Punam Phuyal
Pashupatinath temple is the biggest temple located in Gaushala, Kathmandu, Nepal. It is around 2 kilometer from Tribhuvan International airport. It is Shiva temple where millions of pilgrimage visit every year. It is one of the popular destination for heritage tour in Kathmandu. Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Sikh can visit the main sanctuma and inner courtyard of Pashupatinath temple whereas Christian are not permitted to enter the entrance of the main Temple but they can visit its surrounding. The temple is spread in an area of 2.56 square kilometer. The temle remains open throughout the year. This article aims to give the detailed information of Pashupatinath that can be a milestone for gaining knowledge about the temple.
According to Hindu banshawali, after the water of valley was drained out by Manjushree, the demon named danasur blocked the outlet and again tried to fill the valley with water. After then Lord Krishna came to kill the demon and make the valley suitable to live. Then Lord Krishna return back but Gwala who came with Lord krishna stay here. Gopal and Mahispal were the gwalas who ruled Nepal in ancient time. Gopali stayed in Chitlang, Thankot and Kirtipur. Today also different generations of Gopali under Newar community are found in these areas. Gopal used to do cow Farming.
The cow named Bahuri used to come from Kirtipur in this area, she used to drink water of Bagmati and stand on the mud hill exactly on the same place where Pashupatinath temple is located. The milk self comes out from her breast and she used to return her home. The famer was shocked from not getting milk from the cow. He was worried and started to notice the cow. Next day when he leaves the cows for raring he saw the Bahuri walking towards Bagmati, he followed the cow and saw the milk self-coming out for her mammary gland. Then he shared the incident and people dig the exact location and found Jyotirlinga. It was originated as light. The king named Supuspa established four faced, caturmukhi shiva linga to cover the Jyotirlinga in Lichhivi period before 3rd century as mentioned in Bhasa Banshawali.
The present shiva linga was established in 14th century after the attack of Samsodhin. They stole the property of temple alongwith gold and silver. The statue of Shiva Linga was also broken. The temple was closed for 11 years. The broken Shiva linga was taken out as it was touched by muslim and new statue was kept in the main temple by Jaya Singh Ram Bardan, the minister of Jayasthiti Malla. The new statue of Shiva Linga was made from black stone of Simraungad. After then, temple was reopened. There is written script about the reestablishment of the pashupatinath statue.
Pashupatinath temple is Pagadostyle temple with two golden roof, four silver door and golden Pinacle. There is panchayan with centrally located Shiva linga in the ground floor whereas upper floor is the store room where propery of temple is stored by the guthi. Tudal are present just below the roof for its support. Each tudal consist amazing craft with significant meaning.
We can see traditional roofed style, Sikhar style, bell type/dome shaped temple in Pashupatinath. Any temple with dome shaped temple is Shah dynasty’s temple. Other temple are older and ancient temples which are being renovated in different period of time.
Tudal of Pashupatinath represents four yug from the art on tudal of different direction.
There are five pinacles in Pashupatinath. Parvati is taken as primary goddess in form of Tripurasundari. So, Tripurasundari is worshipped in first by making Shri yantra via root of Kush on the (Ishan Kod) central part of Shiva Linga. Then Chaturmukhi shiva linga is worshipped in second stage. There are four statue in four corners inside the temple. There are Ganesh, Surya, Bishnu and Devi (ganga) in four corners respectively.
Central big Pinacle for centrally located Shiva linga, and four small pinnacle in four side for four lords, Bishnu, Ganesh, Surya and Ganga as devi respectively. Ganga statue is of metal. The statue is taken out once in a year during July / September and given to the priest of Ganga temple. The Ganga statue is worshipped well with taking bath, hom and chariot around the pashupati area. Then again it is returned to the main temple. Four gods are worshipped after Shiva linga in regular puja of Pashupati. The time when Ganga is taken out, Bhattas will go to the Ganga temple for worshipping her after pashupatinath and three gods inside the temple.
