Great Shiva Temples

Pashupatinath, Kathmandu

On the banks of the Bagmati, Pashupatinath is the most sacred Shiva temple in Nepal.

LocationKathmandu, on the Bagmati river
State / RegionNepal
Worshipped asPashupati — Lord of all beings
Best time to visitOctober to March; Maha Shivaratri is a major festival

Religious significance

The pagoda-style temple has a four-faced (chaturmukha) linga. It is part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ghats along the Bagmati are used for cremation, and the grounds are home to many sadhus, especially at Maha Shivaratri.

Traditional story

One story says that Shiva and Parvati, enchanted by the forest here, took the form of deer. When the gods found him, they grasped his horn, which broke — and from it the linga is said to have arisen.

Legends are presented as they are told within the tradition; they hold spiritual meaning for devotees and are not offered as historical record.

Visitor guidance

  • Entry to the main temple courtyard is restricted to Hindus; others may view from the eastern bank.
  • Photography of cremations should be avoided out of respect.

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