The revered Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal came alive with vibrant celebrations and a sea of devotees on Tuesday, marking the eve of Mahashivaratri. The temple complex, adorned with colorful flower garlands, attracted thousands of pilgrims and ascetics from across India and Nepal.
Entry gates were set up to manage the influx of visitors heading toward the main temple, while ascetics took shelter in designated areas like Annapurna Bhandar, Swargadwari Ashram, Nirmala Akhada, and Parmananda Ashram within the temple premises.
“The environment is filled with excitement and fervour. Devotees have continued to flock to the temple. I come to the temple every year, and I am today’s environment around the temple filled with gaiety,” said Bholanath Upadhyay, a devotee, to media.
Mahashivaratri, celebrated this year on Wednesday, is expected to draw around 1 million pilgrims. The festival, observed on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month, is believed to enhance spiritual energy and marks the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. It also commemorates Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, the Tandav.
As one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism, the Pashupatinath Temple holds special significance, being regarded as the Guardian of Kathmandu Valley and Nepal.
To ensure the safety of the massive crowd, Nepal Police have launched an extensive security plan. “A special security plan has been implemented to address potential criminal incidents that could arise due to the large crowd of devotees and visitors during Shivaratri,” stated officials from the Kathmandu Valley Police Office.
Under the command of Superintendent of Police (SP) Apil Raj Bohara, a total of 3,511 police officers have been deployed across three shifts, ensuring 24-hour vigilance. Each shift comprises around 1,024 officers. The security deployment includes:
- Command Post: 41 officers
- Sub-command Post: 133 officers
- Plainclothes Officers: 40
- Mobile Patrol Units: 14 officers
- Reserve and Striking Forces: 135 officers each
- Communications Team: 10 officers
- Photographers: 6 officers
Among the personnel, 1,307 officers, including 153 women, have been mobilized from the District Police Range, while Ranipokhari has deployed 2,204 officers, comprising 772 women.
Mahashivaratri celebrations at Pashupatinath Temple not only highlight deep spiritual devotion but also underscore the significance of meticulous planning and community cooperation for large-scale religious gatherings.