Pashupatinath is surrounded by nine devis. They are:
The nine devis temples around Pashupatinath denotes that the main Pashupatinath temple is under the control/protection of Shakti. There is rule to worship all the devis and goddess around Pashupatinath and finally worship the main Shiva linga. First we should worship Basukinagraj temple as it is the protecter of property of Pashupatinath.
Devis are worshipped in different forms. Some of them are:
Some temple has pinnacle, some do not have pinnacle because it is believed that the god or goddess will forecast either they want stay inside walls, roof or open though some signal or dream of people. There is special jatra in Pashupati in ghodejatra on which Batchaleshwori is worshipped in special way by giving sacrifice. Human used to be sacrificed in this temple in ancient time. The family who get the little finger in their food while eating the party, that family should make one unmarried female ready to sacrifice for upcoming year. This culture has been modified and male goad is sacrifiied nowadays.
The chita is made for black male goat and burned at mid-night. Then the meat is offered to Batchaleshwori as narbali (human bali) and eaten by different guthiyars during ghode jatra. It is mentioned in banshawali as well. It is celebrated for three days.
Pashuptinath homes to different yogis. Aghori baba stay near by Batshalyeshori temple and Bhasmeshwor ghat. Nath sect yogi stay in the area near by Gorakhnath and Vaishnav sect stay in the area nearby Bishnu temple.
There are cave connecting each other in the wall near by Vashmeshwor ghat. Naropa and Tilopa also meditiate there. Any beggers, Yogi can stay and meditate in these caves.
Satbij refers to seven types of seeds i.e. rice, wheat, maize, barley, seasame, nuts and lentils. It is believed that if the bird aet the seed then it is good sign to get salvation. The occasion occurs in bala caturdashi. It starts from Aryaghat, Kirateshwor, Pashupati temple, chausatti, enters sleshmantak forest then to deaf Ganesh and say the name of person on whose memory the satbij is spread. At last we will go down to Bhagal bhugal mahadev and finish the seeds we bought to spread.
Batchaleshwori devi is the dearest devi of Lord Shiva, thus this temple is close to main temple. Satbij was also spread by Batchaleshwori. Thus pilgrims also start to spread satbij from Pancha Ganesh temple the exact point where Batchaleshwori devi spread the seeds to know Lord Shiva in the form of deer. Then to Pashupatinath, Kirateshwor, all temples, another side of Bagmati river and last point is Bhagal bhuhal.
The slesmantak forest is also called as Mrigasthali. The mythical story related to Mahadev and Parvati said that lord shiva came to visit slesmanthak forest and stay hear in the form of deer for a long time. The Kailash became vacant in absence of Shiva then lord Bishnu, Indra and Brahma came to devi parvati asked about his location. She shared the information about being deer and palying in the slesmantak forest. Three of them came but could not identify Shiva. Then they returned to Kailash and said that they were unable to identify Lord Shiva. Then Parvati said that Shiva in the form of deer have golden horn. Even though they couldnot identify Lord then Parvati self come to this forest and spread satnij for deers, finally the deer with golden horn also came to eat the seeds and lord shiva was found.
Pashupatinath area is is holy place where we can see amazing monuments that relates our history, culture and religion. Some major monuments are describes below:
Sesh Shahi Bishnu statue of 2nd century is the oldest statue of Pashupatinath which is located inside the ghate Baidhya house. The Birupachhe statue is second oldest statue built in 4th century. Bishnuvikranta statue was established by King Mandev. It was kept in Lichhavi dynasty which is in the eastern gate of Pashupathinath.
The first statue of Buddha putting his hands up, is located behind the aryaghat. The statue dates back to 7th 8th century. Two vikshu Narapa and Tilipa used to meditate in cave below the temple of Pashupati in 12th century. They used to walk the way via statue.
The big trishul was offered to Lord Shiva by Jayalambha in Lichhivi period. It is stone trishul and has been modified by coating metal.
