KATHMANDU, Nepal – The Pashupatinath Temple, located in
Kathmandu, is buzzing with devotees as the Shiva Ratri festival is celebrated
with much pomp and fervor. Shiva Ratri, or the night of Lord Shiva, falls on
the thirteen or fourteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Falgun, which
this year corresponds to February 17, 2023.
Hindus from all over Nepal and beyond flock to the temple,
which is one of the most sacred temples for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to
Lord Pashupatinath, who is considered the supreme God of all Hindus. Visiting
the temple and paying homage to the “Jyotir Lingam” is believed to bring great
blessings and a successful life to mankind.
The Pashupatinath temple has 64 lingams, including
Kirtimukhi Bhairav, Unmatta Bhairav, Astamatrika, Nava Graha, Hanuman, Nandi,
Trishul, Jaleshwor, Doleshwor, Basuki Naag, Gupteshwor, Lal Ganesh, Surya, and
Jalasahi Vishnu, among others.
During Shiva Ratri, devotees keep vigil, chant prayers,
fast, do yoga, meditate, or recite prayers to Lord Shiva. Married women pray
for their husbands’ well-being, while unmarried women ask for a husband like
Lord Shiva. The festival is also marked by the consumption of bhang, a
traditional drink made from cannabis leaves.
“The atmosphere here is electrifying,” said one of the
devotees, who had traveled all the way from southern Nepal to attend the
festival. “The sound of the bells, the fragrance of the incense sticks, and the
sight of so many people gathered here in devotion is truly overwhelming.”
The Pashupatinath Temple Is also home to many sadhus, or
holy men, who live a life of renunciation and detachment from material
possessions. They can be seen performing various rituals, such as smearing ash
on their bodies, blowing conch shells, and meditating.
The Shiva Ratri festival Is one of the biggest festivals in
Nepal, and it is celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy. The Pashupatinath
Temple is the focal point of the festival, and it is a must-visit destination
for anyone looking to experience the rich cultural heritage and religious
traditions of Nepal.
Kathmandu, Nepal – Pashupatinath Temple, located in the
heart of Kathmandu, is one of the most sacred temples of all Hindus. The temple
is dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, the supreme God of all Hindus. The temple
is known for its holy Jyotir Lingam, which is believed to bring great blessings
and a successful life to those who visit and pay homage to it.
The Pashupatinath Temple has 64 Lingams, including
Kirtimukhi Bhairav, Unmatta Bhairav, Astamatrika, Nava Graha, Hanuman, Nandi,
Trishul, Jaleshwor, Doleshwor, Basuki Naag, Gupteshwor, Lal Ganesh, Surya,
Jalasahi Vishnu, and many more.
Shiva Ratri, the biggest festival of the year, is celebrated
every year at Pashupatinath Temple. The festival falls on the thirteenth or
fourteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Falgun (February/March). This
year, Shiva Ratri will be celebrated on February 17, 2023 (BS 4 Falgun 2079).
Hindus from all over the world flock to the temple to
celebrate this auspicious day with great zeal and enthusiasm. Devotees keep
vigil, chant prayers, fast, do yoga, meditate or recite prayers to Lord Shiva.
Married Hindu women pray for the wellbeing of their husbands, while unmarried
women pray for a husband like Lord Shiva.
The temple will be décorated with lights, flowers, and
colorful banners to mark the occasion. Special puja rituals will be performed
by the temple priests throughout the day and night. The atmosphere will be
filled with the sounds of bells, chants, and religious hymns.
Visitors are advised to dress appropriately and observe the
temple’s rules and regulations. The Pashupatinath Temple is a place of great
spiritual significance, and visitors are expected to behave with respect and
dignity.
Shiva Ratri is a time to celebrate the divine grace of Lord
Shiva and seek his blessings for a prosperous life. The festival is a reminder
of the importance of spiritual values and the power of devotion in our lives.
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