On the final Monday of Shrawan, more than 200,000 devotees visited the Pashupatinath Temple, according to Rewati Raman Adhikari, the spokesperson for the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT). The temple, one of Nepal’s most revered Hindu sites, saw a significant influx of worshippers from as early as 4 AM until 8 PM.
The large crowd was partly due to the ‘Bol Bam’ pilgrimage, where devotees travel from Sundarijal to Pashupatinath Temple to offer water to Lord Shiva. To accommodate the massive number of devotees, PADT opened all four gates of the temple early in the morning.
Shrawan, the fourth month in the Hindu calendar, is particularly sacred for followers of Lord Shiva, who engage in worship, singing hymns, and offering milk and Bel leaves at Shiva temples. With the large turnout of devotees, PADT also increased the number of security personnel and volunteers to manage the crowd, ensuring smooth operations throughout the day. Additionally, PADT organized essential services such as health camps, drinking water, and other facilities, as noted by PADT member secretary Dr. Milan Kumar Thapa.
Devotees also flocked to other Shiva temples across the Kathmandu Valley, including Gokarneshwar, Santaneshwar, Doleswor, Kiranteshwar, and Bhaleshwor, as well as temples in Sanga, Kavrepalanchok, Devghat in Tanahun, and Galeshwar in Myagdi, forming long queues from the early morning.
The Bol Bam tradition involves a pilgrimage where devotees, mainly from the Madhesi community, carry water from Sundarijal to Pashupatinath on foot. However, in recent years, this tradition has seen increasing participation from other communities as well.
Among the notable visitors today was Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who is on a two-day visit to Nepal. He also paid his respects at the Pashupatinath Temple. According to spokesperson Adhikari, PADT officials welcomed Secretary Misri and presented him with symbolic gifts, including a Rudraksha, Shaligram, and a book detailing the tangible and intangible heritage of the Pashupati area.
Expressing his happiness, Secretary Misri remarked on the spiritual significance of visiting the holy Pashupatinath Temple and highlighted its role as a cultural and spiritual link between Nepal and India.
Secretary Misri concluded his Nepal visit and returned to India this evening. During his stay, he held meetings with President Ram Chandra Poudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
