Disciple:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Pranam, son. Tell me.
Disciple:
Gurudev, I noticed in several episodes that you frequently mention Pashupatinath. You also encouraged some of your disciples to visit the Pashupatinath Temple.
Gurudev:
Well, it is not just me. They come to me saying, "Gurudev, we want to go to Pashupatinath, please bless us." I cannot forbid them; they should definitely go. It is one of the most significant places. In the Indian subcontinent, Pashupatinath is what we call Adi Shiva (The Primordial Shiva).
Disciple:
On that note, today we would like to hear from you about the Pashupatinath Temple. Please tell us about it.
Gurudev:
It is difficult to say exactly when the temple was established; it was a very long time ago. Some say around the 4th century, the temple was discovered, or rather, Shiva was already there.
Gurudev:
There is a legend mentioned in the Puranas. Once, Shiva and Durga were wandering together, enjoying the beautiful scenery. When the other gods could not find Mahadev for several days, they became anxious. They eventually found him in a state of recreation (vihara) with Durga. Upon realizing he had been found, Shiva transformed himself and Durga into deer—Durga became a doe and Shiva became a buck.
Gurudev:
The gods pleaded with him to return. Mahadev replied, "I cannot return immediately because I have assumed an animal form. From this day forward, I shall be known as Pashupatinath—the Lord of all Animals." That is the legend behind the name.
Gurudev:
The temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River (though some mistakenly say Gomati) in Kathmandu. It is said that King Shivadev of the Thakur dynasty, who was a follower of Buddhism at the time, ruled there. However, when Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya saw that the Hindu Sanatan Dharma was nearly extinct in the region, he visited Pashupatinath. He met King Shivadev, explained the spiritual significance, and the King was so moved that he became a disciple and helped restore the temple.
Disciple:
Was the King's name Shivadev?
Gurudev:
Yes, Shivadev of the Thakur dynasty. He was the King of Nepal when the temple was rediscovered and renovated. Since Shiva had taken the form of a beast (Pashu), the place became known as Pashupatinath.
Gurudev:
The temple complex is incredibly beautiful. I visited it about 30 years ago. Back then, it was not as crowded or grand as it is now; it was somewhat neglected. You can see the cremation pyres burning below by the river from the temple area.
Gurudev:
I remember going there at 3:00 AM. The temple opened at 4:00 AM. I was alone—there were no priests or crowds yet. I performed my worship and touched the temple walls. They were covered in intricate carvings, possibly gold or gold-plated copper. The sanctum was very small, fitting only a few people. Being there at that hour, catching a glimpse of the Lord, I felt completely lost in devotion.
Gurudev:
If you ever go to Kathmandu, you must visit. Shiva's greatest weapon is the Pashupatastra, which he gave to Arjuna. He also gave a specialized axe-like weapon to Parashurama after his long penance. Parashurama used it throughout his life, though legend says it became stuck to his hand after he killed his mother, and he only found relief after visiting holy sites like Brahmakunda.
Disciple:
Gurudev, I want to clarify: King Shivadev was a Buddhist, but he ended up establishing and worshipping at the temple. How did that happen?
Gurudev:
As I said, it was through Adi Shankaracharya. When Shankaracharya saw the decline of Hinduism, he travelled extensively to revive it. He convinced King Shivadev, who had been neglecting the temple. After their discussion, the King accepted the Hindu faith. Shankaracharya advised him to declare Nepal a Hindu state to preserve Sanatan Dharma. To this day, Nepal remains deeply rooted in those traditions.
Gurudev:
Interestingly, as a Prasad (offering), they sometimes serve buffalo meat. This is considered a Mahaprasad there. I remember being offered a bit of it when I visited 30 years ago.
Disciple:
Is that for everyone, or just for certain seekers?
Gurudev:
The priests, known as Bhatts, offer it to those who visit. These Bhatt priests are originally from South India.
Disciple:
So, South Indian Brahmins with the surname Bhatt?
Gurudev:
Yes, they have various titles, but they are the ones who manage and perform the rituals at the temple. This tradition was established by Shankaracharya himself through a divine command (Swapnadesh). He designated that their lineage would serve Mahadev at Pashupatinath.
Gurudev:
Nearby, there is also a temple for Goddess Durga. Visitors should see both. While Shiva is there as Pashupatinath, Durga is his Bhairavi.
Disciple:
So, because Shiva and Parvati took the form of deer, he became the "Lord of Animals."
Gurudev:
Exactly. Pashupatinath. The "Nath" sect is very large—Gorakhnath, Amarnath, Kedarnath, Badrinath. By taking this name, he became the King of Animals.
Disciple:
Are there many seekers who perform penance there?
Gurudev:
Many. Throughout history, many have gone there. Even in the Ramayana, it is said Rama visited. In the Mahabharata, Arjuna went there to please Shiva and obtain the Pashupatastra.
Disciple:
Friends, you just heard about the Pashupatinath Temple from Gurudev. Although it is a primary site for Shaivism, it is sacred to Vaishnavas, Shaktas, Tantrics, and Buddhists alike.
Gurudev:
It is a major site for Tantra as well. We call him Pashupat Adi Shivaya Namah. He is the Primordial Shiva. It is believed that the very first Shiva Lingam was established at Pashupatinath.
Disciple:
That is a fascinating piece of information.
Gurudev:
There is so much in the 18 Puranas. Different Puranas offer different perspectives, but the Shiva Purana covers everything regarding him. Shiva is the beginning, and he is untainted by any blemish. Unlike other deities who may have legends of flaws, Mahadev is Sada-Shiva—forever pure. As they say: Satyam Shivam Sundaram (Truth, Auspiciousness, Beauty).
Disciple:
Thank you, Gurudev, for this discussion on Pashupatinath. I hope the listeners enjoyed it. Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Pranam. Bless you.