Trisul is the weapon of Lord Shiva. It has significant meaning that tends to make our life more meaning ful. The trishul denotes that we are suffered from three heat/tap i.e. aadidaibik tap, aadi vhautik tap and aadhyamik tap. Adidaivik refers to fear of getting curse from god if we do not engage in chanting and praying. Aadi vautik refers to fear of dying due to natural disaster. Aadhyatmik tap refers to the fear of not getting wisdom in us. Trishul shows up the three fear in us and if we get rid from these fear and develop wisdom in us then we don’t need to reborn on this earth.
It is the statue made by pottery maker of Banepa. It was brought by himself. It is teracort art of 15th century. Different body parts were carried separately and fitted in this place. Actually it was aimed to put inside the corridor of temple but king did not allow to put inside so he leave it on the bank of Bagmati. Later on the temple like structure was made and support is given. There is shiva linga and yamaraj statue along with Ananta Narayan statue.
There is round stone, called saurya mandal silakhanda kept by female named Punya gomi. There is inscription written on the stone which mentioned that it was kept in Lichhivi period for the purpose of keeping pinda while doing Shraddha. Later on some people kept the statue of Yamaraj on its side during medival period. The same stone is termed as chitragupta.
A culture is developed on which the family member kept 2 pairs of bati on leaf plate per person and burnt bati is flowed in the Bagmati on narkechatudasi of Tihar. The person who flow the bati take bath on Bagmati and worship Yamaraj and chitra gupta. It is believed that none of the family member will die in the year after performing this ritual.
One upon a time one foolish man come to buy Pashupatinath temple. Then he was told to feel the metal statue and buy it. The statue was hollow inside so it was not filled thus he leave the money and went without buying. Since then it is called Drabyashwor Mahadev.
Brahma temple is the oldest temple of Pashupatinath. It is stone temple built in 9th century. There is Shiva linga inside but the thympanum shows Brahma and proof as it is the temple of Brahma. There is rule of building Brahma temple in one corner of Shiva temple thus, it hs been built but statue has been repaced by Shiva linga.
The first temple we should visit in Pashupatinath is Basukinagraj temple. It is located in the northeast corner of main temple.
Myth of Basukinagraj
According to the book, Nepal Mahatmya, in ancient time, a serpent named kohina stole all the gold and other ornaments of Pashupatinath and tends to ran through the bank of Bagmati river. Basukinagh knew about it and followed the Kohina, defeat it and returned all the property to Pasupatinath. Then, lord Shiva became very happy and requested to stay nearby Pashupatinath for his protection. He also announced that pilgrimage will worship you first, around the temple and then came to me.
The water flowing from main temple is passed through the Narayan statue. The water drainage from the Shiva Linga is set under this statue so that normal people can walk over the drainage after being passed from the Narayan. The water is connected to the ladder and opened in brahmanal.
It has 64 pillars that resembles 64 yonis. It is believed that if we sat in this mandap and rest then all sin throughout the lifetime will be forgiven. There is large Shiva linga in the middle of the mandap which was built by king Yakshya Malla in 15th century. Chanting occurs throughout the day and night every year. People sat by burning fire as well.
The bhairav having only mouth. Jalandar asked Rahu to beg Parvati with Shiva. Then Lord become angry then produce one Bhairav from his body and request to send him back to Jalandar. Rahu was clever thus it ran and sit on the leg of Shiva. Then Rahu was left by Lord Shiva. After then Bhairv said I am tired of chasing him and now you are leaving him. He became angry and said “ I want something to eat” then Lord Shiva said eat your body, he followed and eat all body parts and only head was left. Then Bhirav again said what should I do now? Then Lord Shiva said you are my greatest devotee, and he announced that those who come to worship him should first visit Kirtimukh Bhairav located in the south face then worship me.
