INTRODUCTION

Pashupathinath is the guardian spirit and the holiest

of all Shiva shrines in Nepal. Lord Shiva is known by many
different names; and Pashupati is one of them. Pashu means
living beings, and Pati means master. In other words Pashupati
is the master of all living beings of the universe. This is how lord
Pashupati is eulogized in the Vedas, Upnisada and other
religious books. The temple has remained the presiding deity of
ruling Nepalese Royalty. It is located on the banks of the
FIG. NANDI
Bagmati river, this two tiered magnificent golden temple with four
triple silver doorways is unique example of the Nepalese temple
architecture. The temple is famous for its inspiring and astounding pagoda architecture. The
western door has a statue of a large Bull, Nandi, which is ornamented in gold. The black
stone idol, about 6 ft in height and circumference, adds to the beauty and charisma of the
temple.
It is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in South Asia with hundreds of Shiva
lingams, shrines icons of various Hindu god and goddess insides. This temple site occupies
an area of 281 hectares in total. The main entrance of this temple is in the western side
facing a small street of Deopatan market. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple
courtyard. They are advised to go on the other side of the river in the East to have a glimpse
of the temple complex. In the middle of the spring there occurs a festival called Shivaratri.
The word Shivaratri means the holy night of Lord Shiva. On this day, many devotees visit the
Pashupati Nath temple and make the ceremonial fire. Most of the devotees spend the night
offering prayers to Shiva. This festival attracts tens of thousand of pilgrims from India besides
the locals. The site is surrounded with large crowds. The site is overloaded with horns, bells,
cows, cars, bicycles, holy men, beggars, smoke, vendors, etc.

FIG. PASHUPATINATH MONUMENT SITE

FIG. PASHUPATINATH MONUMENTAL AREA

HISTORY AND HERITAGE VALUE

Historically pre-Christian era this temple seems to have its origin away back to the early
Kirat period. Stone sculptures were found in the vicinity, which support the antiquity of this
place. The present architectural nature of Pashupatinath temple came into existence as a
result of renovation by Queen Gangadevi during the reign of Shivasimha Malla during 15781620 AD. King Bhupendra Malla erected the temple again in the 17th century after termites
have consumed the previous building. Further temples have been erected around this twostoried temple.
The priests are called Bhattas as scribe in sanskrit and the Chief Priest is known
as Mool Bhatt or Raval whereas daily worship and other duties of the temple were carried
out by Nepali sanyashi known as Hermit. The priests are from south India, origin since last
350 years. The chief priest is answerable only to the king and reports to him on any temple
matters on a periodic basis. This tradition is reported to have started by the request of
AdiShankaracharya who sought to unify the different states of unified India by encouraging
cultural exchange.[1]
The unique feature of this temple is that only 4 priests can touch the deity. This tradition
is reported to have started by Sage Shankaracharya in 8 th century, ostensibly to stop human
sacrifice which was prevalent in the temple.[1] However, this tradition was broken after the
historic political revolution in Nepal, which demolished the monarchy. The newly formed
government allowed Nepalese priest to worship by discounting the centuries old tradition.

MYTHOLOGY
According to a legend recorded in local texts, especially the Nepalamahatmya and the
Himavatkhanda, the Hindu Lord Shiva once fled from the other gods in Varanasi to
Mrigasthali, the forest on the opposite bank of the Bagmati River from the temple. There, in
the form of a gazelle, he slept with his consort Parvati. When the gods discovered him there
and tried to bring him back to Varanasi, he leapt across the river to the opposite bank, where
one of his horns broke into four pieces. After this, Shiva became manifest as Pashupati (Lord
of Animals) in a four-face (chaturmukha) linga. [2]
It is said that the wish-fulfilling cow Kamadhenu took shelter in a cave on the Chandravan
mountain. Everyday Kamadhenu went down to the place the lingam was sunken into the soil
and poured her milk on top of the soil. After ten thousand years some people saw
Kamadhenu pouring milk on that same spot everyday, and started to wonder what that would
be. So they removed the soil and found the beautiful shining lingam. After having a good look
they disappeared into the lingam, freed from sin and rebirths. More and more people came to
look and more people disappeared into the lingam.

