Shree Pashupatinath
Shree Pashupatinath (Nepali /Hindi: श्री पशुपतिनाथ) is an incarnation of the Hindu Lord Shiva. He is revered throughout the Hindu world, but especially in Nepal where he is regarded as the national deity.
Contents |
[edit] Etymology
The word Pashupatinath is derived from three Sanskrit words: "pashu" means organism, "pati" means protector, and "nath" means Lord. The word "Shree" is an honorary title used in Nepali/Hindi languages as a display of respect or devotion. Shree Pashupatinath, therefore, means the Respected Protector and Lord of all living things.
[edit] Role in Hinduism
Pashupatinath is an avatar of Shiva, one of the Hindu Trinity. He is also the male counterpart of Shakti.
[edit] History
The worship of Pashupatinath goes back to at least the ancient civilization of Harappa in present-day Pakistan, where the image of Pashupatinath has been found on coins.
[edit] Pashupatinath in Nepal
Pashupatinath is regarded as the national deity of Nepal is the most revered deity there. The Pashupatinath Temple, located at the bank of the river Bagmati, is considered the most sacred place in Nepal.
[edit] Pashupatinath in India
In addition to the Pashupatinath temple in Nepal, there is another Pashupatinath temple situated on the banks of the Shivana river in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the most prominent shrines in Mandsaur. Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Pashupatinath is the primary deity worshiped here. The main attraction is a unique Shiva Linga displaying the eight faces of Lord Shiva. The shrine has four doors, representing the cardinal directions.
[edit] External links
- http://discover-nepal.tripod.com/pashupatinath_temple.htm - This is a good article on the history of Pashupatinath and explains clearly about four faces of Lord Pashupatinath.
- http://knol.google.com/k/dmr-sekhar/poturaju/3ecxygf1lxcn2/2#
- http://www.shripashupatinath.nic.in/intro.htm.
|
|||||
