From one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal we headed for Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most important Hindu temple, which is dedicated to Shiva.
Main Gate to Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath from other side of Bagmati River
Designated a World Heritage Site, the 24m-high pagoda-roofed temple itself is closed to non-Hindus. There is historical evidence that a temple to Shiva existed at this site in 879 AD. The present temple dates from 1697.
Pagoda-style gilded rooftops of Pashupatinath
Just inside the gate it’s possible to catch a view of a giant brass statue of Shiva’s bull Nandi.
Shiva's Bull Nandi
The temple is part of a large complex of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river. People come here to take ritual baths.
Want to bathe amid the garbage?
One former temple complex, the Panch Deval, is now a home for destitute old people.
Rooftops of the Panch Deval (Five Temples)
One of the oldest temples is this one.
Temple to Vasuki, King of Nagas
This one’s fairly new.
Across the river from the Pashupatinath Temple, there is a series of stone terraces with numerous small Shiva shrines.
Shiva Temples
These one-room temples are often used as lodgings by wandering sadhus (wandering ascetics) and each contains a central Shiva lingam.
Looking through a series of Shiva Temples. Note the sleeping mat.
Despite the varying styles, all have a mask of Bhairab, Shiva’s fearsome incarnation, on the south wall and a Nandi statue and animal-head water spout on the north.
Carving on Shiva Temple
Smaller carvings on a Shiva temple
- A bull among the temples
Some of the buildings have very elaborate architectural details.
Carving over a doorway
Part of a door
The top panel of the above door
Lest one get the impression that everything here is worthy of the photographer’s attention, consider these views.
Southeast of the temple
Old Shiva temples on the way from the parking lot