Lord Shiva is known by many different names and Pashupatinath is the one of them. Breaking down the words; Pashu means animal or leaving being, and Pati means master. In other words Pashupatinath means the master of all living beings of the universe. The Pashupati linga or Jyotirlinga has four faces and a fifth invisible one, which is said to be on top of the others.

Pashupatinath Temple is considered as one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. The richly-ornamented pagoda structure lies 5 km east of the city center and is situated amidst many other temples on the right bank of the holy river Bagmati. It is a double–roofed golden temple with four triple silver doorways. This holiest temple covers an area of 281 hectares, which is one of the biggest temple complexes in Nepal.

The date of construction of this temple is unknown. However, it is believed to be built by the Licchavi King Supuspadeva in the 6th Century. It was renovated by King Jyoti Malla in 1416 A.D. King Bhupatindra Malla reconstructed it in 1697.

Non–Hindus are not allowed inside the main temple. They can have a good view of the temple complex from the other side of the holy river Bagmati. There are lots of cremation places (ghats) along the right bank of the river. Hindus still believe that to die and get cremated here will release one from the cycle of repeated birth and death.

*All the visitors are requested not to go near to the cremation areas since it can disturb the ritual activities and are advised to take the photos from far.

Legends:
There are many stories behind how lord Pashupatinath came to existance here. According to a Hindu mythology, it is said that, the image of lord Shiva in the form of Jyotirlinga was covered by earth over many years and soft green grass sprouted over it. Every day a cow used to come over this spot mysteriously and offer her milk to this holy but hidden Linga of Lord Shiva. When the Gwala (owner of the cow) noticed that the cow stopped giving milk for few days he started keeping eye on her and finally came across this place. After then, he got very curious to know about why the cow was offerring her milk here, he dug this place and found the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.

After this number of gwalas gathered to worship this Linga according to religious conformity, and started the tradition of worshipping this Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. As the time passed Lord Pashupatinath started gaining more and more popularity and reverence of the devotees as a guardian spirit and gradually the temple of Lord Pashupatinath became a great place of pilgrimage.