There is an interesting story on it. There is mahastan festival in every Purnima. 7 muthi. 7 mana, 7 pathi and 7 muri rice is cooked in each Purnima and offered to Lord Shiva. Along with rice, dal curry, lentils, ghee are half cooked. There is copper plate fitted for eating. This festival was begin by Kantabati, the queen of Rana Bahadur. She gave field as guthi for this festival. She appointed Maithili Jha Brahmin from her parental village for preparing food. This trend a living culture in Pashupatinath.
In Mahastan festival, animals are offered in Pashupatinath. Small he goat is offered for Kirtimukh Bhairav then small bull is offered to north face of Pashupatinath. Then only
There are 528 shiva linga in Chaushathi. It was kept by Pratap malla. He was very sensual king. He kept unusual relation with small girl and she died. He was sad and frustrated by this incident. He went to Pashupatinath and confess that he committed crime and want to be liberated from it. Then Nityananda swami suggested to meditate in Pashupatinath and establish various form of Shiva linga by making koti lingeshwor in the centre by tantric way for getting liberation. Also make shiva linga in different places until reaching Hanumandhoka. If we commit any crime and feel guilty then we can get liberation after worshiping Kotilingeshwor in Chausathi.
There are 10, 12 pillar on the south side of the temple. Each pillar has hole on it. The old kings used to make balance with the help of pillar and measure ornaments and property equal to their weight and offered to Pashupatinath. Thus Pashupatinath is richest temple with these ornaments and coins offeresd by past kings and people. There is inscription written in it.
It is metal statue. It was there since the establishment of Pashupati as there is rule that there should be Bhairav statue in the south side of Shiva linga. Probably the statue was different in the starting phase. Later on the man named Narayan Bhatta kept metal statue on 14th century. Nepal sambat 589 and make temple and kept pinnacle on the temple after three years.
There are different stones with Inscription since Lichhivi period. It shows Jayadev Ditya offered large silver lotus to Pashupatinath. Many inscription are of past time are that pashupatinath is oldest temple with highest faith and believes.
There is well below the Shiva Linga with the size as big as the Jhalari of Shivalinga. In the age of King Shiva dev, the Lichhivi’s age king, the well was future prediction well on which if the man see water in the well, they could see their face of future life. The king also see through the well and saw the face of dog and decided to fill the well and cover it with large Shiva Linga. The largest Shiva Linga built in 8/9th century. Later on the earthquake make the Shiva Linga tilted.
Bishnu Gupta of later Lichhivi period kept the staue of Bishnu. Gada and chakra on two hands. Padma and sankha on the body of the two men, thus it is the statue of Lord Bishnu with ayudpurush two ambles on the body of two men. Misconduct as Ram Mandir believing two people as the son of two Ram. Lichhivi period’s temple 7th century temple and renovated time to time. Thus, kept hanuman on the top of Pillar.
Richest temple, as the princes who goes sati after the death of king gave all their ornaments before going to chita. The Banshawali mentioned that oil used to be poured with mantra on the queens or female’s ear to get rid from the pain of burning. The women came and pass through sati dwar and go near by chita for burning.
The first statue with security guard in Uma Maheshwor statue is the most beautiful statue in Pasupatinath Nepal. It is the 5th century’s statue. The Uma Maheshwor statue from 1st, 2nd century usually did not have guards.
There was attack in Pasupathinath by Samasuddhin, came from India via Sindhuli route. They followed the bank of Bagmati to enter Pashupatinath. Most of the statue’s face were broken. They target Pasupatinath to stole the gold, silvers, money and precious ornaments stored in the temple.
The forest of Lapsi, the art and architecture of this site is related to Shah dynasty except goraknath. There was tradition to make temple on the name of dead people or on own name after being king or minister. There is temple of Bishorup. It was made by Jangabahadur. It consists of Kameshwor statue with 12 heads, thousands of hands, Bhirav art on the stomach. The staue is amazing with as a great sculpture. The statue has hugged the grate staue of Kameshwori with many heads and hands. Both are metal statue. It is 7 feet high. The statue shows all the parts of human anatomy and covered with thin metal layer of skin. The Bishworup statue is in centre while the statue of Bishnu, Ganesh, Devi and Sun is kept in four corners. The temple is now termed as panchayan temple.
