Om Ganeshaya Namaha!Om Sai Ram!
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namaha!
Om Nama Shivaya!Jai Maata di!
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh !
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We all at some point of our lives have heard about the rarest and priceless gems like Nagmani (snake jewel), Gajamani (elephant jewel), Nilmani, (blue precious stone)- But did you know that they really exist.???..Do you know about a temple where only hindus are allowed to enter??? Do you know which is the Holiest temple in the world?? ..... I am sure most of you have no clue about the answer..Just like all of you even I was not aware about any such temple until a few months ago..It is none other than the Pashupathinath temple in Kathmandu,Nepal...
Many of us , including me often say that there is a lot of bad and evil in this world but the truth is the world is full of divinity.It is just us who fail to look in the right direction.. So Let us visit one such sacred and divine temple today and make our lives feel blessed..
Sai bhakt
Deepa H
Pashupatinath, or Pashupati, is a Hindu temple on the banks of the Bagmati River in Deopatan, a village 3 km northwest of Kathmandu. It is dedicated to a manifestation of Shiva called Pashupati . 
Pashupathinath is the guardian spirit and the holiest of all Shiva shrines in Nepal. Lord Shiva is known by many different names; and Pashupati is one. Pashu means living beings, and Pati means master. In other words Pashupati is the master of all living beings of the universe. This is how lord Pashupati is eulogized in the Vedas, Upnisada and ohter religious books. 
Regarded as the most sacred Hindu temple of Lord Shiva in the world, Pashupatinath Temple's existence dates back to 400 A.D. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple, that is also known as 'The Temple of Living Beings'. 
Pashupatinath Temple, which is considered one of the most sacred and divine temples of Pashupati that you could ever go to is one of the oldest Lord Shiva temples in the world. It is only accessible to those of the Hindu faith, for those who are not they must be satisfied with viewing the temple from a distance. Even from a distance it is worth viewing the gold and silver temple glittering in the sun. 
The main treasury 'mul dhukuti' of Pashupatinath is believed to contain priceless items, including Nagmani (snake jewel), Gajamani (elephant jewel), Nilmani, (blue precious stone). 
The Pashupatinath Temple is situated in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal near the Bagmati River which has highly sacred properties. Thus the banks are lined with many ghats (bathing spots) for use by pilgrims. Renovating or furnishing these sites has always been regarded as meritorious. 
Near the river is where you will find Arya Ghat where most of the dead are taken and cremated 
Arya Ghat, dating from the early 1900s, is of special importance because it is the only place where lustral water for Pashupatinath Temple can be obtained and it is where members of the royal family are cremated. 
The main cremation site is Bhasmeshvar Ghat, which is the most-used cremation site in the Kathmandu Valley. The preferred bathing spot for women is the Gauri Ghat, to the north. 
According to a legend recorded in local texts, especially the Nepalamahatmya and the Himavatkhanda, the Hindu god Shiva once fled from the other gods in Varanasi to Mrigasthali, the forest on the opposite bank of the Bagmati River from the temple. There, in the form of a gazelle, he slept with his consort Parvati. When the gods discovered him there and tried to bring him back to Varanasi, he leapt across the river to the opposite bank, where one of his horns broke into four pieces. After this, Shiva became manifest as Pashupati (Lord of Animals) in a four-face (chaturmukha) linga. 
There are many legends describing as to how the temple of Lord Pashupatinath came to existence here. Some of them are narrated below:-The Cow Legend:
Legend says that Lord Shiva once took the form of an antelope and sported unkown in the forest on Bagmati river's east bank. The gods later caught up with him, and grabbing him by the horn, forced him to resume his divine form. The broken horn was worshipped as a linga but overtime it was buried and lost. Centuries later an astonished herdsmen found one of his cows showering the earth with milk. Digging deep at the site, he discovered the divine linga of Pashupatinath.
The Linchchhavi Legend :According to Gopalraj Vamsavali, the oldest ever chronicle in Nepal, this temple was built by Supus Padeva, a Linchchhavi King, who according to the stone inscription erected by Jayadeva 11 in the courtyard of Pashupatinath in 753 AD, happened to be the ruler 39 generations before Manadeva (464-505 AD). 
