Temple · Hindu
Pashupatinath Temple
पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर
Lord Shiva (Pashupati)·5th century CE (current structure 17th century)·Kathmandu
Nepal's holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the Bagmati River.
Dedicated to
Lord Shiva (Pashupati)
Period
5th century CE (current structure 17th century)
Hours
4:00 AM – 9:00 PM (darshan timings vary)
Admission
Local 1000 · USD 10
Neighborhood
Deopatan, Gaushala
Pashupatinath Temple is the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal and one of the most significant Shiva temples in the world. Located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 5th century CE, though the current pagoda-style temple was rebuilt in the 17th century.
The main temple features a two-tiered golden roof, four silver-covered doors, and a distinctive gold pinnacle. Only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple compound, but visitors can observe the temple and cremation ghats from across the river.
The temple complex spans 264 hectares with 518 temples, ashrams, and inscriptions. The Arya Ghats along the Bagmati are used for Hindu cremation ceremonies, visible to visitors — a profound and moving experience. Sadhus (holy men) can often be seen around the complex, and the Maha Shivaratri festival draws hundreds of thousands of devotees annually.
Best visited in autumn.autumn: best, 10°C to 27°C. Perfect weather for exploring the extensive temple complex. Dashain brings special pujas and a festive atmosphere. monsoon: possible, 20°C to 30°C. Bagmati River swells. Cremation ghats are atmospheric in the rain. Carry an umbrella for the temple complex walk. spring: good, 12°C to 30°C. Warm days. Maha Shivaratri (Feb/Mar) draws massive crowds. Outside the festival, comfortable visiting conditions. winter: good, 3°C to 20°C. Cool and clear. Morning aarti ceremonies are magical in the crisp winter air. Dress warmly for early morning visits.
The Almanac
| Season | Months | Rating | Temperature | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| spring | Mar–May | Good | 12° — 30°C | Warm days. Maha Shivaratri (Feb/Mar) draws massive crowds. Outside the festival, comfortable visiting conditions. |
| monsoon | Jun–Sep | Possible | 20° — 30°C | Bagmati River swells. Cremation ghats are atmospheric in the rain. Carry an umbrella for the temple complex walk. |
| autumn | Oct–Nov | Best | 10° — 27°C | Perfect weather for exploring the extensive temple complex. Dashain brings special pujas and a festive atmosphere. |
| winter | Dec–Feb | Good | 3° — 20°C | Cool and clear. Morning aarti ceremonies are magical in the crisp winter air. Dress warmly for early morning visits. |
- spring Mar–May
- Warm days. Maha Shivaratri (Feb/Mar) draws massive crowds. Outside the festival, comfortable visiting conditions.
- monsoon Jun–Sep
- Bagmati River swells. Cremation ghats are atmospheric in the rain. Carry an umbrella for the temple complex walk.
- autumn Oct–Nov
- Perfect weather for exploring the extensive temple complex. Dashain brings special pujas and a festive atmosphere.
- winter Dec–Feb
- Cool and clear. Morning aarti ceremonies are magical in the crisp winter air. Dress warmly for early morning visits.
Folio II
Iconography & Detail
Folio III
Situation
Coda
