One of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrines is a fascinating temple complex known for its beautiful pagoda architecture, monuments and shrines.
Pashupatinath Temple is a religious complex that straddles the holy Bagmati River. It honors Pashupati, the Lord of Animals and a manifestation of the Hindu god Shiva. For many Hindu followers, this is one of the holiest temples in Nepal. Admire shrines, statues and the rich decoration of temple exteriors and mingle with religious devotees and holy men. As a popular site for funerals, you may even see an open-air cremation by the river.
Wander around the complex to see centuries-old temples and shrines dedicated to Shiva. Access to the imposing main temple is for Hindus only, but you can study the two-tiered pagoda temple's gilt and silver-plated doors, carvings of deities and golden spire. Visit the temple of Vasuk and the temple of Brahma, which dates back to the ninth century. Stop by the Dharmashila, a stone where people take sacred oaths.
Watch pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines and elaborately dressed holy men, known as sadhus, meditating outside the temples.
Go to the temple’s ghats, the riverside stone steps where people come to bathe and local women wash clothes. Funeral pyres can often be seen here as families perform religious rituals and prepare deceased loved ones for open-air cremations. In fact, many elderly Hindus come to the temple every year to spend the last few weeks of their lives. They are then cremated by the river.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the busy marketplace, which surrounds the temple complex. Browse stalls with animated hawkers offering everything from incense to prayer beads and handmade icons of deities.
Pashupatinath Temple is about a 15-minute taxi ride from Kathmandu Durbar Square. Buses departing from Ratna Park also stop at the temple, but these are often crowded.
The temple is open daily and admission charges apply. English-speaking guides are available for a supplementary fee. Early morning and during evening prayer time are good times to visit, because the complex is closed for most of the afternoon. Temple authorities request that visitors dress appropriately for a religious site and refrain from taking photos of the ghats.
