Encountering the Sacred: A Guide to Nepal's Must-Visit Shiva Temples
Maha Shivaratri is a highly significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, the revered destroyer and transformer in the Hindu trinity. This deeply spiritual occasion is marked with great devotion and fervor as devotees engage in fasting and offer prayers to Lord Shiva throughout the night. In Nepal, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and is an occasion for pilgrimage to some of the most revered Shiva temples in the country. This article explores the five must-visit Shiva temples in Nepal, offering detailed information on their location, significance, and rich history.
l Pashupatinath Temple: Located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, the Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred sites for Hindus. The temple dates back to the 5th century and is built in a pagoda style with a golden rooftop. It is believed to have been a center of worship since the earliest times of Hinduism in Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. The temple complex includes more than 100 smaller temples and shrines, as well as a cremation site where Hindus perform the last rites for the deceased.
l Kumbeshwar Temple: Located in Patan, Lalitpur, the Kumbeshwar Temple is a Shiva temple that dates back to the 14th century. The temple is built in the traditional Newari style and is known for its intricate carvings and metalwork. It is believed to have been built by the Malla king Jayasthiti Malla and is one of the few temples in Nepal where the Shivaratri festival is celebrated for four days. The temple's main attraction is the golden water spout that pours water into the courtyard, which is said to have healing powers.
l Gosaikunda Temple: Situated at an altitude of 4,380 meters in the Langtang National Park, the Gosaikunda Temple is a high altitude lake and one of the most important pilgrimage sites for followers of the Hindu faith. The temple is named after the mythological story of Lord Shiva drinking the poison that turned his throat blue, and then going to the lake to cool down. The lake is surrounded by 108 smaller lakes and is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva. The lake is considered to be holy by both Hindus and Buddhists and is visited by thousands of devotees during the Maha Shivaratri festival.
l Baraha Chhetra Temple: Located in the Sunsari district of eastern Nepal, the Baraha Chhetra Temple is one of the most important Shiva temples in the region. The temple is believed to be the site where Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva fought a battle to decide who was superior. Lord Vishnu transformed himself into a boar and Lord Shiva into a buffalo. The fight between the two resulted in the creation of a small pool of water, which is believed to have healing powers. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every year, particularly during the Maha Shivaratri festival.
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple: Located in the Jhapa district of southeastern Nepal, the Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared as a hunter and met the Pandavas during their exile. The temple is named after the Kiratas, a tribe that is believed to have lived in the area during ancient times. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every year, particularly during the Maha Shivaratri festival. The temple also has a sacred pond known as the Raktakunda, which is believed to have healing powers.