LEGEND
Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is not known for
certain when Pashupatinath Temple was founded. But according to Nepal Mahatmaya and
Himvatkhanda,[2] the deity here gained great fame there as Pashupati, the Lord of all Pashus,
which are living as well as non-living beings.
There are many legends describing as to how the temple of Lord Pashupatinath came to
existence here. Some of them are narrated below:-[2]
The Cow Legend
Legend says that Lord Shiva once took the form of an antelope and sported unknown in
the forest on Bagmati river's east bank. The gods later caught up with him, and grabbing
him by the horn, forced him to resume his divine form. The broken horn was worshipped
as a linga but overtime it was buried and lost. Centuries later an astonished herdsmen
found one of his cows showering the earth with milk. Digging deep at the site, he
discovered the divine linga of Pashupatinath.
The Linchchhavi Legend
According to Gopalraj Vamsavali, the oldest ever chronicle in Nepal, this temple was built
by Supuspa Deva, a Linchchhavi King, who according to the stone inscription erected by
Jayadeva 11 in the courtyard of Pashupatinath in 753 AD, happened to be the ruler 39
generations before Manadeva (464-505 AD).
The Devalaya Legend
Another chronicle states that Pashupatinath Temple was in the form of Linga shaped
Devalaya before Supuspa Deva constructed a five storey temple of Pashupatinath in this
place. As the time passed, the need for repairing and renovating this temple arose. It is
learnt that this temple was reconstructed by a medieval King named Shivadeva (10991126 AD). It was renovated by Ananta Malla adding a roof to it. Thousands of pilgrims
from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple, that is also known as 'The
Temple of Living Beings'.
Shakti Peetha
The Shakti Peetha, the divine shine of Mother Goddess is located near to the
Pasupanath Temple. It is said that the temple is the Shakti of the Shiva in Pasupanath
Temple. The shrine is one of the 51 major Shakti Peetha all over South Asia.

DEFINING THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place (such as a forest, mountain, lake,
island, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that is listed by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as of special cultural or
physical significance. [3]

A. OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE

Outstanding universal value is the central idea of the World Heritage
Convention. Broadly, its meaning follows the common sense interpretation
of the words:
* Outstanding: For properties to be of outstanding universal value they
should be exceptional, or superlative they should be the most remarkable
places on earth.
* Universal: Properties need to be outstanding from a global perspective.
World heritage does not aim to recognize properties that are remarkable
from solely a national or regional perspective. Countries are encouraged to
develop other approaches to recognize these places. Australia does this
through the national heritage listing process.
* Value: What makes a property outstanding and universal is its value, or
the natural and/ or cultural worth of a property. This value is determined
based on standards and processes established under the World Heritage
Conventions Operational Guidelines.
To be considered of outstanding universal value,
A property needs to:
Meet one or more of ten criteria
Meet the conditions of integrity
If a cultural property, meet the conditions of authenticity,
Have an adequate system of protection and management to safeguard its
future.

Criteria for determining Outstanding Universal Value

The criteria for outstanding universal value have evolved over time. However, the
underlying concepts have remained stable. The current criteria for world heritage
properties, as specified in the World Heritage Convention, are that they:
There are mainly two types of criteria: [4]
Cultural criteria
I.
Represents a masterpiece of human creative genius.
II. Exhibits an important interchange of human values, over a span of time, or within
a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology,
monumental arts, town planning, or landscape design.
III. To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a
civilization which is living or which has disappeared.
IV. Is an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological
ensemble or landscape, which illustrates a significant stage in human history,

V.

VI.

Is an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use,

which is representative of a culture, or human interaction with the environment
especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change,
Is directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with
beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
(The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other
criteria)

VII.
VIII.

IX.

X.

Natural criteria
Contains superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty
and aesthetic importance.
Is an outstanding example representing major stages of Earth's history, including
the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of
landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features.
Is an outstanding example representing significant on-going ecological and
biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water,
coastal and marine ecosystems, and communities of plants and animals.
Contains the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ
conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species
of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.

CRITERIA FOR INSCRIPTION

The Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site was inscribed on the World Heritage
List under criteria III, IV and VI. However, Consideration has been given to the fact that
the criteria, as formulated in 1979, have evolved as a basis for giving more attention to
Living cultural traditions in management of the present day World Heritage property.
Criterion (iii)
OG-2005: bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a
civilization, which is living, or which has disappeared,
OG-1979: be unique, extremely rare, or of great antiquity
The Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site is a testimony to the unique "Newari
Culture" which is still alive today. The cultural traditions of the multi-ethnic people who
settled in this remote Himalayan valley over the past two millennia, referred to as the
Newars, is manifested in the unique urban society which boasts of one of the most highly
developed craftsmanship of brick, timber and bronze in the world.

