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Evening Aarati At Pashupatinath Temple | Spiritual Experience

aarati at pashupatinath temple

An Entertaining Yet Spiritual

If you visit Nepal, especially Kathmandu, and do not visit Pashupatinath Temple during the evening for the Aarati session, you are indeed missing something. Pashupatinath Temple, a holy shrine for Lord Shiva’s followers and one of the most important temples for Hindus is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal. Its history dates back to 400 B.C. and holds a very important place in the hearts of Nepalese.

Hindus and non-Hindus from all over the world also come to Nepal to visit the temple every year which is believed to be the gateway to heaven.  While Pashupatinath Temple is quite popular on its own and the name is enough, the temple lights up even more during the evening time. Every day after 5 PM the banks of the Bagmati river are filled with devotees and enthusiastic tourists. The excitement builds up as the priests start to prepare for the evening Aarati. 

After 5, both the banks of the Bagmati river near the Pashupati Temple are filled with people as they patiently for the Aarati to start. As priests start the Aarati, the singers and musicians start to sing Bhajan (religious songs) while the dancers perform a classical dance to them. The dance and the music are quite entertaining but they are not the main attraction of the evening. The main attraction is the Aarati itself as the priests perform each and every step of the procedure precisely with mesmerizing moves and syncing perfectly with the music and the environment.

Some devotees even can be seen drowning in the moment and dancing along to the music. While it is quite entertaining to witness the event, the feeling is amazing. Being at Pashupati during the Aarati feels very soothing to the soul and makes you forget all your pains and suffering for a while. Maybe that is the reason why hundreds of people visit the temple every day after 5 P.M to witness the Aarati. 

The Evening Aarati at Pashupatinath Temple is a mesmerizing ritual that is performed every day at 6 pm. The Aarati is a Hindu ceremony in which lights with wicks soaked in ghee are lit and offered up to one or more deities. In the case of Pashupatinath Temple, the deity being worshipped is Lord Shiva.

Evening aarti is a daily ritual at the Pashupatinath Temple where priests perform a special prayer ceremony to worship Lord Shiva. During the aarti, devotees gather around the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings from the deity. The atmosphere is usually very serene and peaceful, and the chanting of mantras and ringing of bells create a mesmerizing ambiance.

The Aarati is performed by a group of priests who stand on a platform in front of the temple. The priests hold a series of lamps in their hands, which they move in circular motions as they chant mantras. The lamps are made of copper and are filled with ghee, which is a type of clarified butter. The ghee burns brightly, creating a dazzling effect.

As the priests perform the Aarati, a group of musicians plays traditional Hindu instruments, such as drums, cymbals, and flutes. The musicians also sing hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. The music and the chanting create a beautiful and uplifting atmosphere.

The Aarati lasts for about 30 minutes. During this time, the devotees stand in front of the temple and watch the ceremony. They also offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The Aarati is a very special and spiritual experience for both the devotees and the priests.

Here are some additional details about the Evening Aarati at Pashupatinath Temple:

  • The Aarati is performed on a platform in front of the main temple.
  • The priests use a series of copper lamps filled with ghee.
  • The musicians play traditional Hindu instruments, such as drums, cymbals, and flutes.
  • The Aarati lasts for about 30 minutes.
  • The Aarati is a very special and spiritual experience for both the devotees and the priests.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you are planning to attend the Evening Aarati at Pashupatinath Temple:

  • The Aarati is a popular event, so it is best to arrive early to get a good spot.
  • The temple is located in a sacred area, so it is important to dress respectfully.
  • The Aarati is a religious ceremony, so it is important to be respectful of the participants.

The Evening Aarati at Pashupatinath Temple is a beautiful and moving experience that is open to all. It is a chance to come together with others to celebrate the divine and to pray for peace and happiness for all.

As we mentioned in the beginning, if you come to Kathmandu and do not visit Pashupatinath Temple during the evening for the Aarati session, you are indeed missing something. So, next time you visit Kathmandu, make sure to go to the Pashupatinath Temple in the evening to witness the spiritual Aarati session. If you are ever in Kathmandu, we highly recommend visiting Pashupatinath Temple to witness the Evening Aarati. It is a truly unforgettable experience.

About the author

Great Nepal Treks and Expedition welcomes you to the land of the Himalayas, where adventure and surprise await even the most casual traveler. Whether you’re interested in performing adventurous sports, exploring nature, or savoring a local culture, Nepal is a land that will take you there and beyond. Our peculiar traditions, cultures, ethnic groups, nature, biodiversity, flora and fauna, society, and various communities will fill your heart, and the selfless smiles of the Nepali people will warm your soul. At Great Nepal Treks and Expeditions, we have put together customized itineraries, from simple day tours to complex mountain treks for both beginners & professionals. We pride ourselves on being experts at taking the hassle out of traveling in the remote outback of Nepal. Our offerings can be enjoyed as planned, or we can customize any option to fit your time schedule, budget, and particular interest. Please visit our reviews page to see what travelers have had to say about their experience with us. Join us and feel the difference!

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