Opening timings for pashupatinath temple

One of the oldest temples in Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple, lies at the banks of River Bagmati. The grand temple is built in the Pagoda style of architecture with cubic constructions and an impressive statue of a large bull or Nandi, covered in gold. Until Nepal was secularised, the temple served as the seat of Lord Pashupatinath. Destroyed by Mughal invaders, the temple still holds its original splendour and aura.

The two level roofs of Pashupatinath Temple are embellished with gold and the four main doors are adorned with silver.The temple is famous for its awe-inspiring and astounding pagoda architecture.The western door has a statue of a large Bull, Nandi, is ornamented in gold. This black stone idol, about 6 ft in height and circumference, adds to the beauty and charisma of the temple.Lauded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 300 year old temple will astound you with its grandeur and brilliant architecture. Shivratri or the night of Lord Shiva is celebrated here in all its glory and fervour.

According to a legend recorded in local texts, especially the Nepalamahatmya and the Himavatkhanda, the Hindu Lord Shiva once fled from the other gods in Varanasi to Mrigasthali, the forest on the opposite bank of the Bagmati River from the temple. There, in the form of a gazelle, he slept with his consort Parvati. 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-face (chaturmukha) linga. Do visit Pashupatinath Temple.

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