Criterion (iv)
OG-2005: be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological
ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in humanhistory
OG-1979: be among the most characteristic examples of a type of structure, the type
representing an important cultural, social, artistic, scientific, technological or industrial
development
The Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site is comprised of exceptional
architectural typologies, ensembles and urban fabric, which illustrate the highly
developed culture of the Kathmandu Valley, which reached an apogee between 1500
and 1800 AD. The exquisite examples of palaces complexes, ensembles of temples and
stupas are unique to the Kathmandu Valley.

Criterion (vi)
OG-2005: be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or
with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
OG-1979: be most importantly associated with ideas or beliefs, with events or with
persons, of outstanding historical importance of significance
The Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site is tangibly associated with the unique
coexistence and amalgamation of Hinduism and Buddhism with animist rituals and
Tantrism. The symbolic and artistic values are manifested in the ornamentation of the
buildings, the urban structure and often the surrounding natural environment, which are
closely associated with legends, rituals and festivals.
(source: Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site, Integrated Management Framework, Prepared by: Government of
Nepal, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Department of Archaeology in close collaboration with the World
Heritage Centre and UNESCO-Kathmandu Office)

Statements of Outstanding Universal Value

A Statement of Outstanding Universal Value is the official statement about a
property that is adopted by the World Heritage Committee.
Here by, from the definations of WHS and OUV, Pashupati has an outstanding universal
value and is listed in world heritage site. The only thing that increases its value and
attribute is the unique outstanding feature of this temple.
VALUES
The architectural values of the Pashupatinath temple lie in the exceptional
architectural typologies and ensembles of the temples and within their unique urban and
natural contexts. The buildings and structures, with their intricate ornamentation, display
craftsmanship in brick, timber and bronze that are some of the most highly developed in
the world. The historic values of the temple lie in the unique urban society that developed
out of the cultural traditions of the multi-ethnic people who settled in this remote
Himalayan valley over the past two millennia, which reached an apogee between 1500
and 1800 AD. The architectural typologies and ensembles reflect the unique coexistence
and amalgamation of Hinduism and Buddhism with animist rituals and Tantrism. The
urban structures and natural environment surrounding the monuments are closely
associated with legends, rituals and festivals.
ATTRIBUTES
The values of the Pashupatinath World Heritage Site is supported and expressed
by the attributes that have been defined below:
the unique architectural style of the temple that are defined by their form, scale,
structure and materials.
The highly developed craftsmanship of the structures and ornamentation, its form and
design.
The traditions and functions that bind the monuments to their distinct context, in
particularly the beliefs, legends, rituals and festivals.
These attributes need to be conserved and protected.

STATEMENT OF AUTHENTICITY
The authenticity of the Pashupatinath monumental property is retained through the
unique form, design, material and substance of the monuments, displaying a highly
developed traditional craftsmanship and situated within a traditional urban or natural
setting, which have however throughout history gone through the process of cyclical
renewal. In addition to meeting one of the ten criteria, to be considered of outstanding
universal value, a world heritage property also needs to meet conditions of integrity and
for cultural properties, authenticity.

STATEMENT OF INTEGRITY
The integrity of the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage property is retained by means of
the clearly defined Monument Zone boundaries encompassing the elements that
contribute to the outstanding universal value, which are guaranteed maintenance and
protected by means of the Integrated Management Plan.
Integrity relates to the wholeness and intactness of the heritage property and how
it conveys the values it holds. Integrity can also relate to the size of the property
(sufficient size to continue to represent the values) and to any threats affecting the
property. The requirement for authenticity relates only to cultural properties. Broadly, it
requires an original, authentic or true cultural expression of the values of a property, in
material or conceptual form, and cannot be represented by a copy or recreation.

Management of Outstanding Universal Value

All properties inscribed on the World Heritage List must have adequate protection
and management mechanisms in place. How a country chooses to protect and manage
its properties can vary, so long as it does so effectively. The World Heritage Committee
can place a property on an in danger list if it believes the property is threatened by
serious and specific dangers. And Pashupatinath was listed in danger on 2003. If the
outstanding universal value of a listed property is destroyed, the World Heritage
Committee will delete it from the World Heritage List altogether.

