KATHMANDU: On the first Monday of the holy month of Shrawan, all four gates of the Pashupatinath Temple were opened to devotees from as early as 3 am, as thousands gathered to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
The Cultural Heritage Division of the Pashupati Area Development Trust estimates that around 500,000 devotees are likely to visit the main temple for worship throughout the day. Special arrangements have been made to accommodate the expected crowds.
Mondays in the month of Shrawan hold special significance in Vedic Sanatan Hindu tradition, as devotees, particularly women, observe fasts and offer ritual worship to Lord Shiva. It is believed that praying at Shiva temples on these days fulfills one’s wishes and brings lasting good fortune.
The Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, saw an early morning rush of devotees queuing for hours before sunrise. The temple complex became a center of religious activity as the faithful arrived in large numbers to mark the auspicious occasion.
The Trust has stated that for special worship during the month, tickets below Rs 7,500 will not be issued, reflecting the increased demand for religious services and offerings.
As part of community support, the Marwari community has arranged for free meals for devotees throughout the month, not just on Mondays.
For the first time this year, the Trust has also introduced a free shuttle bus service within the Ring Road (Chakrapath) area to ease access for pilgrims. Four buses have been deployed for this circular route, and the service will be available on all four Mondays of Shrawan.
With spiritual energy high and the faithful gathered in the thousands, the atmosphere at Pashupatinath has turned deeply devotional, as the sacred month unfolds with renewed enthusiasm and organized support.
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