Trip Introduction: Pashupati Evening Aarati Tour
The Himalayan country of Nepal is very rich in culture and tradition. The religious country of Nepal is home to several temples, stupas, gumbas, shrines and many other cultural and religious landmarks. So, embark on a spiritual and religious journey to one of the most sacred sites available in Nepal through the Pashupatinath Evening Aarati tour Package.
Situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati river of Kathmandu city, the Pashupatinath temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal. The Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva who is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Lord Shiva is also known as God of destruction within the Trimurti (the trinity of supreme divinity in Hinduism) and Pashupatinath Temple is the representation of Shiva.
The Pashupatinath temple is a symbol of Hindu devotion, architectural grandeur, and cultural heritage. Pashupatinath is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pilgrims from all over the world visit this holy place and understand the meaning of life. The main temple is not accessible to non-Hindus; however, the temple premises include several other attractions, including 518 mini temples, cremation ghats, and many more, which mesmerize any individual who wishes to visit here.
The total area of the Pashupatinath temple is 246 hectares; thus, several attractions are not to be missed during the visit to this auspicious place. One of the main highlights of the Pashupatinath temple is the Sandhya aarti. The Sandhya aarti at Pashupatinath is hosted every day from 7 pm at the eastern side of the Pashupatinath temple along the banks of the Bagmati river. The Aarati is conducted by the temple priests with hundreds of devotees aligned at the podium to view the aarati. The ritual follows the reciting of chanting mantras, classical music, and hymns to praise and please the god of destruction.
The main group of sadhus and gurus light the lamps thus commencing the aarati, followed by the ringing bells in the background giving a hypnotic environment for the observers. The lamps are waved in a synchronized manner which creates a fabulous visual image. Similarly, the aarti is not only a visual delight but also a deep spiritual experience that surrounds people with spirituality and unity.
So, those who wish to visit the famous Pashupatinath should not miss the evening aarti as most describe it as a serene experience that calms the body and soul creating a spiritual ambiance that is sure to create an everlasting memory.
Besides the Pashupatinath sandhya aarti, individuals get to see some of the exciting and religiously significant activities and sights within the Pashupatinath Temple complex. The major attractions of Pashupatinath temple include the Traditional cremation ghats, Mukhalinga, Guhyeshwari temple, Gorakhnath temple, and many others.
The Pashupatinath Darshan can be done all year long with ease but for the best weather conditions, one can go on the tour in spring and autumn. Spring in Nepal lasts from March to May and autumn lasts from September to November. As these periods provide comfortable weather conditions and excellent walking experience spring and autumn are also known as the best season for Pashupatinath trips.
History of Pashupatinath temple
There is always a question among the pilgrims where they wish how old is Pashupatinath temple. Well, there is no exact legend that points out the true origin of Pashupatinath temple. However, it is believed that the temple originated in 400 CE. One legend says that Shiva and Parvati left their Dham and visited the banks of Bagmati temple in the form of antelopes. Knowing this god Bishnu with his Divya Dristi (Devine Sight) tried to find out the location of Lord Shiva.
When Lord Bishnu found out the location of Shiva he went to the forest of Bagmati and tried to bring him back. The antelope began to run but Bishnu grabbed the horn of the antelope which later got broken forcing Shiva to resume his divine form. Afterwards, the horn was worshipped as Linga thereby enabling the construction of Pashupatinath temple.
What are the main attractions of the Pashupatinath temple area?
The Pashupatinath temple contains various significant attractions that can amuse anyone who visits the place. The major attractions of the Pashupatinath are:
- Mukhalinga: The Mukhalinga is a sacred stone that represents the face of Lord Shiva. Many Hindu pilgrims visit the temple to worship this sacred stone.
- Guhyeshwari temple: The Guhyeshwari temple is a prominent Hindu shrine where the goddess Sati’s Yoni emblem, which represents the divine feminine energy and spirituality is worshipped.
- Gorakhnath temple: The temple is devoted to Guru Gorakhnath a respected figure in Hinduism’s Nath lineage. It’s a place of spiritual significance and meditation.
- Western Cremation Ghats: Hindu death procedures are performed at the Western Cremation Ghats in the Pashupatinath Temple complex. Along the holy Bagmati River, they provide a dark site for outdoor cremations, a highly important ritual in Hindu culture.
Pashupatinath temple daily rituals time schedule
- 4:00 am: The west gate is open for visitors.
- 8:30 am: The Pujaris arrive and proceed to bathe and clean the idols. The clothes and jewelry are changed for the day.
- 9:30 am: The Lord is offered Baal Bhog or Breakfast.
- 10:00 am: Individuals who desire to perform puja are invited which is also known as Farmayishi Puja. The individuals are allowed to request Pujari to perform the puja for the designated purpose which lasts for 1:45 pm.
- 1:50 pm: Lunch is presented to the deity at the main Pashupati temple.
- 2:00 pm: Morning prayers conclude.
- 5:15 pm: The evening Aarati commences at the main Pashupatinath temple.
- 6:00 pm: The Sandhya aarti begins at the banks of the Bagmati river which features the Shiva Tandav Bhajan, lighting of lamps, and personal prayers.
