Things to See Around the Pashupatinath Temple Area

Apr 14, 2025

Blog By: Levinly Travel

The Pashupatinath Temple area and its nearby area in Kathmandu provide a rich mix of sights and experiences. surrounding of the temple, discover the lively avenues, attend religious ceremonies, and explore the local culture and history.

1. Main Pashupatinath Temple

The heart of the complex, the main temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Pashupati, "Lord of Animals". The temple was not built by a single individual but progressed over time. Some evidence mentions Licchavi King Supuspadev makes a contribution in its construction in the 5th century. It is widely thought that a previous temple formation was broken up by termites, prompting the current temple's foundation. Additional remodeling and additions took place throughout different periods, particularly during the 16th century under Shivasimha Malla, and in later years, architectural innovations contributed to the unique characteristics of the temple.

Pashupatinath Temple is constructed in a pagoda style with a two-tiered roof made of copper and covered with gold. It was renovated by Ananta Malla, adding a roof to it. The four doors of the Temple are indeed made of silver and ornamented with silver carvings, serving as a key architectural element and having overall aesthetic and religious significance. Main Pashupatinath Temple and Inside are two sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagrihas) in Temple, which is restricted to practicing non-Hindus, with some exceptions for Sikhs and Jains of Indian ancestry. This rule is deep-seated in Sanatan Dharma (Hindu) tradition and the belief that the temple is a sacred space for devotees. While non-Hindus cannot enter the main sacred area of the temple, they are allowed to view the temple from the open area across the Bagmati River.

2. Arya Ghat (Cremation Site)

Arya Ghat is the main place where the cremation process occurs; it is crematory and is the largest cremation area in Nepal. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, Arya Ghat is the most hallowed cremation ground in Nepal. There are other Ghats (Cremation sites) around Pashupatinath, such as the Ghat (Cremation Site) for the royal family, Rajeshwari Ghat, and Eastern Ghats, and also there is one site of an electronic crematorium. Funerals of common Nepalis take place on the ghats south of the Pashupatinath temple, while members of the monarchy family are cremated in front of the temple. Funeral pyres cremations are performed continuously as families perform the last ritual according to Sanatani (Hindu) traditions. A cadaver is wrapped in shrouds and laid out along the riverbank before being cremated on a wooden pyre. Sanatani (Hindu) consider that cremation and releasing ashes in the holy river ensures spiritual liberation and reincarnation. While experiencing cremation may be emotional, it provides deep understanding into Nepalese beliefs about life, death, and the cycle of rebirth.

3. Bagmati River and Sacred Waterways for Ritual Practices

The Bagmati River is associated with sacredness by both Sanatan Dharma (Hindu) and Buddhists. On festive occasions days, pilgrims perform a spiritual ablution here for purification. The river channel is lined with stone staircases (ghats) where various rituals and offerings are conducted and where deeply religious beliefs and practices are present.

4. Sadhus and Ascetics of Pashupatinath: Guardians of Spiritual Heritage

One of the most remarkable of visiting Pashupatinath Temple—Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine—is the presence of sadhus and ascetics, whose dramatic appearance and fixed devotion manifest the essence of ancient spirituality. Sadhus are Hindu holy men who have surrendered worldly life in chasing of spiritual enlightenment. They follow several paths of devotion, meditation, and self-denial. Most sadhus in Pashupatinath are devotees of Lord Shiva, to whom the temple is committed.

You’ll find various sects and appearances among the sadhus:

Naga Sadhus: Often naked or minimally clothed, with ash-covered bodies, symbolizing renunciation of material life. They are typically seen during major festivals like Maha Shivaratri.
Aghori Sadhus: Rare and often misunderstood, they follow extreme ascetic practices and worship Shiva in his fearsome form.
Baul or Wandering Sadhus: More approachable, they often travel across India and Nepal, chanting bhajans or giving blessings.
Yogis and Meditation Practitioners: These sadhus focus on meditation, yoga, and prayer, usually dressed in saffron robes with rudraksha beads.

5. Guhyeshwari Temple: A Sacred Tantric Shrine Near Pashupatinath

Just approximately one kilometer east from the main area of Pashupatinath Temple, settled on the southern bank of the Bagmati River, found one of the most highly regarded Shakta pilgrimage sites in Nepal: Guhyeshwari Temple.

