Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal

Pashupatinath Temple, located on the banks of Bagmati River, is one of the most important shrines of Shiva – not only in Nepal but in the entire world. This is the abode of Nepal’s national deity, Pashupatinath manifestation of Lord Shiva, where he is the father of all living beings in the cosmos. This is not a single monument but a sprawling collection of temples, shrines, ashrams and occasional rock inscriptions – all packed together into one complex. The main temple which houses Lord Pashupatinath Mandir in Nepal has a pagoda style gilded roof, sides covered in silver and the rest of it made of well-carved wood. The sacred Shiva lingam resides inside, guarded by his faithful servant Nandi Bull. Shiva’s consort Goddess Sati has her own temple called Guheshwori. This is one of those temple precincts where cremations happen inside the premises. By the holy River Bagmati, Hindu people perform the final rituals for their deceased. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley. It is said that the 12 Jyotirlingas of India make up the body of Lord Shiva, while Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal is the head. One cannot help but feel mesmerised by an expanse of the temple complex and the spiritual atmosphere that hovers over the place.