The Devalaya Legend:Another chronicle states that Pashupatinath Temple was in the form of Linga shaped Devalaya before Supus Padeva constructed a five storey temple of Pashupatinath in this place. As the time passed, the need for reparing and renovating this temple arose. It is learnt that this temple was reconsturcted by a mediaeval King named Shivadeva (1099-1126 AD). It was renovated by Ananta Malla adding a roof to it. 
Across the Bagmati River are 15 votive shrines, the Pandra Shivalaya, which were built to enshrine lingas in memory of deceased persons between 1859 and 1869. 
It is not known for certain when Pashupatinath was founded. Tradition says it was constructed by Pashupreksha of the Somadeva Dynasty in the 3rd century BC, but the first historical records date from the 13th century. The ascetic Pashupata sect was likely related to its foundation. Pashupati was a tutelary deity of the ancient rulers of the Kathmandu Valley; in 605 AD, Amshuvarman considered himself favored by his touching of the god's feet. By the later Middle Ages, many imitations of the temple had been built, such as in Bhaktapur (1480), Lalitpur (1566) and Benares (early 19th century). The original temple was destroyed several times until it was given its present form under King Bhupalendra Malla in 1697. 
Pashupati Temple stands in the center of the town of Deopatan, in the middle of an open courtyard. It is a square, two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth, and it stands 23.6 meters above the ground. Richly ornamented gilt and silver-plated doors are on all sides. On both sides of each door are niches of various sizes containing gold-painted images of guardian deities. Inside the temple itself is a narrow ambulatory around the sanctum. The sanctum contains a one-meter high linga with four faces (chaturmukha) representing Pashupati, as well as images of Vishnu, Surya, Devi and Ganesh. 
The priests of Pashaputinath are called Bhattas and the chief priest is called Mool Bhatt or Raval. The chief priest is answerable only to the King of Nepal and reports to him on temple matters on a periodic basis. 
The struts under the roofs, dating from the late 17th century, are decorated with wood carvings of members of Shiva's family such as Parvati, Ganesh, Kumar or the Yoginis, as well as Hanuman, Rama, Sita, Lakshman and other gods and goddesses from the Ramayana. 
Cow Walking Past 7 Century ,-Half-Buried Buddha Statue 
Temple to Vasuki, King of Nagas :In the northeast corner of the temple courtyard is the small pagoda temple of Vasuki, the King of the Nagas. Vasuki has the form of a Naga (mythical snake) from the waist upwards, while the lower parts are an intricate tangle of snakes' bodies. According to local belief, Vasuki took up residence here in order to protect Pashupati. One can often see devotees circumambulating and worshipping Vasuki before entering the main sanctum.
Pashaputi Temple's extensive grounds include many other old and important temples, shrines and statues. South of the temple, for instance, is Chadeshvar, an inscribed Licchavi linga from the 7th century, and north of the temple is a 9th-century temple of Brahma. On the south side of Pashupati temple is the Dharmashila, a stone where sacred oaths are taken, and pillars with statues of various Shah kings.
What to See :
The temple of Lord Pashupatinath stands in the middle of an open courtyard. It is a square shaped pagoda temple built on single platform measuring 23.6 meters from the ground.
Situated on the south side, is a depiction of Shiva as Yogeshvara, Lord of yogis.
Carving on west gate
There are gold gilt doors on all the four sides of the temple. Inside the temple there is a narrow walk engulfing the sanctum from where one can have closer view of Shivalinga. On the both sides of each door of the temple there are artistic niche of different sizes containing attractiv images of Apsara, Ashtha Bhairava and other gods and goddesses. These images and niches, painted with gold enhance the grandeur of the temple. The latticed windows below the roof are another elements of attraction. The struts supporting the roofs and depicting the image of different postures are equally alluring. The gold gilt images of birds in flying posture in all the four corners of the roof and the winged images of lion, griffin, Ajarapurusa and Mahanaga on the struts in all the corners of the temple gies soaring beauty to the temple. On the upper part of the struts supporting the lower roof, the images of moon, sun and a Purna-Kalasha are carved out. This Purna Kalasha is worshiped as a symbol of Guheshwori.
The western door has a statue of a large Bull, Nandi, is ornamented in gold. This black stone idol, about 6 ft in height and circumference, adds to the beauty and charisma of the temple.
