Pashupatinath

The famous temple of Lord Pashupatinath lies on the west bank of holy river, Bagmati. It is near about 5 km northeast of Kathmandu. Gopal Vamshavali, the oldest ever chronicle in Nepal, states that the temple was build by Supuspa Dev, a Lichhavi king, who ruled around 464-505 A.D. However, another ancient chronicle states that this temple was in the Linga shaped Devalaya before Supuspa Dev constructed a five story temple in this place. The temple was renovated at different periods and finally it took the present shape during the period of Shivasimha Malla (1578-1620 AD). Later it was renovated two times: in 1674 and in 1697 AD. The temple is square shaped and it is in pagoda style. It stands in the middle of the specious courtyard. It has four silver/gold gilt doors on all the four sides and all the available space is filled with carvings and paintings even the struts depict various deities in various postures. Around the temple of Pashupatinath there are other smaller temples such as: Vasuki, Chandeshwor and Kirtimukha Bhairava (7th Century), the temple of Braha (9th Century), kotilingeswor, the temple of Unmatta Bhairava, Muktimandap, Radha Krishna and Parthiveswor (1470-1678 AD). According to the Hindu scriptures Pashupatinath is one of the most important places of pilgrimage. As the literal meaning of the word "Pashupatinath" is lord of all the animals of the universe, it is supposed to have control over all the living beings, human and non-human alike. Vedas and Puranas (sacred books of Hindus). For these reasons pilgrimes from different parts of the world flock in this place in all the seasons. The visitors can be counted in thousands everday and in hundreds of thousands inthe special occasions like Maha Shivaratri. The significance of the place is recognized in the international level too. Pashupati area is included in the list of the world cultural heritage.