MANAGING WORLD HERITAGE SITES

1. Defining the World Heritage Site
2. Analyzing the Status of the Site
3. Approaches to Conservation
4. Establishing Appropriate Frameworks
5. Establishing the Processes
6. Trial Implementation
7. Long Term Management

1. Defining the World Heritage Site:

(a) OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE
For the Outstanding Universal Value Sites must be of outstanding
universal value verified through application of 6 cultural / 4 natural criteria.
Pashupatinath temple is one of the finest and unique temple in Nepal with
Nepalese pagoda style of architecture with two level roofs are of copper with gold
covering, four main doors, all covered with silver sheets, a gold pinnacle, (Gajur), and a
statue of large bull or Nandi, plated in bronze.
7

(b) AUTHENTICITY INTEGRITY AND ATTRIBUTES:

Authenticity is a measure of the degree to which the values of a property
may be understood to have been credible, truthful, and genuinely expressed by
the attributes of the property. Like Pashupati temple is wholly a Hindu temple.
People visit here because of their belief and truthfulness toward the deity and their
belief.
Integrity is a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures,
principles, and morals. Integrity is a measure of the wholeness and intactness of
the natural and/or cultural heritage and its attributes.
The attributes may include: form and design; materials and substance; use
and junction; traditions, techniques and management systems; location and
setting; language, and other forms of intangible heritage; spirit and feeling; and
other internal and external factors. As Pashupati is designed in pagoda style with
its unique architectural features for being listed in world heritage sites its should
have an authentic attributes.
(c) BOUNDARY AND BUFFER ZONE:
The boundary should encompass all elements and attributes that contribute
to the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage Site.
Buffer zone relates to the area
peripheral to a specific protected area,
where restrictions are made for use and
development measures in order to
enhance the conservation value of the
World Heritage Sites.
The boundary encompasses the
areas that have important religious and
historic links to the main Pashupatinath
temple that as a whole contributes to the
outstanding universal value of the
property. The boundary area is 83.55 ha
approx. The Buffer Zone encompasses a strip of land of varying depth around the
Monument Zone and corresponds to the area gazetted in 1998. It encompasses of
area about 11.55 ha.

2. Analyzing the Status of the Site:

Status Report:
It is the state of conservation of the elements and attributes that give the
site its significance. Since the 1980s, due to growing urbanization and pollution,
the environment in and around Pashupatinath gradually degraded. The Pashupati
Area Development Trust (PADT) was hence established in 1990 to oversee its
maintenance and development. Without a proper implementation plan, it was
subject to illegal encroachment and vandalism, resulting in the heritage and
cultural value of the area being neglected in favor of commercialization. Hence a
development plan was created based on the historic condition of the area, having
nine gates, nine gods, nine goddesses, nine tap-systems, nine lakes, nine
courtyards, nine roads and nine fields.

Issues Analysis:
It is the state of current pressures, recent history of change and associated
problems, challenges and obstacles, resources and opportunities.

3. Approach to Conservation:
The Pashupatinath temple is under the conservation of Pashupati Area
Development Trust Act (PADTA) 1987 is a specific act for the
Conservation of the Pashupati Area. It provides for the establishment of a
Pashupati Area Development Fund to manage, maintain and preserve the natural
and cultural heritage in the Pashupati area and prohibits the registration of land
within the area to any person or institution. The PADTA established the Pashupati
Area Development Trust (PADT) as the authority for the development, protection
and maintenance of the Pashupati area. The main objective of PADT is the
implementation of their Master Plan to develop and conserve Pashupati as a
religious centre for the Hindus.

4. Establishing Appropriate Frameworks

Instutional framework:
The systems of formal laws, regulations, and procedures, and informal
conventions, customs, and norms, that shape socioeconomic activity and
behaviour. This establishes the authorities involved in managing the WHS.

5. Establishing the Processes

This process contains annual action plan, linkages like architectural drawings,
management system and many more. As pashupati temple is world heritage site it
is based upon the long-term activites. And these processes are done to protect the
outstanding universal value of the country.

6. Trial Implementation
When the components of the Management Plan have been established, it is
necessary to carry out a full one-year cycle as a trial run to fine-tune the system.
Pashupati area trust are monitoring the architectural features as well as the annual
action planning process which helps in conserving n preserving the outstanding
universal value to the future generation.

