Pashupatinath temple.

The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, stands as one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, revered here as Pashupati, the “Lord of all living beings.” Situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, this ancient temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major center of faith for Hindus across the world.

The main temple, built in the pagoda style with golden roofs and richly carved silver doors, enshrines a unique mukhalinga—a linga with four faces symbolizing Shiva’s omnipresence and omniscience. Only Hindus are allowed inside the main sanctum, but visitors can witness the grandeur and devotion that pervade the surroundings.

Pashupatinath is not merely a temple—it is a spiritual landscape. The ghats along the river serve for rituals of life and death, reminding devotees of the eternal cycle of existence. Sadhus (holy men) in saffron robes, chanting devotees, the fragrance of incense, and the ringing temple bells create an atmosphere filled with divine energy.

During Maha Shivaratri, thousands of pilgrims from India and beyond gather here in devotion, turning the temple into a sea of lights and chants. Pashupatinath remains a timeless symbol of Nepal’s spiritual heritage and a beacon of Shiva’s eternal presence.

 Jal Narayana Temple, Kathmandu

The Jal Narayana Temple, also known as Budhanilkantha Temple, is one of the most revered Hindu shrines in Nepal. Located about 10 kilometers north of Kathmandu at the foothills of the Shivapuri range, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped here as the Sleeping Narayana.

At the heart of the temple lies a magnificent black stone statue of Lord Vishnu, nearly 5 meters long, reclining gracefully on the coils of the celestial serpent Sheshanaga in the middle of a serene water tank. This image represents Vishnu resting in the cosmic ocean, symbolizing peace, eternity, and the sustenance of life.

The idol is believed to date back to the 7th or 8th century, carved from a single block of black basalt stone not native to the Kathmandu Valley — adding a touch of mystery to its origin. Devotees from Nepal and India visit this sacred site to seek blessings, especially during the Haribodhini Ekadashi festival, when the deity is said to awaken from his divine slumber.

Surrounded by tranquil waters, ancient trees, and the chanting of prayers, Jal Narayana Temple radiates serenity — a reminder of divinity’s quiet presence in nature and the eternal rest of the preserver of the universe.

Phoyograps prohibited. Received divine blessings here. 

May be because I keep chanting Narayana.