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.