Pashupatinath

The Pashupati Area is immensely important – it is the holiest pilgrimage site for Hindus, a unique heritage site for archaeology enthusiasts, and a charming and lively site for protectors and promoters of religion and culture. It is famous all over the world due to the existence of the temple of Lord Pashupatinath and the many other temples, stupas, monasteries that it contains. Any tourist visiting Kathmandu should not overlook the opportunity to step into this most fascinating area. The huge and the gorgeous temple of Lord Pashupatinath is situated on the Bagmati river at a distance of 4.8 kilometers northeast of the heart of the city of Kathmandu.
From time immemorial, the Pashupati area has contained numerous temples, stupas, monasteries, images, and inscriptions. Not only is the Pashupati area a pilgrimage site for the Hindus, it is also recognized as a world heritage site–an important cultural treasury for the whole world.

Various studies have revealed that the temple of Pashupatinath was built by a Lichhavi king, Supushpadeva, who is believed to have reigned some time during the sixth century BC. The Gopalraj Vamsavali describes Supushpadeva as a religious, lawful, and creative king.
The various inscriptions suggest that even in ancient times the fame of the temple had spread far and wide, especially to India. Indian kings and their subjects, and the sadhu-santa (ascetics) came in great numbers to pay homage to Lord Pashupatinath.

The temple of Lord Pashu-patinath stands in the center of an open courtyard surrounded by numerous other temples. There are four entrances on all sides of the temple. However, only Hindus may enter the temple. The Hindus of the Indian sub-continent have such an immense faith in Lord Pashupatinath that they believe their going to the "four dhams" (pilgrimage sites) of Dwarika, Kedar, Rameswar, and Jaganath would be meaningless without making a final trip to Pashupatinath.

Because of its religious, cultural, archaeological and natural aspects, the Pashupati area is an invaluable asset to Nepal. The importance of this area is not confined to the concerns of only the Nepalese people and the Hindus, but has also become a subject of interest to the world. And, because it is recognized as a world heritage site, its protection and promotion has the highest degree of importance.