Maha Shivaratri is not merely a festival; it is a spectacle of devotion, a night where time itself seems to stand still in the presence of an ancient faith. As darkness falls, the air around Pashupatinath Temple becomes thick with the scent of incense and the murmur of prayers. Here, in the flickering glow of a thousand oil lamps, ascetics smeared in ash sit in silent meditation, while others dance in trance-like reverence, lost in the rhythm of devotion. This is the night when Shiva, the cosmic dancer, is believed to perform the Tandava, a divine dance of creation and destruction. Devotees, clad in saffron and white, gather in endless streams, their chants rising in an unbroken wave of sound. The sacred Bagmati River reflects the flickering flames of ritual pyres, as pilgrims pour offerings of milk and honey over the revered Shiva Lingam, an act both intimate and eternal. Maha Shivaratri is a night of paradox—of stillness and frenzy, silence and song, solitude and the press of multitudes. It is here, in the heart of Kathmandu, that one witnesses the raw, untamed spirit of devotion, where faith is not a quiet whisper but a roaring fire, burning through the darkness until the first light of dawn.
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast, proceed for the tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath Stupa and Patan Durbar Square.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: It was founded between 1069 – 1083 AD. The complex of palaces, courtyards and temples were built between 1200 to 1768 A.D. and once used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. The main attractions are Royal Palace, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kashtamandap Temple, Kumari Temple (Living Goddess) etc.
Swoyambhunath Stupa: It is a Buddhist stupa which stands at the top of a green hillock west of Kathmandu. It is believed to be over 2000 years old and was the point where Manjushree discovered the lotus of the ancient valley lake. The main attractions are big Stupa, 365 steps, Pratapur and Anantapur Temples, Manjushree Temple along with numerous small chhortens.
Patan Durbar Square: The Patan city is believed to have been founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C. Most of the monuments were built between 12th to 18th centuries by Malla Kings. It is known as the center of fine arts and superb craftsmanship of its artisans. The main attractions are the old Royal Palace, Krishna Temple, Taleju Temple, Bhimsen Temple, Golden Temple (Hiranyavarna Mahabihar) etc.
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast, visit Pashupatinath Temple to observe and experience Maha Shivaratri.
Pashupatinath Temple: The Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is one of the sacred Hindu temple complexes located on the banks of the Bagmati River. It is not known when the Pashupatinath Temple was built. But according to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity here gained great fame there as Pashupati, the Lord of all Pashus (Animal), who are living and non-living beings. The existence of the Pashupatinath Temple dates back to 400 BC. C., the richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or the sacred symbol of Lord Shiva. There are many legends describing how the Pashupatinath temple arose here.
MAHA SHIVARATRI
Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the deity Shiva, between February and March. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is observed on the fourteenth day of the first half of the lunar month of Phalguna. The festival commemorates the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. During this festival, it is believed that lord Shiva performs his divine dance, called the Tandava Nritya.
The Maha Shivaratri festival is also celebrated believing that it overcomes the darkness and ignorance in life and in the world itself. It is observed by remembering Shiva, chanting prayers, fasting, meditating etc. During this festival, thousands of Sadhus (Holy Hermits) pay their visit to Pashupatinath Temple. Ardent devotees stay awake throughout this night. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on a pilgrimage to the Jyotirlingams. The festival is believed to have originated in 5th century BCE.
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at Hotel.
After breakfast, proceed for the tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Boudhanath Stupa.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: It is an ancient capital of Kathmandu valley and was founded by King Yakshya Malla in 14th century. It was the trade route to Tibet. It is considered as a museum of medieval art and architecture with many examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples. The main attractions are Royal Palace (fifty-five windowed), Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple, statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Dattatraya Temple, Bhairabnath Temple, Peacock Window etc
Boudhanath Stupa : It was built by King Lichchhavi Mana Dev in the 5th century AD. C. Boudhanath is also called Khasti Chaitya in Kathmandu. The huge mandala of the stupa makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal with lots of positive energy. From its whitewashed dome to its gilded tower painted with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, the monument is perfectly proportioned. Pilgrims do koras (circumambulations) in the morning and in the afternoon in search of luck, peace and prosperity for all beings that live in this world.
Overnight at hotel.
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