Small Temple Buildings At The Pashupatinath Temple Complex

Near Bagmati River, Kathmandu, NEPAL

Found in Nepali scriptures, such as the Nepal Mahatmya, we discuss the history, architecture, and importance of the Pashupatinath Temple Complex.

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A Short History Of The Pashupatinath Temple

Many stories and legends exist around the creation of the Pashupatinath Temple and the connection to Lord Shiva, to whom the temple is dedicated.

One of the more well known legends tells of Shiva and Parvati, and how they roamed the Mrigasthali forest, on the banks of the Bagmati River, as gazelle or antelopes.

As recorded in the Nepal Mahatmya and the Himbhagwatkhanda, Shiva had come to hide in the forest after escaping from Varanasi. However, the Gods later found Shiva and during his attempt to escape once more, his horns broke off.

The four parts of his broken horns became the chaturmukha linga which was worshipped by Shiva devotees. Later the linga was buried and lost.

The legend continues with a herdsman, who noticed a cow letting her milk flow onto a spot on the ground. He continued to watch her for a few days before digging at the site, where he and some of his friends found a linga.

They then built a small temple there and began to worship it in the name of Pashupatinath.

Another of the stories behind the Pashupatinath Temple states that there was a temple built in the shape of a Devalaya Linga. Later Supuspa Deva built a five story temple at the site.

Over time the temple required renovations and repairs, and was later rebuilt by Shivadeva, a mediaeval king during 1099 to 1126 CE. Ananta Malla also added a roof to the existing temple.

Though, even with the ancient text available, no one truly knows when the Pashupatinath Temple was first built.

In 1979, the Pashupatinath Temple was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, as part of the Kathmandu Valley.

The Architecture At Pashupatinath Temple

The Pashupatinath Temple complex stretches over an area of two thousand four hundred and sixty square kilometres, on which stands the main Pashupatinath Temple and five hundred and eighteen small temples.

The main temple was built in the architectural style known as Nepali pagoda. Resting on a square shaped base platform, twenty three metres and seven centimetres from the pinnacle of the base.

The temple includes four main doors, which are covered in silver sheets, and a pinnacle made of gold.

Inside the temple there are two garbhagriha, an inner and outer. The inner garbhagriha houses an idol, while the outer is an open corridor.

During the 2015 earthquake that occurred in Nepal, during April, some of the outer buildings were destroyed or damaged. Though, with the amount of damage throughout Kathmandu, the main temple at Pashupatinath was untouched.

The Importance Of Pashupatinath Temple

With hundreds of temples on the grounds, Pashupatinath Temple has become a site of great pilgrimage for Hindu followers.

Many of the Hindu pilgrimage activities are held at the Pashupatinath Temple, such as last rights and an open cremation ceremony, to name a few.

At the complex there is also a Jyotirlingas, believed to be a site where the light of Shiva had reached when he pierced the world. Therefore, many who visit the site come with the aim to receive salvation from the sins they committed during this life

The temples showcased in the photograph above are some of the smaller temples located at the Pashupatinath Temple complex. The photograph was taken by M.B. Steyn.

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Small Temple Buildings At The Pashupatinath Temple Complex

Near Bagmati River, Kathmandu, NEPAL

INSPIRATION PHOTO

A Short History Of The Pashupatinath Temple

The Architecture At Pashupatinath Temple

The Importance Of Pashupatinath Temple

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July 2023 Is Just Around The Corner!

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Small Temple Buildings At The Pashupatinath Temple Complex

Near Bagmati River, Kathmandu, NEPAL

INSPIRATION PHOTO

A Short History Of The Pashupatinath Temple

The Architecture At Pashupatinath Temple

The Importance Of Pashupatinath Temple

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Trending Now

July 2023 Is Just Around The Corner!

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