Golden Door At Pashupatinath Temple Entrance :
Pashaputi Temple's extensive grounds include many other old and important temples, shrines and statues. South of the temple, for instance, is Chadeshvar, an inscribed Licchavi linga from the 7th century, and north of the temple is a 9th-century temple of Brahma. On the south side of Pashupati temple is the Dharmashila, a stone where sacred oaths are taken, and pillars with statues of various Shah kings. 
What to See :» Gold-painted images of guardian deities
» Chaturmukha (four-faced statue)
» Chadeshvar, an inscribed Licchavi linga from the 7th century
» Brahma Temple» Dharmashila, a stone where sacred oaths are taken
» Arya Ghat
» Gauri Ghat (holy bath)
» Pandra Shivalaya (15 shrines)
» Gorakhnath and Vishwarup Temples
» Guhyeshwari (Guhjeshwari) Temple
» Kirateshwar Mahadeva Mandir and Surya Ghat
The temple of Lord Pashupatinath stands in the middle of an open courtyard. It is a square shaped pagoda temple built on single platform measuring 23.6 meters from the ground. 
Situated on the south side, is a depiction of Shiva as Yogeshvara, Lord of yogis. 
Carving on west gate 
There are gold gilt doors on all the four sides of the temple. Inside the temple there is a narrow walk engulfing the sanctum from where one can have closer view of Shivalinga. On the both sides of each door of the temple there are artistic niche of different sizes containing attractiv images of Apsara, Ashtha Bhairava and other gods and goddesses. These images and niches, painted with gold enhance the grandeur of the temple. The latticed windows below the roof are another elements of attraction. The struts supporting the roofs and depicting the image of different postures are equally alluring. The gold gilt images of birds in flying posture in all the four corners of the roof and the winged images of lion, griffin, Ajarapurusa and Mahanaga on the struts in all the corners of the temple gies soaring beauty to the temple. On the upper part of the struts supporting the lower roof, the images of moon, sun and a Purna-Kalasha are carved out. This Purna Kalasha is worshiped as a symbol of Guheshwori. 
The western door has a statue of a large Bull, Nandi, is ornamented in gold. This black stone idol, about 6 ft in height and circumference, adds to the beauty and charisma of the temple. 
Golden Door At Pashupatinath Temple Entrance :The two level roofs of the temple are embellished with gold and the four main doors are adorned with silver.
The temple is famous for its awe-inspiring and astounding pagoda architecture.
In the sanctum of the temple, there is a very attractive, about three feet high Shivalinga with four faces. All these faces have different names and significance. The face facing east is known as Tatpurusha and the one facing south as Aghora. Similarly, the faces looking west and north are known by the name Sadhyojata and Vamadeva respectively. The upper portion of this linga is known as Ishan. These faces are also defined as the symbol of four dharmas (the most famous places of pilgrimage for Hindus) and four Vedas (sacred books of Hindus). The images of Vishnu, Surya, Devi and Ganesh are also placed in the sanctum of the temple.
The temple is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
At the northern end of the Pashupatinath terraces near Kathmandu is a Shiva lingam on a circular pedestal dating from the 6C. A finely featured face of Shiva has been sculpted on one side of the lingam.
