No Photography or Videography Allowed Inside Pashupatinath, Fine Up to Rs 2,000

The Pashupatinath Temple, temple authorities have issued a stern warning against visitors and pilgrims taking photographs and shooting videos within the temple premises. Violators of this rule may face fines of up to Rs 2,000 and potential legal action under cybercrime laws.

Pashupatinath Temple, located in Kathmandu on the banks of the Bagmati River, is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Pashupati. It draws thousands of pilgrims from India and around the world daily.

The prohibition on photography and videography inside the temple premises is not new, as it has long been enforced by the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT), the governing body responsible for overseeing the temple’s affairs.

This fresh warning comes just ahead of the Hindu festival of Teej, which is celebrated over three days and commences this year on Sunday.

In an official notice issued on Friday, PADT emphasized that individuals capturing videos or taking pictures inside the main temple area will face fines of up to Rs 2,000.

PADT spokesperson Rewati Raman Adhikari pointed out that, in anticipation of the Teej festival, some visitors, notably young individuals, had unlawfully entered the temple premises, recorded videos, and snapped photographs, subsequently sharing them on social media platforms.

Adhikari expressed concern over the emergence of TikTok videos featuring the Shiva Linga of Pashupati and photos/videos of the main temple being circulated on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, emphasizing that such actions are in violation of established rules. Fines for violations will range from Rs 500 to Rs 2,000.

Adhikari warned, “Those found sharing these videos on social media will be instructed to delete them, and failure to comply may result in legal action under cybercrime laws. Additionally, we reserve the right to confiscate cameras or mobile phones from those who defy our regulations.”

The Teej festival holds immense significance for Hindus, drawing thousands of women from across Nepal to congregate at the Pashupatinath Temple. They come to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, seeking blessings for the well-being, happiness, and prosperity of their families.