Shiva came in the form of Gorakhnath and asked for porridge in common woman house. Then woman denied to give porridge. He became angry and sat in this Slesmanthak area by keeping all the serpants of Kathmandu that helps in ranfall, Afterwards the valley undergoes draught and lack of water became a major problem. Then Machindranath was brought from Kamarukamakshya, Asham by Bandudatta, King Narendra dev and aachaju (newar from Patan) in the form of bee. After then Gorakhnath wakeup to bow down infront of Machindranath. After then all serpents return to their original place and rainfall occurs.
This place is called siddhasan chetra. It is for nath sect. There is sign of feet inside the temple. It was built in Yakshya malla’s period in 14th century. Yoginarendra nath stay here for long time and protected the people belonging to nath sect. Srishnath is the mathadish in the present time. Even Manakama devi is established here. They worship in tantric way and sacrifice livingbeings to god. All jatra begins after worshiping by nath sect. They cook rot to offer god daily.
Their body is burried after their death. They offer rot in the grave as well.
The oldest temple where the body of satidevi was fall and saktipith was developed. Gujeshwori is represented as Kalash. Dome shaped Vairav, siddheshwor Mahadev was established along with Gujeshwori shaktipith.
Vary rare and less in number, only 5, 6 Shiva linga with one face and big Jalari is in Pashupatinath. These Shiva linga was built in Lichhavi period.
5 bhatta brahmin, 4 of them associated with puja in Pashupati and 1 is associated with puja in Basukinag/ Nagraj. He stayed in the the house near by Nagraj. Among 4 Bhattas, 2 stays in in the house nearby rajarajeshwori ghat. 1 bhatta live in the house located in the left side of Pashupati temple. 1 bhatta neary by Bishnu temple.
The main reason to housed the Bhatta near by Bishu temple is to cross the bagmati river and do Namaste for all souls whose body get burned in Rajarajeshwori ghat and Bhasmeshwor ghat, Raja rajeshwori and surya ghat so that all the souls get chance to see lord Shiva in Bhatta and get salvation.
All bhattas should take pashupat dikshya to be eligible for worshiping pashupatinath. This Pashupat dikshya system is not available in Nepal. This special education is linked with Snkharachary’s education.
Another region behind keeping Indian Bhatta is that all Nepali should not attend puja ceremony during the death of King. If the citizen is from another country then Pashupatinath puja will not be disturbed.
The five Bhattas have their specific position. The one who became the age of 60 will get retired and 2nd bhatta will get the position of first. The fifth one will be new one. Each Bhatta are married and live with their wife. They are taken as Shiva and parbati.
We should start rotating Pashupatinath from North. We should do half circle. First we should go to Trishul, then to Nagraj then towards Narayan statue to east and went to south and toward west and then to north and return to south again. We should not rotate circularly from north because the Jalari of Shival linga always faced to north, and the water flowing from north should not be crossed by our footsteps. So we should go to Nagraj temple from north, go to east then south and went to west and then to north and return to west again.
All Nepali who died within the territory of Nepal or whose dead body arrives in Nepal can be burned in Pashupatinath.
The male child before bratabanda and female before mensuration are burried in slesmanthak area. Kirat community such as Rai Limbu are also burried in the Slesmantak area.
Pahupathinath temple covers wide area and it is vast to understand. There are more than thousand small temples with shiva linga in different forms. It lies on the bank of Bagmati river and consired as the most holiest cremation site. The Ganga arati is the another attration that heals us from tired day. It is holy place where we can feel inner peace. It is believed that our wishes comes true and sin will be forgiven once we visit Pashupatinath in our life time.
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