Two important idols inside Pashupati area—Mrigeshwar Mahadev and Virupakshe (also known as Kali)—are gradually losing their charm after Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) closed the eastern entrance of Pashupatinath Temple citing security reasons. Locals and priests say a huge crowd used to visit the “small” temple of the two idols situated in the east side of the main temple. “After Pashupati Area Development Trust closed the eastern entrance last year, the number of people coming to worship these idols is on the decline,” said Badri Adhikari, a priest who has been stationed inside the Pashupati area for the last 15 years. Earlier, people used to worship Mrigeshwar Mahadev before offering prayers at the main temple, added Adhikari. Around a year ago, the eastern gate of the main temple was closed for a day after the Indian priest (the main priest of Pashupatinath Temple) was beaten up by a group of people demanding appointment of Nepali origin priest. Priests say the idol of Mrigeshwar Mahadev carries the meaning of Pashupati. “Pashupati actually means the incarnation of lord Mahadev as an animal,” said Adhikari. “The idol of Mrigeshwar Mahadev is the only idol which depicts Mahadev’s incarnation as mirga (deer).” According to Hindu mythology, Mahadev had chosen the Pashupati area as a hideout to trick his wife, goddess Parvati. It is said that once upon a time when Mahadev was on bad terms with Parvati, he came to live in Mrigasthali in the form of a mirga. Later, when Parvati came to know she also came there in the form of a female mirga to placate her husband and take him back to Kailash Parbat, the house of Mahadev and Parvati. There is another interesting belief associated with the idol of Virupakshe (Kali). The idol, half of which is already underground, is believed to be gradually sinking underneath the earth. Some Hindus believe that when the idol totally disappears underground, the universe will collapse, marking the beginning of a new era after Kaliyug. “The idol is not sinking. It is exactly in the same state as it was 15 years ago,” said Adhikari. “However, what is important is the belief and sentiments of people associated with these idols.” “Pashupati Area Development Trust’s decision to close the eastern entrance has, in a way, played with the sentiments of people who want to worship Mrigeshwar Mahadev and Virupakshe.” “This place, which once used to be a major attraction of Pashupati, seems overshadowed by the PADT’s irresponsible step. If it was closed on the ground of security, more police personnel should have be deployed instead of closing the gate.” When asked, PADT treasurer Narottam Vaidhya said the gate will be opened as early as possible.
The 11 small stone Chaityas (stupas), each with a lingam, lined up nicely to give a seemingly endless mirror effect.
The unique feature of this temple is that only 4 priests can touch the idol. This tradition is supposed to have started by Sage Shankaracharya in 8th century, ostensibly to stop human sacrifice which was prevalent in that temple. This procedure is also followed in other temples around India which were sanctified by Adi Shankaracharya. Malla kings honoured the request of Adi shankarachaya as latter being one of the greatest ever Hindu acharyas. However,this tradition was recently changed after the historic revolution in Nepal which demolished the monarchy and established democracy where Nepalese priests supported by the anti- Indian Maoists government.There was widespread protests by most Nepalese as they saw this as an intereference in their religion.
The temple is famous for its awe-inspiring and astounding pagoda architecture. 
In the sanctum of the temple, there is a very attractive, about three feet high Shivalinga with four faces. All these faces have different names and significance. The face facing east is known as Tatpurusha and the one facing south as Aghora. Similarly, the faces looking west and north are known by the name Sadhyojata and Vamadeva respectively. The upper portion of this linga is known as Ishan. These faces are also defined as the symbol of four dharmas (the most famous places of pilgrimage for Hindus) and four Vedas (sacred books of Hindus). The images of Vishnu, Surya, Devi and Ganesh are also placed in the sanctum of the temple. 
The temple is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. 
At the northern end of the Pashupatinath terraces near Kathmandu is a Shiva lingam on a circular pedestal dating from the 6C. A finely featured face of Shiva has been sculpted on one side of the lingam. 
Two important idols inside Pashupati area—Mrigeshwar Mahadev and Virupakshe (also known as Kali)—are gradually losing their charm after Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) closed the eastern entrance of Pashupatinath Temple citing security reasons. Locals and priests say a huge crowd used to visit the “small” temple of the two idols situated in the east side of the main temple. “After Pashupati Area Development Trust closed the eastern entrance last year, the number of people coming to worship these idols is on the decline,” said Badri Adhikari, a priest who has been stationed inside the Pashupati area for the last 15 years. Earlier, people used to worship Mrigeshwar Mahadev before offering prayers at the main temple, added Adhikari. Around a year ago, the eastern gate of the main temple was closed for a day after the Indian priest (the main priest of Pashupatinath Temple) was beaten up by a group of people demanding appointment of Nepali origin priest. Priests say the idol of Mrigeshwar Mahadev carries the meaning of Pashupati. “Pashupati actually means the incarnation of lord Mahadev as an animal,” said Adhikari. “The idol of Mrigeshwar Mahadev is the only idol which depicts Mahadev’s incarnation as mirga (deer).” According to Hindu mythology, Mahadev had chosen the Pashupati area as a hideout to trick his wife, goddess Parvati. It is said that once upon a time when Mahadev was on bad terms with Parvati, he came to live in Mrigasthali in the form of a mirga. Later, when Parvati came to know she also came there in the form of a female mirga to placate her husband and take him back to Kailash Parbat, the house of Mahadev and Parvati. There is another interesting belief associated with the idol of Virupakshe (Kali). The idol, half of which is already underground, is believed to be gradually sinking underneath the earth. Some Hindus believe that when the idol totally disappears underground, the universe will collapse, marking the beginning of a new era after Kaliyug. “The idol is not sinking. It is exactly in the same state as it was 15 years ago,” said Adhikari. “However, what is important is the belief and sentiments of people associated with these idols.” “Pashupati Area Development Trust’s decision to close the eastern entrance has, in a way, played with the sentiments of people who want to worship Mrigeshwar Mahadev and Virupakshe.” “This place, which once used to be a major attraction of Pashupati, seems overshadowed by the PADT’s irresponsible step. If it was closed on the ground of security, more police personnel should have be deployed instead of closing the gate.” When asked, PADT treasurer Narottam Vaidhya said the gate will be opened as early as possible. 
