Pashupatinath Temple Complex Tour (Self Guided), Kathmandu

Pashupatinath Temple is a pagoda-style temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, one of the main deities of Hinduism. Pashupatinath Temple was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The exact date of construction is uncertain. There are references to it as early as the year 400. It is also said that the temple was built by the Licchavi king, Prachanda Deva. The current design of the temple dates to about 1692.

Pashupatinath Temple was built in the Nepalese pagoda style. It has a two-level copper roof covered in gold. The main doors are silver, and the pinnacle is gold. The main idol is a three-foot stone obelisk with a silver base. It has faced each direction representing the different aspects of Shiva.

The original temple is the oldest construction in the Vaishnava temple complex. Other temples were built around it, including the 11th-century Guhyeshwari Temple and a 14th-century Rama Temple. However, even surrounded by other temples, Pashupatinath Temple's two stories stand above them as the center and focus of the complex.

Not only is Pashupatinath Temple the oldest in the complex, but it is also the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It was reconstructed by King Shivadeva in the 2nd century and was later renovated by the ruler Ananta Malla, who added a roof to the structure.

Visitors can attend the daily rituals that take place at Pashupatinath Temple. The rituals are carried out by two groups of priests, who are the only people allowed to perform puja rituals (a worship ritual to offer devotional homage and prayer to one or more deities) or touch the idol.

Cremation Ghats are located along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River near the Pashupatinath Temple.

The Cremation Ghats are used for funeral rites. They are known as the city's most important ghats in Kathmandu. Visitors are welcome to sit by the river and watch while the last rites are performed.

Funerals for Nepali citizens take place on the southern side of the temple. Their bodies are first cleansed with sacred camphor and wrapped in shrouds. They are then laid out on the riverbank.

There are six elevated platforms for open cremation. The body is placed on one of these and then cremated on a wooden pyre. The process takes about three to four hours.

Cremations have been taking place at these cremation ghats for hundreds of years. The belief is that a Hindu who is cremated at Pashupatinath Temple is destined to be reborn human in the next life.

Raj Rajeshwari temple, along with Nawa Durga and Pancha Dewal temples, is in the southern part of the Pashupatinath. Durga Raja Rajeswari, worshipped in this temple, is the Hindu goddess of knowledge. It is believed that she is served by celestial maidens and gives power to the bow of Lord Shiva.

The temple is in pagoda style and is full of woodwork. It has a tradition of performing special worship on every full moon day. This goddess is also called Tantric Goddess. The temple was built in 1464 during the time of Jayadharma Malla and Jagyoti Malla.

Ram Mandir is a Hindu temple located on the east bank of the sacred Bagmati River, which flows through the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. The temple contains the deities of Sita, Ram, and Hanuman. Ram Temple holds classical music concerts on the evening of every full moon.

The temple is near numerous places of worship. It is just stepping away from a viewing platform for the famous Pashupatinath Temple.

This place of worship is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday; and 10 AM to 3 PM on Sundays.

Ram Temple should not be confused with Ram Chandra Mandir, a temple located about three miles from Ram Mandir.

Gorakhnath Mandir is a small temple in Kathmandu. The temple is reached via a stone staircase that travels up the top of a hill. Among many temples located here, Gorakhnath Mandir is the most outstanding.

Gorakhnath Mandir is a red-and-white temple with a white pagoda and tall corn cob–like spire. A golden trident near the temple is a popular spot for photos.

The temple was built by Jayasthiti Malla, the 4th-century king of Nepal, and is dedicated to Gorakhnath, a Hindu saint and the founder of Hatha yoga. The location is known for being peaceful as it has largely been taken over by nature. Trees surround the various temples, and several macaques live in the area.

Gorakhnath Mandir is open 24 hours daily.

Guhyeshwari Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Guhyeshwari, the goddess of cosmic energy. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.

The temple is located on the southern bank of the sacred Bagmati River. The goddess is also represented by water. The center of the temple has a water jar placed over a natural spring. Water seeps from the edges of the silver-and-gold jar, used by worshipers to honor the goddess.

The temple is open 24 hours. Visitors are welcome to explore the temple or worship the goddess. There are also classical music concerts at Guhyeshwari Temple every new moon.

Guhyeshwari Temple is important to Tantric worshipers as it is the best place to gain the power of Tantra (a Hindu and Buddhist philosophy). Many Tantric rites are performed at Guhyeshwari Temple. Newar Buddhists, the historical inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley, also revere the shrine as they believe it to be the location of the root of the lotus from which the sacred site Swayambhunath sprang.

Kirateshwar Temple is a Sikh place of worship located on the west side of the sacred Bagmati River. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the Shaivite tradition, Shiva is the Supreme Lord who creates, protects, and transforms the universe. The temple is locally known as Shiv Mandir (Shiva Temple).

According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Shiva appeared at this site and blessed Arjuna, the main character in ancient Hindu texts, with success in war, and then a temple was built in Lord Shiva's honor.

The ancient temple sits on a mountain across from the city of Gaurighat. Built in the traditional Nepali pagoda-style architecture with an open roof, it is one of the largest temple complexes in Sikhism.

The temple is open to the public 24 hours per day. Traditional Nepali concerts are held at night when the moon is full. Lord Shiva is the patron deity of Music and Arts, therefore the concerts bring many spectators and musicians from all over Nepal.