This pristine temple is dedicated to Guhyeshwari, also known as Nairatma Yogini, a dominant and powerful goddess highly worshipped in both Hindu Tantric traditions and Vajrayana Buddhism. The name "Guhyeshwari" is derived from the Sanskrit words guhya (meaning "secret" or "hidden") and ishwari (meaning "goddess"), symbolizing her secret nature and spiritual significance. To know more, please visit here.

6. Vishwarupa and Other Minor Shrines Around Pashupatinath

Beyond the glory of the main Pashupatinath Temple is a hidden network of lesser-known yet spiritually significant sites that enhance the sacred landscape of the Pashupati area (Kshetra). In the company of the Vishwarupa Temple, together with a number of smaller shrines and sacred mirroring spaces, the deep-rooted spiritual has a wide range of features. To know more, please visit here.

7. Deer Park (Mrigasthali) and Forest Pathways: A Peaceful Getaway Within the Sacred Pashupatinath Zone

On the other side of the main temple lies a peaceful forested area generally known as the “Deer Park,” the home of the deer, monkeys, and birds. People believe that Lord Shiva once took the form of a golden deer and strolled these very forests. It's presumed that the gods and sages in time convinced Shiva to return to his original form, giving rise to the establishment of the sacred Pashupatinath shrine. It’s a peaceful space, perfect for a quiet walk or removing from Thought away from the bustling temple grounds.

8. Viewpoints and The Eastern Bank: Sacred Stillness and Open Views

The eastern side of the temple complex is, Most of the time, less crowded, making it a perfect place for reflection, photography, or stealthy observation. From here, you can watch the full scope of rituals taking place across the Bagmati River—from funeral rites at the Arya Ghat to the flow of pilgrims entering the temple gates.
It’s a location that suggests a peaceful and reverent atmosphere. Stone stairs lead down to the water, and small shrines, yagya mandaps, and rest areas are scattered throughout. Numerous sadhus and locals come together here for meditation or to simply watch life unfold along the Bagmati’s sacred banks.

9. Cultural and Religious Festivals at Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is not only Nepal’s most divine Hindu shrine but also a dynamic heart of living spiritual culture. Throughout the entire year, the temple complex comes to life with rituals, festivals, and cultural gatherings that reflect the rich religious traditions of the region. The aforementioned events are a rare opportunity to witness and participate in ancient practices that are still very much a part of daily life in Kathmandu.

Major Religious Festivals

1. Maha Shivaratri (The Great Night of Shiva): February or March (depending on the lunar calendar)
Thousands of sadhus, particularly Naga sadhus from India and Nepal, assemble here. Devotees light oil lamps, chant mantras, and stay up all night in worship. The temple and surrounding areas are transformed into a vibrant spiritual hub filled with music, fire rituals, and sacred performances.

2. Teej Festival: August/September
A major festival for Hindu women, celebrating marital bliss and the well-being of husbands. Women in red saris and green bangles gather at Pashupatinath to fast, sing, dance, and pray. The entire temple complex turns into a sea of color, music, and feminine energy.

3. Bala Chaturdashi: November/December
A ritual to honor deceased loved ones by scattering sacred seeds (Satbeej) along the Bagmati River. Pilgrims walk through the night, circling the temple area, and perform early morning offerings at multiple shrines, creating a deeply moving spiritual atmosphere.

Daily and Weekly Rituals 

Even outside of festival times, Pashupatinath is alive with daily pujas, Vedic chants, and traditional ceremonies:
 Aarti Ceremony: Held every evening along the eastern ghats of the Bagmati River. Devotees gather to witness priests perform a stunning fire ritual accompanied by conch shells, bells, and hymns.
Rudri Path & Abhishekams: Daily recitations of sacred texts and offerings of milk, ghee, and water on the main Shiva Lingam by devotees and priests.
Monday Shiva Worship: Mondays are considered especially auspicious for Lord Shiva, with increased pilgrim activity and special offerings.
Cultural Events and Pilgrim Gatherings
Spiritual Discourses: These are frequently organized near the temple complex, especially during holy months.
Sadhus’ Camps and Tantric Gatherings: During major festivals, temporary ashrams and spiritual camps are set up, where one can observe (and sometimes engage in) discourses and mystical rituals.

10. Local Markets and Tea Shops: Daily Life Around the Pashupatinath Temple

While Pashupatinath Temple is best known for its spiritual great depth, the surrounding area offers a vibrant flavor of local culture and Everyday life. On the outskirts of the sacred area, you'll find alive and crowded market streets, flower sellers, souvenir stalls, and cozy tea shops where locals and pilgrims take a break for a moment of rest and conversation. To know more, please visit here.