Amshu Verma considered himself favored by his touching of the god's feet.
By the later Middle Ages, many imitations of the temple had been built in different cities of Kathmandu valley, such as in Bhaktapur (1480 AD), Lalitpur (1566 AD) and Benares ini India (early 19th century). The original temple was destroyed several times until it was given its present form by late King Bhuptendra Malla in 1697 AD.
According to a legend recorded in local texts, especially the “Nepalamahatmya†and the “Himavatkhandaâ€, the Hindu god Shiva once fled from the other gods in Varanasi (India) to Mrigasthali, the forest on the opposite bank of the Bagmati River. There, in the form of a gazelle, he slept with his consort “Parvatiâ€. When the gods discovered him there and tried to bring him back to Varanasi, he leapt across the river to the opposite bank, where one of his horns broke into four pieces. After this, Shiva became manifest as Pashupati (Lord of Animals) in a four-faced (chaturmukha) linga.
What to See at Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupati Temple stands in the heart of Deopatan, amidst an open courtyard. It is a square, two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth, and it stands 23.6 meters above the ground. Richly ornamented gilt and silver-plated doors are on four directions.
Both the sides of each door are embellished with the niches of various sizes containing gold-painted images of guardian deities. A narrow looking ambulatory encompasses the sanctum. The sanctum contains a one-meter high linga with four faces (chaturmukha) representing Pashupati, as well as the images of Hindu deities like Vishnu, Surya, Devi and Ganesh.
The priests of Pashupatinath are called “Bhattas†and the chief priest is called â€Mool Bhatta†or “Ravalâ€. During the time when the monarchy prevailed in Nepal, the chief priest used to be answerable only to the King of Nepal and reported to him on temple matters periodically.
The struts under the roofs, dating from the late 17th century, are decorated with wood carvings that the reveal the members of Lord Shiva's family such as consort Parvati and sons Ganesh & Kumar, as well as other significant Hindu deities like Hanuman, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana etc.
The mammoth premises of the Pashaputi Temple encapsulate many other ancient and important temples, shrines and statues. For instance, on the south of the temple, there is “Chadeshvarâ€, an inscribed Licchavi linga from the 7th century. There is also a sacred stone called “Dharmashilaâ€, where the sacred oaths are taken. Besides, many idols of former Shah Dynasty kings can also be seen here. On the north of the temple is a 9th-century shrine of “Brahmaâ€. Towards the northeast corner of the temple courtyard a small pagoda temple of Vasuki, the King of the Nagas (serpent) can be seen. Vasuki has the form of a Naga (serpent) from the waist upwards, while the lower parts are an intricate tangle of snakes' bodies. According to local belief, Vasuki took up residence here in order to protect Pashupatinath. One can often see devotees circumambulating and worshipping Vasuki before entering the main sanctum.
The Bagmati River, which runs next to Pashaputinath Temple, has highly sacred properties. Thus the banks are lined with many ghats (bathing spots) for use by pilgrims. Renovating or furnishing these sites has always been regarded as meritorious.
“Arya Ghatâ€, dating from the early 1900s, is of special importance because it is the only place where lustral water for Pashupatinath Temple can be obtained and it is where members of the royal family are cremated. The main cremation site is “Bhasmeshvar Ghatâ€, which is the most-used cremation site in the Kathmandu Valley. The preferred bathing spot for women is the Gauri Ghat towards the north.
Across the Bagmati River are 15 votive shrines, the Pandra Shivalaya, which were built to enshrine lingas in the memory of deceased persons between 1859 and 1869.
The temple of Pashupatinath holds a special place in the hearts of the Hindu devotees round the globe and thankfully, this pious shrine withstood the great quakes that devastated Nepal on April 25 and May 12, 2015. This shows that Pashupatinath is not just a mere structural edifice but actually an abode of the Supreme Hindu Deity, Lord Shiva. To honor His pious presence, every year, between late Januray to early February a super grand religious ritual known as “Maha Shiva Ratriâ€, is pursued in the temple premises. It is at this time when the Hindu devotees round the globe flock in to the temple to offer their prayers to the supreme Hindu Lord. The event is characterized by the devotees fasting all day offering prayers and singing the glory songs of Lord Shiva all night. The occasion is a perfect blend of lavish celebration and religious devotion.
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