Devotees throng Pashupatinath, Shiva temples on third Monday of Shrawan

Thousands of devotees flocked to the Pashupatinath Temple and various Shiva temples throughout Nepal on Monday, marking the third Monday of the sacred Shrawan month. The Pashupati Area Development Trust reported that all four gates of the Pashupatinath Temple were opened to accommodate the immense number of worshippers. Special arrangements were also put in place for the "Bol Bam" pilgrims, a group known for their pilgrimage during this period.

Despite intermittent rain, devotees began lining up from the early morning hours to offer their prayers. Four separate queues were established to facilitate entry into the main temple complex, ensuring a more organized flow of people. The spiritual atmosphere was palpable as pilgrims participated in the religious observances.

Beyond the main Pashupatinath Temple, significant crowds were also observed at other prominent Shiva temples within the Kathmandu Valley. These included the Gokarneshwor Temple, Nageshwar Temple, Doleshwar Mahadev Temple, and the Makhan Mahadev Temple, affectionately known as the “Little Pashupatinath.” Similar gatherings were reported at numerous other large and small Shiva shrines across the capital, highlighting the widespread religious devotion during this auspicious month.