Government of Nepal
Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation
Spiritual | Devotional | Cultural Heritage
Pashupatinath is the national god of Nepal and is worshipped as the main divine protector of the country. Lord Pashupati represents Nepal’s spiritual strength and faith. His importance can be seen in national agreements, oaths, the five-rupee note, and the royal coat of arms of Nepal. The famous Pashupatinath Temple is located in Kathmandu and is one of the most important Hindu temples in the world.
The name Pashupatinath means “Lord of all living beings”. In the Shiva Purana, Pashu means living beings or animals, and Pati or Nath means lord. Pashupatinath is considered one of the four most important holy places for Lord Shiva devotees in Asia. The temple has great religious, historical, and tourism value.
Shree Pashupatinath
The temple of Shree Pashupatinath is one of the most significant religious, historical, and tourist attractions in Kathmandu District. Situated on the sacred banks of the Bagmati River in Ward No. 8 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the temple complex spreads across approximately 240 hectares of land.
Since ancient times, the temple of Lord Shree Pashupatinath and the sacred Pashupati area have been regarded as a major center of pilgrimage and spiritual sanctuary for eternal Hinduism. The broader Pashupati region covers about 264 hectares and includes areas such as Devpatan, Jaybageshwari, Gaurighat, Chabahil, Kutambahal, Sifal, Gaushala, and the Sleshmantak Forest. Within this vast area are nearly 492 small and large monasteries, rest houses (sattals), stone water spouts (dhungedhara), chaityas, temples (dewalayas), and approximately 1,000 Shivlings, reflecting the region’s immense religious richness.
Historical evidence shows that the Pashupati region has been prominent since the Licchavi period. Numerous statues dating back to the third century have been discovered here, along with inscriptions from around 381 A.D. (E-459). These findings confirm that the Pashupati area is one of the oldest religious centers in the Kathmandu Valley. Owing to its ancient temples, idols, inscriptions, and continuous ritual practices, the region appears like an open-air museum of art, culture, and spirituality.
Short History of Pashupatinath Temple
The Pashupatinath area has long been considered a sacred pilgrimage site, with references in ancient Vedic texts. Many mantras related to livestock and worship are mentioned in the Yajurveda and Atharvaveda. In the context of the Mahabharata, the region known as Maheshworpur is described as “Uttarkashi, Pashupatinath Puri.” Ancient Nepali texts, such as the Mahatma Vishapati Puran and Pashupati Puran, also mention the area, highlighting its religious significance. These references indicate that Pashupatinath has been an important spiritual center since ancient times.
To preserve this rich heritage, the Pashupati Area Development Fund was established to protect and promote the temple, as well as other religious, cultural, social, and archaeological monuments in the region.
To preserve the spiritual and cultural sanctity of the Pashupati area.
Establishing Pashupati area as a premier global pilgrimage and heritage destination.
The Pashupati Area has long been a sacred and culturally significant site, attracting devotees from Nepal, India, neighboring countries, and even distant lands such as Cambodia. To preserve and develop this holy area as a symbol of divinity, harmony, and globalism, the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) was established in 2043 B.S. (1986/87 A.D.) as an autonomous institution with perpetual succession.
The supreme governing body responsible for policy-making and strategic direction of the Pashupati Area Development Trust.
संस्कृति संरक्षण विभाग
मानव संसाधन विभाग
सार्वजनिक खरीद तथा सेवा सुविधा विभाग
योजना विभाग
संचालक समिति — Governing Authority of PADT
As Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, His Excellency serves as the supreme patron of the Pashupati Area Development Trust, ensuring national-level commitment to the preservation and development of this sacred heritage site.
The Honorable Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation plays a vital role in guiding and supporting the preservation, promotion, and sustainable development of Nepal’s cultural and religious heritage.
From ancient origins to a living world heritage site
The earliest references to the Pashupatinath Shivalinga appear in the Skanda Purana. Legends hold that the deity was discovered by a divine cow that poured milk on a sacred spot in the forest.
The Lichhavi kings of the Kathmandu Valley commissioned the first structured temple complex. King Supushpa Dev is credited with building the original pagoda-style main temple.
The Malla kings greatly expanded the complex, adding subsidiary shrines, ghats, and dharmashalas for visiting pilgrims. The temple gained international fame as a pan-Hindu pilgrimage destination.
Pashupatinath Temple, as part of the Kathmandu Valley, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognising its outstanding universal value and the need for international preservation.
The Government of Nepal established PADT (2043 BS / 1986 AD) as an autonomous trust to oversee the management, conservation, and development of the Pashupatinath temple complex and its surrounding sacred area.
Following the 7.8 magnitude Gorkha earthquake, PADT led an extensive restoration programme. The main temple's ancient construction withstood significant damage, but many subsidiary shrines required full rebuilding.
Operations are governed by specific legal frameworks to ensure the transparent management of the sacred area.
