Pashupatinath Temple, NepalImage Credit Source: Andrea Pistlesi/Stone/Getty Images
Nepal Shiva Temple: The Pashupatinath Temple located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is not just a religious place, but a symbol of spiritual peace and salvation. Thousands of years old this temple is considered one of the most sacred and important sites of Lord Shiva. Whose glory is also described in the Puranas and Vedas. Come, let us know why Pashupatinath temple is so special and why death here also becomes the path of salvation.
History and beliefs
The history of Pashupatinath Temple is very ancient, but the correct date of its construction is unknown. However, it is believed that it was built by King Prachanda Dev of the Lichhavi dynasty in the 5th century. Later, this temple has been renovated and rebuilt from time to time. A mythological story associated with the temple is very popular. It is said that Lord Shiva once came to roam here by taking the form of a deer. The gods wanted to take him back to Kailash, but he did not want to leave from there. Meanwhile, his horn broke, and he was established as a Shivling. For this reason, Lord Shiva is worshiped here as Pashupati, which means ‘lord of animals’. Even today, the Pashupatinath temple has a four -faced Shivalinga, which has the upper part of the fifth face, and it is worshiped as the same divine gender.
Unique architecture
The architecture of the Pashupatinath Temple is built in the Nepali Pagoda style, which makes it even more attractive. The main peak of the temple is covered with gold and has four gates, which are made of silver. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has a clever Shivalinga, which has all four faces in different directions and they represent different forms of Lord Shiva. Apart from this clever Shivling, there are many other small and big temples and sculptures in the temple complex, which are dedicated to various deities.
The path of salvation
Pashupatinath Temple is also called the ‘entrance to death’, because death here is also considered a sacred and salvation event. There is Arya Ghat on the banks of the Bagmati river near the temple, where the dead bodies are cremated according to Hindu customs. It is believed here that due to the funeral at Arya Ghat, the person attains salvation and he is freed from the cycle of birth and death. Another belief is that a person who sees the Pashupatinath temple in the last moments of his life gets salvation after death. Therefore, many people come here in the last days of their lives so that they can peacefully give up their lives.
Spiritual importance and festival
The importance of Pashupatinath temple is not only related to death, but it affects every aspect of life. Every day thousands of devotees come here to see Lord Pashupatinath. Devotees throng here on festivals like Mahashivaratri, Bala Chaturdashi and Teej. The festival of Mahashivaratri is celebrated with great pomp here. On this day, not only Nepal, but millions of devotees from India and the world come here. Special worship and religious rituals are performed in the temple.
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV 9 India does not confirm this.