Pashupatinath Temple | Ancient Temple of The Fifth Century
Without a doubt, Pashupatinath Temple Nepal is one of the most visited Nepalese temples. Though there are other Nepalese temples that are visited widely throughout the year, Pashupatinath Temple has its own charm and fame. The exact date of the foundation of Pashupatinath Temple is unknown, however, the current Pashupatinath temple complex was established in the 5th century by the Lichchhavi King Prachanda Dev. The complex consists of the main temple, along with around 500 temples and 184 shrines. Bagmati River, which is one of the main rivers of Nepal flows through the temple complex.
Pashupatinath Temple is a hindu holy place which is evident by the fact that people come here for all their religious functions. Quite near to this hindu holy place, there are multiple cremation spots by the Bagmati river. Bodies are cremated here everyday, and their remains are dropped in the river. Some of the main temples that are parts of the Pashupati Temple Complex include Surya Narayana Temple, Vasukinath Temple, Ram Temple, Vishwa Swaroop Temple, and so on. It is a must visit attraction for anyone who comes to Nepal, even if he’s not a Hindu. The architecture, the ambience, the vibe of Pashupatinath doesn’t fail to impress you.
World Heritage Site In Nepal
Altogether, there are 10 World Heritage Site in Nepal. Out of them, 7 happen to be in the Kathmandu Valley. The rest of the 7 world heritage site in Nepal are scattered across the country. Two of them are wildlife reserves, whereas the other one is a temple complex. Sagarmatha National Park is located in the Solukhumbu district in Nepal. As a matter of fact, it covers multiple districts. One of the most prominent features of Sagarmatha National Park is Mount Everest, which is situated inside the park. In the same way, Chitwan National Park is situated in Chitwan District. Without a doubt, it is the most visited national park of Nepal, mainly because of easy access, and because it allows you to explore numerous species of wildlife through different kinds of jungle safari rides. Finally, Lumbini is actually a place that houses the Mayadevi temple. It is known to be the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, who founded Buddhism. The temple is actually a complex that has numerous monasteries in it. Different countries have contributed from their side by building heritages like pagodas in the temple complex. For the followers of Buddhism, it is one of the most important places in the world. With so many people visiting these sites every year, Sagarmatha National Park, Chitwan National Park and Lumbini and three of the most significant world heritage sites in Nepal.
World Heritage Site In Kathmandu
Kathmandu as a city is one of the richest when it comes to cultural heritages. At one point of time in history, it was believed that Kathmandu has more temples than houses. And so, it was named, ‘the city of temples’. Altogether, the city has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And if we’re to consider the neighboring cities of Bhaktapur and Patan, which forms the Kathmandu Valley, there are altogether 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites in it. The existence of so many World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, considering its small area, is a wonderful thing. You can go for a World Heritage Tour inside the Kathmandu Valley itself.
Boudhanath
Quite like Swayambhunath, Boudhanath is also an important religious site for the Buddhists. Especially for Tibetan Buddhists, Boudhanath has an even higher status than Swayambhunath. It is actually a complex consisting of a huge stupa, with gompas, around 50 in number, and many other religious heritages around it. Boudhanath falls in the ancient route using which merchants from both Tibet and Nepal visited each other’s countries. Tibetans would specially offer their homage to the deity. When refugees from Tibet entered Nepal, they settled in the areas around Boudhanath. Historically speaking, the complex was established by a great Lichchhavi King known as Sivadeva, in the 6th century.
Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath is one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It is highly regarded by both Newar and Tibetan Buddhists. It is a complex consisting of a huge stupa at the center and numerous other Buddhist relics and heritage surrounding it. The entire complex is situated at the top of a hill. The meaning of the word ‘Swayambhu’ is self sprung, and mythologically, there are so many stories that speaks of its origins. In most of them, it just comes into existence. Historically, it was established by King Vrsadeva, who was the great grandfather of King Manadev, one of the most iconic Lichchhavi Kings to ever rule Nepal.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the three major palace squares in the valley; the other two being Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. The complex consists of a huge palace with courtyards, and numerous temples surrounding it. For instance, Taleju Temple, Narayan Temple, Bhagwati Temple, and so on. The palace was used for residence and ruling by different Shah kings, and the Malla kings, who ruled before them. Apart from all the temples, the complex also consists of Kumari’s Home, who is regarded and worshipped as the living goddess. The palace square was established by the Lichchhavi ruler Shankharadev in the 11th century.
Patan Durbar Square
Quite like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square is also a complex that consists of a palace, courtyards and temples. Some of the major temples of the courtyard are Taleju Bhawani Temple, Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, and so on. Unlike other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is unknown who or when laid the foundations of this amazing place, but many heritages were built in the 16th century. During that time, the Mallas ruled the valley, and not just Patan; and their reign was considered to be one of the most prosperous ones in history. The palace square is considered to be religiously significant not just among Hindus but Buddhists as well.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the most popular cultural heritages of Kathmandu, if not the entire country. It is a complex consisting of a palace, palace squares and temples. Bhaktapur Durbar Square looks different, and specifically speaking, more spacious than other palace squares. It is the result of the earthquake that occurred in the year 1934. It destroyed so many heritages beyond repair, giving the square its current appearance. The major attractions of Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the 55 Windows Palace, Nyatapola or the Five storied temple, Lion’s Gate, Bhairav Nath Temple, the Golden Gate, and so many more.
Changunarayan Temple
Changunarayan Temple is considered as one of the oldest temples in the history of Nepal. It is located in Changu Municipality of Bhaktapur district on the top of a hillock. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Shiva. The area is gifted not just religiously and culturally, but naturally as well. The hillock is surrounded by a small forest known as Champak forest, which is named after Princess Champak of Kashmir, who married the then King of Bhaktapur. Beside the hill, a small river flows, which goes by the name Manohara river. Visiting the area is quite a pleasant experience altogether. The temple was established in around the 5th century.
Pashupatinath temple is a cultural and religious heritage that holds so many stories within itself. The temple is so significant religiously that it acts as a link between Nepal and the followers of Hindu religion who reside all over the world. It is for a reason that Pashupatinath temple is so highly visited. Pashupatinath temple is one of those attractions that deserve to be on your list of things to see and do in Nepal. It’s certain that when you visit the temple complex you’re going to be absolutely mesmerized by its appearance You’re going to love exploring the temple complex.
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