Pashupatinath Temple: A Sacred Dedication to Lord Shiva, Part 3 of 3

Many unique artistic paintings and sculptures can be found in different parts of Pashupatinath Temple. Gilded images of magnificently crafted deities stand on both sides of each door. Every beam of the roof is intricately sculpted. “The roof of the Lord Pashupatinath Temple is supported by Tudal (wooden carved struts). These are artistic in nature. Some depict stories related to Mahabharata – the figures of five Pandavas – while others have figures of the characters of the Ramayana.” Inside the temple chamber is a unique one-meter-high linga, or shrine, with five faces pointing in different directions. The one facing east is called Tatpurusha; Vamadeva faces northward; Sadyojata faces west; and the face pointing towards the south is Aghora. The pinnacle is called Ishana and is shapeless. The shrine also symbolizes the five main elements in Hinduism: earth, air, light, water, and ether. Many wandering sadhus or ascetic yogis go to Pashupatinath Temple and the Pashupati Area. Often adorned with yellow paintings on their bodies, they aspire to acquire liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth through meditation. “Pashupati Area has been the place of meditation for many great sages, saints, Mahatmas, and yogi masters.” The Bagmati River next to Pashupatinath Temple is sacred to the thousands of pilgrims who pay respect at the temple. Every day, Hindu devotees jump into this holy river, chanting ancient Vedic mantras to cleanse their sins. Open-air cremation takes place on the riverbank every day. May the story and history of Lord Pashupatinath and the Pashupatinath Temple continue to inspire people around the world to tune in to their God Nature within.