- 7:00 pm: The temple closes.
How can we reach the Pashupatinath temple?
If you are staying in Thamel, Kathmandu then you can reach the Pashupatinath temple on a private cab or taxi. While associated with Holiday Planer Nepal, individuals will be taken to the holy temple via private vehicle with a guide. The Pashupatinath temple is around 5 kilometers away from Thamel, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes through Pashupatinath road, depending upon the traffic and road conditions. Similarly, the Pashupatinath temple can be reached through public bus and van which is available from Ratnapark on a small fare.
How does the Pashupatinath Darshan start and end?
The Pashupatinath temple yatra begins with the drive from Thamel, Kathmandu to Pashupatinath temple through the Pashupatinath road. The drive towards Pashupatinath takes about twenty to twenty-five minutes depending upon the road and traffic conditions. A private vehicle will carry all the individuals who are associated with Holiday Tours Nepal for the Pashupatinath Darshan. Similarly, for those who wish to visit the oldest Hindu temple of Nepal in groups of ten or more, a similar vehicle can be easily arranged with comfort.
Likewise, the Pashupatinath Darshan targets the Pashupatinath Sandhya Aarati time which is around 6 pm every evening. So, the Pashupatinath tour package starts around 3 pm which gives people enough time to explore the Pashupatinath premise, learn about the important sculptures, and participate in the evening sandhya aarti. The route to Pashupatinath starts from Thamel and goes along Garden of Dreams which is located just outside the Thamel entry point along Kingsway Road. After passing Garden of Dreams, the road approaches the City Centre, one of the prominent supermarkets or malls of Kathmandu Valley. Upon reaching the City Centre, drive along the Pashupatinath road to cross Rato Pul (Red bridge) until reaching Gaushala, which is opposite Bhandarkhal Jungle. As individuals reach Gaushala, the Pashupatinath temple area is visible, and reaching and entering the temple becomes easy.
Another route to enter Pashupatinath temple from Thamel can be from Naxal. Exiting Thamel via Lord of the Drinks and driving along Lainchaur we can reach the Uttar Dhoka Road. Then one can take a right from Gairidhara road towards the Nepal Police Headquarters, Naxal. Moving ahead from Naxal individuals will reach City Centre from where the road to Pashupatinath begins.
Upon reaching the Pashupatinath temple, the local attractions are explored and time is spent on the sandhya aarti. The blend of religion, spirituality, and the meaning of life is experienced. Visitors often feel stress-free and refreshed as the Pashupatinath tour comes to an end.
As the day filled with spiritual and religious environment finally comes to an end. Holiday Planner Nepal is responsible for driving back individuals to their respective hotels or suitable drop places.
How should one prepare for the Sandhya aarti in Pashupatinath?
The Sandhya Aarati is one of the popular activities performed in the Pashupatinath so it can be quite busy as huge crowds are gathered to see the aarti. Similarly, as Pashupatinath is one of the holiest places in Kathmandu it is necessary to keep in mind some of the following things which will help to cooperate with the culture and tradition of Hinduism.
- Arrive early for the Aarati and find a good spot to view the Sandhya Aarati without any interruption.
- Cover the body with a full-sleeve dress to dress modestly and respectfully due to the temple’s religious significance.
- Be respectful towards other individuals and always respect the culture and tradition.
- If you have an encounter with any sadhus and babas, be sure to respect them, greet them, and offer a token of respect.
- Always ask permission before photography and do not click photographs randomly as there are spots where photographs can be prohibited.
- Always listen to your guide and ask questions if there is any confusion. If you have any confusion about anything, proceed only with the guide’s consent.
- Avoid physical contact with babas and sadhus without their consent, and always respect their beliefs and practices, even if they are different from your own.
Do you need a guide for the Sandhya Arati in Pashupatinath temple?
Taking a guide for the Sandhya Arati in Pashupatinath is not mandatory. It depends upon the individual and the experience they want to take during the Pashupatinath temple tour. Those who wish to go and experience the Arati without a guide can do it, we at Holiday Planer Nepal can arrange only a private car and a driver.
However, individuals who wish to take a guide for the trip can get a comprehensive experience around the Pashupatinath temple. Taking a guide will allow individuals or groups to have a better understanding of the landmarks and sculptures present in the area, and know about the history of the artifacts and their significance. The guide will be your personal Wikipedia which will provide you with all the information about the temple. Thus, hiring a guide will help individuals to get in-depth knowledge about the cultural and religious significance for not only Nepalese but all Hindus around the world.
Similarly, the guide will also be a valuable companion for experiencing the Sandhya Arati. The guide will help to find the perfect spot to witness the sandhya arati. During the arati, the guide can also provide information about how the arati is going to be carried out. What the importance of the aarti is, its significance, and the rituals involved. Additionally, the guide is responsible for enhancing the overall experience and understanding more about this spiritual ceremony.
Nevertheless, it is necessary to understand that, if any individual wishes to not take a guide can also do that. As mentioned, it is not mandatory to take a guide. Those who wish to roam around the Pashupatinath area alone, and more freely and those who want an independent experience can do so. But the experience of taking a guide and not hiring one is completely different.