The 11 small stone Chaityas (stupas), each with a lingam, lined up nicely to give a seemingly endless mirror effect. 
The unique feature of this temple is that only 4 priests can touch the idol. This tradition is supposed to have started by Sage Shankaracharya in 8th century, ostensibly to stop human sacrifice which was prevalent in that temple. This procedure is also followed in other temples around India which were sanctified by Adi Shankaracharya. Malla kings honoured the request of Adi shankarachaya as latter being one of the greatest ever Hindu acharyas. However,this tradition was recently changed after the historic revolution in Nepal which demolished the monarchy and established democracy where Nepalese priests supported by the anti- Indian Maoists government.There was widespread protests by most Nepalese as they saw this as an intereference in their religion.In January 2009, after the forced resignation by the chief priest of Pashupatinath temple, the Maoist-led government of Nepal "hand picked" Nepalese priest to the temple, thus bypassing the temple's long-standing requirements. This appointment was contested by the Bhandaris of the temple, stating that they were not against the appointment of Nepalese priests but against the appointment without proper procedure. After the appointment was challenged in the court of laws, the appointment was overruled by Supreme Court of Nepal. However, the government did not heed the ruling and continued with its decision. This led to a public outrage and protests over lack of transparency. The paramilitary group of CPN (Maoist), called YCL, attacked the protesters leading to over a dozen injuries . Lawmakers and party activists of the opposition parties joined protests and stated that their support were with the Bhandaris and other protesters. However, after long dissatisfaction and protest of Hindus both inside and outside Nepal, the government reverted its decision and reinstated Indian priests
May this sacred Shivlingam shower us with its grace and bless our souls with peace , faith and devotion.
Oh Baba! Bale Me Out of the Stress-Filled Life
May this sacred Shivlingam shower us with its grace and bless our souls with peace , faith and devotion. 
Oh Baba! Bale Me Out of the Stress-Filled Life The journey of civilization had its beginning in the Old Stone Age and going towards space odyssey. In the mad pursuit of name, prestige, money and lust for power, man has become restless, making life a never-ending struggle. We have come to a stage to view that life is an endless race for achieving things but we are unable to justify the race. The moment one wakes up in the morning, one is occupied with the thoughts of home, family, children, employment, business and so on. Man's life has become a mechanical entity-cheerless and restless.While the poor man aims at earning some money, the rich are greedy of acquiring more and more wealth. This leads to unending desires and tensions creep in, ultimately turning life into a stress-filled, monotonous journey. One must realize that continual craving for carnal pleasures will end up one's life in utter misery. It is like chasing a mirage of joy in the desert of life. The secret of stress-free joy of living lies in the meditation on God. We must get out of the hustle and bustle of daily life to steal a few moments for contemplation of God. Of what use our lives are, if we do not pay heed to the word of Baba and meditate on His Form? Let us pray to Baba to free our minds from the vice-like grip of tensions and stresses to enable us to leap into His Lap of Love and Peace.
Quote of BABA:
Quote of BABA: It is My special characteristic to free any person who surrenders completely to Me and who does worship Me faithfully and who remembers Me and mediates on Me constantly.
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