Nepal: Devotees throng to Pashupatinath Temple on Mahashivaratri

Feb 26, 2025

Kathmandu (Nepal), Feb 26 (ANI): Nepal's Pashupatinath Temple, the revered Hindu pilgrimage site, came alive with devotees and ascetics on Mahashivaratri. Entry gates have been set up leading to the main temple complex, which has been decorated with flower garlands, further embellishing the area and attracting more devotees. Ascetics from various parts of India and Nepal have gathered and are staying at Annapurna Bhandar, Swargadwari Ashram, Nirmala Akhada, and Parmananda Ashram, all located within the Pashupatinath Temple premises. On this holy occasion, Shiva temples across the country are crowded with worshippers. Hindu devotees presented incense sticks, lamps fueled with butter and oil, milk, sacred water, and various offerings to Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism’s principal deities. Mahashivaratri, the night dedicated to Lord Shiva, falls on Wednesday this year, with an estimated 1 million pilgrims expected at Pashupatinath Temple. Traditional music and dance performances are held at the Kailashkut and Kirateshwar music ashrams. Devotees from Nepal and neighboring India come together at Pashupatinath for darshan and celebrations. One of Nepal’s major festivals, Mahashivaratri, or 'Night of Shiva,' is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month in the Hindu lunar calendar.