The temple is primarily built in the Nepalese pagoda style, characterized by its distinctive two-tiered roofs made of copper and gilded with gold. This architectural style is prevalent in many traditional Nepalese temples and is designed to withstand the region's seismic activity. The main temple stands on a square platform, reaching a height of approximately 23.7 meters from the base to the pinnacle.
One of the most striking features of Pashupatinath is its four main doors, each covered with silver sheets, which adds to the temple's grandeur. The intricate wooden carvings adorning the temple depict various scenes from Hindu mythology, showcasing the craftsmanship of local artists. The temple complex itself spans a vast area and includes over 500 smaller temples and shrines, each contributing to the overall spiritual atmosphere.
Inside the temple, there are two sanctums known as garbhagrihas. The inner sanctum houses the sacred idol of Lord Pashupatinath, which is a stone linga with four faces representing different aspects of Shiva: Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Tatpurusha, Aghora, and Ishana. This unique representation symbolizes the five natural elements that constitute the universe.
The temple's architecture not only serves aesthetic purposes but also fulfills religious functions. It is designed to accommodate large gatherings during festivals like Maha Shivaratri, when thousands of devotees visit to pay their respects. The presence of cremation ghats along the Bagmati River further emphasizes its role as a significant site for Hindu rituals related to death and rebirth.
Pashupatinath Temple stands as a testament to Nepalese architectural ingenuity and spiritual devotion, making it a vital part of both local culture and global heritage.
Picture Credit- Altitude Himalayas, Nepal Tourism Board
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