Aarati at Pashupatinath temple in the evening is another interesting event to see at Pashupatinath temple. Unlike other events like Maha Shivatri and Haritalika Teej which happens once in a year. Pashupatinath Sandhya (Evening) Aarati is performed daily at around 6:00 P.M. in the evening.
Holy Bagmati river flows through the Pashupatinath temple and divides the temple in two sides. The temple is on one side of the river. And Aarati is performed on the otherside.
Bagmati: A river which washes away your sins
According to the hindu religion, Bagmati river is holy and has great value. It is also believed that taking a holy bath in this Bagmati river; washes away all of your sins.
Aarati at Pashupatinath – Highest form of Prayer
In Hindu religion Aarati is given most value. A Bhajan is considered more valuable than a song; prayer is considered more sacred than Bhajan; and finally Aarati is considered the most important of them all. Aarati is considered as the highest form of prayer.
Aarati is a hindu ritual of worshipping where light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) is offered to god. During this event, three priests conduct customs with oil lamps, lanterns and other auspicious elements and chant sacred mantras.
Here, the priests perform Aarati by taking oil lamps and moving them in circular motion and dedicating their act to the Divine. Also the Bhajans (Song with religious theme) are sung by devotees during the Aarati which creates a blissful environment.
This is a ritual that allows everyone to be a part of it and creates an environment of union of God and the devotees.
This Aarati is done on every evening at around 6:00 P.M. and everyone is allowed to be a part of it.
Though the Pashipatinath Bagmati Aarati was started in 2000 A.D., it was established as regular tradition only after 2006 A.D.
Tandav – Divine dance performed by Lord Shiva
During the Aarati, Tandav dance is also performed by the devotees. Tandav is a divine dance performed by the Lord Shiva. And Pashupatinath is the temple of Lord Shiva.
So the devotees or followers dance Tandav paying respect to Lord Shiva.
This Aarati is one of the major attractions and Pashupatinath temple is widely known for this event. Many people come to see Aarati during holidays, on Mondays and festivals like Haritalika Teej and Maha Shivaratri.
Monday is considered the best day to worship Lord Shiva, so huge number of devotees on this day as compared to other days.
Good for Everyone rather than good for Just One
Hindu religion believes in the presence of God in every living soul. It places importance on good for everyone rather than good for just one.
This is portrayed during the Aarati where prayers are sung for the betterment of the whole of humanity and coming together as one is the main aim.
The end of the Aarati is marked by hailing for the wellness of every living soul and thanking God for the kindness bestowed by him.
Note: Since it’ll be crowded, it is recommended to go at least 30 mins early to secure the best spot.
Some other places to visit in Kathmandu are as follows
- Jamchen Vijaya Stupa, Budhanilkantha Kathmandu
- Sikali Temple, Sano Khokana, Kathmand Nepal
- Budhanilkantha – Shivapuri – Sundarijal Hiking
- Hiking to Champadevi Temple
- Hiking to Jamacho – Nagarjuna National Park
- Markhu, Kulekhani and Chitlang Organic Village
- Camping at Nagarkot Damsite (Bojini Dam)
Pashupatinath Temple FAQs
Why is Pashupatinath Temple famous?
Pashupatinath temple is one of the oldest and sacred temple of Hindus in Nepal.
And it is believe that the people who die in Pashupatinath temple are reborn as humans, regardless of any misconduct that could worsen their Karma.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Pashupatinath Temple?
No you don’t need to book anything. But the entry fee is NPR 1000 for foreign nationals and all SAARC country residents. There is no entry fees for Nepalese and Indians.
And it’s better to reach as early as possible to avoid crowd.
When is Pashupatinath Temple Open?
The temple opens everyday from 4 A.M. – 12 P.M. and 5 P.M. to 9 P.M.
When is Aarati done at Pashupatinath Temple?
Aarati at Pashupatinath Temple is performed daily at around 6:00 P.M. in the evening.
What's the best way to see Pashupatinath Temple?
Just Enter the Pashupatinath Temple premises and cross theHoly Bagmati River, then you can climb to the top of that side.
It is the best way to see Pashupatinath for everyone. Best view early in the morning or in the evening while doing Aarati.
Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.