7. Long Term Management

For the Integrated Management Plan achieving long-term objectives continued
monitoring, review and modification is necessary. Pashupatinath temple is being
conserved and preserve under the management system to protect the ouv of the
nation. Minimum a yearly, the Integrated Management Plan needs to be reviewed
for implementation and development of the world heritage site of Nepal.

CONTROVERSY of 2009
The priests are called Bhattas as scribe in sanskrit and the Chief Priest is known
as Mool Bhatt or Raval whereas daily worship and other duties of the temple were carried
out by Nepali sanyashi known as Hermit.This, along with the allegations of corruption within
the temple had been an issue among some Nepalese people.
In January 2009, after the forced resignation by the chief priest of Pashupatinath temple,
the Maoist-led government of Nepal "hand picked" Nepalese priests to lead the temple, thus
bypassing the temple's long-standing requirements.This appointment was contested by the
Bhandaris of the temple, stating that they were not against the appointment of Nepalese
priests but against the appointment without proper procedure. After the appointment was
challenged in a civil court, the appointment was overruled by Supreme Court of
Nepal. However, the government did not heed the ruling and stood by its decision. This led to
public outrage and protests over a lack of transparency. The paramilitary group of the CPN
attacked the protesters, leading to over a dozen injuries. Lawmakers and activists from
opposition parties joined protests, declaring their support for the Bhandaris and other proBhandari protesters. After long dissatisfaction and protest by Hindus both in and outside
Nepal, the government was forced to reverse its decision that had been declared illegal by
the Supreme Court of Nepal and reinstate Brahmin priests.
Also, the newly formed government allowed Nepalese priest to worship and touch the
deity by discounting the centuries old tradition. There was a widespread protests as many
thoughts this as an interference in their religious tradition.

PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

The centuries old most sacred Hindu temple Pashupatinath is facing an embarrassing
problem, a sudden rise in the population of mice and cockroaches, which has threatened its
main structures. The mice menace is so serious that it has affected the daily prayers and
scared the Bhandaris (storekeepers).
Bhandaris lodged a formal complaint with the Powerful Independent Committee for Study of
the Management of Pashupati (PICSMP), a committee formed to look into temple problems
on Sunday. [5]
In their 20-point complaint letter the Bhandaris have said the temple may collapse any
time if it is not renovated immediately, one of the members of the committee, Shiva Sharan
Rajbhandari, said.
There are thousands of mice running inside the temple and the pillars of the temple covered
with gold palate and copper have become hollow from inside, which might collapse any time,
Bhandari said.
There is a need to immediately renovate the temple, which has not been renovated for more
than a century, he said.
The Bhandaris also suspect that the original wooden support of the temple hidden beneath
the silver-coated walls may have already collapsed.

10

The letter said that the main golden pinnacle of the temple is also in a dilapidated condition. It
has bent a little due to mischief creating monkeys around, it said.
Similarly, the traditional window of the main temple is on the verge of collapse. If that
happens, the temple may witness a serious accident, Bhandaris said.

The country's most sacred river, the

Bagmati, is in danger of being destroyed by
pollution. The growing population for the
Valley is using the river as a depository for
sewage and garbage. Over the ages
Nepalese monarchs have been cremated on
its banks. The Bagmati was once used by
thousands of Nepalese for recreational and
religious purposes. A lot of funeral
ceremonies take place in Pashupatinath. Now
the volume of the water had reduced to such extend
that the river is no longer the big river that used to
be.

FIG. HOLY SITE: PASHUPATINATH

Most of the waters are tapped by an

increasing number of factories, especially carpet
factories and households. So most of water is
tapped before it reaches the river. Household
garbage comes from shops and houses and its
brought in plastic bags and thrown here. The
Bagmati is a huge rubbish dump effectively,
crawling with flies and rubbish. The water is
black. It is almost a dead river.
There is a serious problem of land
erosion in and around.

FIG. GARBAGE DUMP

SOLUTION
The Nepalese government recognizes the scale of problems. The situation is critical that
it will be very difficult for the government or any other agency to change the situation at
Bagmati at once. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and doesn't have the
money to tackle other key environmental issues such as pollution and deforestation in the
Himalayas. if the Bagmati is to cleaned up, it looks as if most of the money will have to come
from overseas donors.

