Devotees Flock to Shiva Temples Nationwide on Mahashivaratri

Thousands of devotees thronged Shiva temples across Nepal to celebrate Mahashivaratri, marking the divine manifestation of Lord Shiva. The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, one of the holiest Hindu shrines, witnessed an overwhelming number of worshippers since the early hours of the morning.

All four gates of the Pashupatinath temple were opened at 2 a.m. to facilitate the influx of devotees. According to Rewati Raman Adhikari, spokesperson for the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT), multiple queues were arranged both inside and outside the temple premises to manage the crowd efficiently. Despite the extensive lines, devotees patiently waited for their turn to offer prayers.

A total of 400 special worship receipts were issued for Mahashivaratri, with 200 rituals completed in the morning and the remaining scheduled for the evening. Broadcast journalist Achyut Subedi, who has been covering the event live since dawn, reported that devotees were able to enter the main temple in a systematic manner.

The Nepali Army marked the occasion by showering flower petals over the temple area. In addition, free health camps were set up by the army and various other organizations to provide medical assistance to devotees. Community groups, including Guthi Sansthan and PADT, arranged food, water, and shelter for the large number of sadhus and ascetics visiting the temple since Monday.

Due to the massive gathering, some worshippers chose to pay homage from a distance, simply viewing the pinnacle of the temple rather than standing in the long queues. Theologian Prof. Dr. Ram Chandra Gautam explained that, according to religious belief, even catching sight of the temple’s pinnacle from nearby is considered a sacred and rewarding act.

Adding to the festive ambiance, the Pashupatinath temple premises were adorned with colorful electric lights, flower garlands, and vibrant decorations, creating a divine atmosphere for devotees celebrating this auspicious day.