The world's holiest Shiva temple

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The world's holiest Shiva temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pashupatinath Temple, is not just a temple; it is the heart of the entire Sanatan Dharma and Nepali civilization. Shiva is worshipped here as Pashupatinath, the god who protects the creatures of the entire universe, as Pashu, i.e., animal, and Pati, i.e., husband.e. the lord. Let's understand the deep history and present of this ancient and supernatural temple.


1. Origin and historical background of the temple:

 There is no mention in history of the exact date when the Pashupatinath Temple was established, which is why it is called Anadi (whose beginning is unknown). But there are some interesting histories and legends about its origin and construction.

Religious belief- According to the Shiva Purana, once Lord Shiva and Parvati hid from Varanasi and came to the Shleshmantak forest deer sanctuary, where they took the form of a three-eyed deer and started living there. When the gods tried to recognize Shiva and catch him, one of the deer's horns broke.

 The same broken horn is believed to have later become the Jyotirlinga of Pashupatinath.

​Kamadhenu Cow and Shankhadeva- According to the Gopalraj Vansavali, in ancient times, Kamadhenu Cow used to go to a meadow on the banks of the Bagmati River every day and offer milk from her udder. After seeing this amazing sight, the shepherds dug up the place. During the digging, a very bright Jyotirlinga appeared from there, due to whose roar many shepherds were also burnt to ashes. Later, King Shankhadeva is believed to have built the first temple at the same place.

 Licchavi Period Evidence- According to historical facts, in the fourth to fifth centuries AD, the Lichchhavi King Prachandadev had a pagoda-style temple built here. Then the Malla kings (especially Jayasthiti Malla and Bhupatindra Malla) renovated and expanded it.

 2. Unique Panchamukhi Shivalinga and Tantric Significance:

 Inside the main temple of Pashupatinath, there is a Chaturmukhi Shivalinga with four faces, about one meter high. But in fact, it is a Panchamukhi (five-faced) Linga, the upper part of which is considered to be the invisible or Ishan form.

 3. South Indian Bhatta Priest Tradition:

 The most unique aspect of Pashupatinath Temple is its priestly tradition. ​After Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya visited Nepal in the 18th century B.E., the tradition of appointing only well-educated Brahmins from South India (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala) as the Mool Pujari began in order to maintain the pure Vedic tradition at Pashupatinath. ​The Mool Pujari is called Moolbhatta and is assisted by Nepali Brahmins (Bhandaris), who manage and maintain the internal management of the temple. This tradition has strengthened the centuries-old cultural and religious ties between Nepal and India.

 4. Architecture and grandeur of the temple premises:

 The present Pashupatinath Temple is a two-storey pagoda style. Both the roofs of the temple are made of pure copper with gold leaf. All the four doors of the temple are made of silver and in front of the western door there is a large bronze Nandi (bull) statue with a carved head. Around the main temple are the Guhyeshwori Temple (the eternal Shaktipeeth of Sati Devi), Vasuki Nath, Unmatta Bhairav, 15 Shivalayas, Mrigasthali, and Bhashmeshwar Ghat. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, this area is full of spiritual energy.

 5. Current situation and evening aarti:

 Every year, on Mahashivaratri, Bala Chaturdashi, and Monday in the month of Shrawan, lakhs of saints and pilgrims from all over the world flock here. In recent years, the Bagmati Ganga aarti, which is held every evening on the western bank of Pashupatinath (beyond the ghat), has become famous all over the world. This aarti, performed with musical hymns, conch shell sounds, and large lamps, enchants anyone who reaches there and provides mental peace.

​Conclusion:

Pashupatinath is not just a religious destination; it is a place to closely observe the ultimate truth of human life (the cycle of birth and death). The burning pyre on the banks of the Bagmati and the grand Shiva aarti on the other side make us realize the impermanence of life and the truth of God.

Om Namah Shivaya!

 

    Writer: Binod Kumar Simkhada

 binodkumarsimkhada315@gmail.com


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