About – PADT

Introduction (परिचय)

Pashupatinath is the national god of Nepal and is worshipped as the main divine protector of the country. Lord Pashupati represents Nepal’s spiritual strength and faith. His importance can be seen in national agreements, oaths, the five-rupee note, and the royal coat of arms of Nepal. The famous Pashupatinath Temple is located in Kathmandu and is one of the most important Hindu temples in the world.

The name Pashupatinath means “Lord of all living beings”. In the Shiva Purana, Pashu means living beings or animals, and Pati or Nath means lord. Pashupatinath is considered one of the four most important holy places for Lord Shiva devotees in Asia. The temple has great religious, historical, and tourism value.

Shree Pashupatinath

The temple of Shree Pashupatinath is one of the most significant religious, historical, and tourist attractions in Kathmandu District. Situated on the sacred banks of the Bagmati River in Ward No. 8 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the temple complex spreads across approximately 240 hectares of land.

Since ancient times, the temple of Lord Shree Pashupatinath and the sacred Pashupati area have been regarded as a major center of pilgrimage and spiritual sanctuary for eternal Hinduism. The broader Pashupati region covers about 264 hectares and includes areas such as Devpatan, Jaybageshwari, Gaurighat, Chabahil, Kutambahal, Sifal, Gaushala, and the Sleshmantak Forest. Within this vast area are nearly 492 small and large monasteries, rest houses (sattals), stone water spouts (dhungedhara), chaityas, temples (dewalayas), and approximately 1,000 Shivlings, reflecting the region’s immense religious richness.

Historical evidence shows that the Pashupati region has been prominent since the Licchavi period. Numerous statues dating back to the third century have been discovered here, along with inscriptions from around 381 A.D. (E-459). These findings confirm that the Pashupati area is one of the oldest religious centers in the Kathmandu Valley. Owing to its ancient temples, idols, inscriptions, and continuous ritual practices, the region appears like an open-air museum of art, culture, and spirituality.

Short History of Pashupatinath Temple

The Pashupatinath area has long been considered a sacred pilgrimage site, with references in ancient Vedic texts. Many mantras related to livestock and worship are mentioned in the Yajurveda and Atharvaveda. In the context of the Mahabharata, the region known as Maheshworpur is described as “Uttarkashi, Pashupatinath Puri.” Ancient Nepali texts, such as the Mahatma Vishapati Puran and Pashupati Puran, also mention the area, highlighting its religious significance. These references indicate that Pashupatinath has been an important spiritual center since ancient times.

To preserve this rich heritage, the Pashupati Area Development Fund was established to protect and promote the temple, as well as other religious, cultural, social, and archaeological monuments in the region.

Mission (ध्येय)

To preserve the spiritual and cultural sanctity of the Pashupati area.

Vision (दृष्टिकोण)

Establishing Pashupati area as a premier global pilgrimage and heritage destination.

PADT Council (पशुपति क्षेत्र विकास कोष परिषद्)

The Pashupati Area has long been a sacred and culturally significant site, attracting devotees from Nepal, India, neighboring countries, and even distant lands such as Cambodia. Historically, Pashupati has been revered as the chief deity, and worshippers from different regions traveled to Nepal to pay homage. Over time, the fame of the Pashupati region spread to international universities and became a strong symbol of Nepal’s identity. Today, as part of the World Heritage List, the Pashupati Area continues to hold immense religious, historical, and cultural significance, attracting devotees and scholars from across the globe. To preserve and develop this holy area as a symbol of divinity, harmony, and globalism, the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) was established in 2043 B.S. (1986/87 A.D.) as an autonomous institution with perpetual succession. Since its establishment, PADT has been actively fulfilling its responsibilities with the primary aim of providing proper facilities for devotees visiting Shree Pashupatinath Temple. These facilities ensure a meaningful experience for darshan, worship, circumambulation, and other religious activities. PADT is also committed to conserving the religious, cultural, and historical heritage of the Pashupati Area. By maintaining a careful balance between natural beauty and environmental protection, the Trust ensures that the region remains clean, well-managed, and aesthetically pleasing. Through these efforts, PADT strives to safeguard the sanctity, global significance, and enduring legacy of the Pashupati Area for future generations, empowering Nepal and the Hindu world by fostering faith, goodwill, and cultural pride.

Organization Structure (संगठन संरचना)

The supreme governing body responsible for policy-making and strategic direction.

Culture Preservation Division

संस्कृति संरक्षण विभाग

Human Resources Division

मानव संसाधन विभाग

Public Procurement and Service Facilities Division

सार्वजनिक खरीद तथा सेवा सुविधा विभाग

Planning Division

योजना विभाग

ऐतिहासिक यात्रा / Historical Journey

Ancient Origins

The earliest references to the Pashupatinath Shivalinga appear in the Skanda Purana, dated to at least 400 BCE. Legends hold that the deity was discovered by a divine cow that poured milk on a sacred spot in the forest.

~400 BCE

5th Century CE

Lichhavi Period Construction

The Lichhavi kings of the Kathmandu Valley commissioned the first structured temple complex. King Supushpa Dev is credited with building the original pagoda-style main temple.

Malla Dynasty Renovations

The Malla kings greatly expanded the temple precinct, adding subsidiary shrines, ghats, and dharmashalas for visiting pilgrims. The temple gained international fame as a pan-Hindu pilgrimage site.

13th–18th Century

1979

UNESCO World Heritage Inscription

Pashupatinath Temple, as part of the Kathmandu Valley, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing its outstanding universal value and need for preservation.

Pashupati Area Development Trust Established

The Government of Nepal established PADT (2043 BS / 1986 AD) as an autonomous trust to oversee the management, conservation, and development of the Pashupatinath temple complex.

2043 BS / 1986

2015

Post-Earthquake Restoration

Following the 7.8 magnitude Gorkha earthquake, PADT led an extensive restoration program. The main temple suffered minor damage due to its ancient construction, but many subsidiary shrines required rebuilding.

Acts, Rules and Regulations (ऐन, नियम तथा विनियमहरू)

Operations are governed by specific legal frameworks to ensure the transparent management of the sacred area.