Pasupatinath Temple in Kathmandu

Pasupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is one of the most important and sacred places of the Saivites. It is believed to be the oldest and largest Shiva Temple in the world. The temple is regarded as the head of Sati Devi who burnt herself into ashes and who was the first wife of Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on the banks of holy Bagmati river. The uniqueness of the temple is that it has four main entrance doors in four directions which are opened for the devotees to have a darshan of the Lord. Early morning, I suppose its 4 a.m, the main entrance door facing west is first opened and then later the three other main doors are opened to the devotees. On performing ksheerabhishekam / (pouring of milk) to the deity, the devotees are given a Panchamukhi Rudraaksha Maala with 54 Rudraakshaas in the chain and it is believed by the devotees that the other 54 Rudraakshaas in a maala obtained from the Kedarnath Temple of India together making a 108 Rudraakshas in a chain or maala is considered very very auspicious and lucky indeed as per the beliefs of the Saivites. In addition to its being the oldest, largest and holiest among Shiva Temples of the world, it also provides a home 'Bridhaashram' to the old and destitute.