With the arrival of the holy month of Shrawan, thousands of devotees thronged the sacred Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu today, marking the first Monday of the month-long religious observance. The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has reported that special preparations were made for an expected turnout of over 500,000 devotees on this auspicious day.
Four Doors Open from 3 AM for Devotees
Recognizing the spiritual significance of the first Monday of Shrawan, a day highly revered by Hindus for worshipping Lord Shiva, the PADT opened all four doors of the Pashupatinath Temple from as early as 3:00 AM. This move was intended to ease crowd flow and allow more devotees the opportunity to perform rituals and offer prayers throughout the day.
Arun Biset, a senior official at PADT, said, “We anticipated a surge in pilgrim numbers on the first Monday of Shrawan, and accordingly, all logistical arrangements were finalized to facilitate smooth movement and religious rituals for visitors.”
Shrawan Mondays: A Time of Devotion and Fasting
Shrawan, the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, is considered extremely auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. The Mondays of this month, known as Shrawan Somwar, hold special spiritual value. Devotees observe fasts, chant mantras, offer bilpatra (bael leaves), and perform special pujas to seek blessings for peace, health, prosperity, and marital harmony.
From early morning today, the temple premises witnessed long queues of devotees from Kathmandu and beyond. Many had arrived in the night to secure a place in line for early access to the temple. Despite the massive turnout, the temple premises remained peaceful, with the presence of volunteers and security personnel helping to maintain order.
Special Pooja Only for Tickets Above Rs 7,500
For those wishing to perform special or personalized rituals inside the main temple premises, PADT has clarified that no pooja ticket below Rs 7,500 would be issued during the month of Shrawan. This regulation has been implemented to manage crowd control and prioritize temple space for more organized worship.
“Special pooja tickets have been categorized to avoid chaos and ensure that those performing advanced-level rituals are given adequate time and space,” Biset added.
Free Meals Distributed by Marwari Samaj
Highlighting the communal spirit and service to pilgrims, the Marwari Samaj has continued its long-standing tradition of offering free meals (prasad) to devotees visiting Pashupatinath during the Shrawan Mondays. The meal service began today and will continue every Monday throughout the month.
Volunteers of the Marwari Samaj, along with PADT support staff, were seen distributing hygienically prepared food items in the designated meal zones, accommodating thousands of devotees. The warm gesture of annadaan (food donation) is deeply rooted in Hindu culture and reflects the values of sharing and service.
Free Bus Service Along Ring Road for Devotees
To facilitate easier access to the temple for devotees traveling from different parts of Kathmandu Valley, PADT has arranged for a free bus service along the Ring Road every Monday during Sawan. This service has been particularly beneficial for elderly pilgrims, families, and devotees arriving from the outskirts.
The buses, marked with Pashupatinath banners, start operating in the early morning hours and continue throughout the day. Several devotees expressed gratitude for this public service initiative that reduced both travel costs and commuting hassles.
One devotee, Meena Shrestha from Kalanki, shared, “I have been coming here every Shrawan Monday for the past five years. The free bus service this time made the journey so much more convenient. I hope this continues every year.”
Tight Security and Sanitation Measures in Place
With the massive gathering anticipated, security arrangements were intensified across the temple premises. Kathmandu Metropolitan Police, Armed Police Force, and volunteers were deployed to manage crowd control, direct traffic, and ensure safety. Sanitation workers were also stationed to keep the temple environment clean and litter-free despite the heavy footfall.
PADT officials also collaborated with local hospitals and health camps to provide first aid and emergency health services to elderly pilgrims or those facing fatigue due to long hours of fasting and standing in lines.
Spiritual Vibes, Community Harmony
The first Shrawan Monday at Pashupatinath Temple stood as a powerful testimony to Nepal’s rich spiritual heritage and communal harmony. The chants of “Om Namah Shivaya”, bells ringing in unison, and the fragrance of incense sticks and marigolds infused the atmosphere with deep devotion and peace.
Not only did the temple witness Nepalese devotees, but Indian pilgrims from nearby states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand were also seen participating in the worship, reflecting the trans-border reverence for Pashupatinath as one of the holiest abodes of Lord Shiva.
PADT to Continue Arrangements for Remaining Mondays
As the Shrawan month progresses, PADT has announced that similar arrangements will be continued for the remaining Mondays. Bus services, sanitation, crowd management, and special pooja ticketing will be implemented with the same rigor. Additional volunteers and health check-up camps are also expected to be deployed to improve the pilgrimage experience.
PADT urges devotees to visit early, follow safety protocols, and maintain spiritual decorum while inside the temple premises. With more Mondays left in the month of Shrawan, Pashupatinath Temple is set to continue witnessing the tide of devotion and faith that defines this sacred time of the year.