11

CURRENT SITUATION
Pashupati area is regarded as one of the most important place of pilgrimagefor the
followers of Hinduism. Thousands of devotees from within and outside the country come to
worship everyday. On special occasions like Ekadashi, Sakranti, Mahashivratri, Teej
Akshaya, Rakshabandhan, Grahana (eclipse), Poornima (Full moon day) people congregate
here in far greater number. Pashupati Area Development Trust manages the affairs of the
temple.
Talking about the current situation of Pashupatinath, at the present situation different
issues are taking places. Some of the issues are listed as follows:
1)
Cleaning campaign of bagmati river: The sacred river bagmati has now
become a vaste garbage dumb.Garbages are thrown in the river which is
making the river polluted. Bagmati also refereed as gangas of nepal but is now
polluted and the volume of the water had reduced to such extend that the river
is no longer the big river that used to be. Household garbage comes from
shops and houses and its brought in plastic bags and thrown here. Hence, for
making the river pollution free at present cleaning campaign of bagmati river is
going on. Due to this campaign the river looks cleaner than it was a years
before.
2)
To upgrade the Pashupatinath temple, Pashupati Region Development Fund
(PRDF) has taken initiatives to remove the street business and beggers around
the Pashupatinath area. Hence the area looks cleaner now.
3)
At present one of the problem faced by Pashupatinath temple is that sudden
rise in population of mice and cockroaches, which has threatened its main
structure. So immediate actions should be taken against this problem.
4)
Since, the renovation of the temple has not take place for more than a century
so different problems are occurring. Like, original wooden support of the
temple hidden beneath the silver-coated walls may have already collapsed.
Golden pinnacle of the temple is also in a dilapidated condition, as it has bent
a little also traditional window of the main temple is on the verge of collapse.
Hence, there is a need to immediately renovate the temple.
5)
Another issues of the Pashupatinath temple at present condition are
placement of Nepali priest.

RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN

For the management of Pashupatinath temple, the sacred Bagmati River is so
heavily polluted by heavy industry upstream. It has become a slow running stream full of
sludge, which demeans its cultural value. Resettlement and Rezoning plan is urgently
needed to maintain a buffer between the complex and modern secular areas. Some
commercialization of the western side of the river by the way of unplanned shops and
stalls is affecting the cultural value of the complex and the visitor experience it offers.
Different kinds of natural calamities like earthquake, landslide may also occur so in order
to overcome such kinds of risk different risk management plan should be implemented
like:

12

First we should identify the prone areas and make the information available to
inhabitants. We should also conduct preparedness and mitigation programs to reduce the
loss of lives and properties due to earthquake. At last we should make the arrangements
for security, relief, rehabilitation and temporary settlement of the disaster victims.

CONSERVATION
Pashupatinath is a cultural heritage of our country. It reflects the traditional activities
and development of human civilization. It is unique in itself. Therefore, it attract the
people from many parts of the world .It is also the major part of our socio-cultural
environment. Being the identity of our country, it should be preserved at any cost. Some
of the measures of conservation of Pashupatinath are listed below:
1. There is lack of publicity campaign so authorized body should publicize for the
betterment of this place.
2. Environmental sanitation programs should be conducted to protect this place from
different types of pollution.
3. Security provision should be made strict and strong to protect this heritage from
different types of anti-social activities.
4. Timely renovation of this place should be done for the damaged structure of this
site.
5. Different information centers should be built near this site so that many people
could get vast amount of information of this place.
6. Awareness among the local people should be raised in order to get their
participation in the conservation and development of this place.
7. The infrastructures of transportation, drinking water, as well as communication
facilities should be extended to make this place developed.
8. The land should be protected from the possible dangers of erosion through
embankment and afforestation.

Pashupati Area Development Trust Act (1987)

The Pashupati Area Development Trust Act (PADTA) 1987 is a specific act for the
conservation of the Pashupati Area. It provides for the establishment of a Pashupati
Area Development Fund to manage, maintain and preserve the natural and cultural
heritage in the Pashupati area and prohibit the registration of land within the area to
any person or institution.The Pashupati area has, however, also been declared a
PMZ under the AMPA. The PADTA was recently amended to change the condition of
involvement of the royal palace in the trust. The PADTA established the Pashupati
Area Development Trust (PADT) as the authority for the development, protection and
maintenance of the Pashupati area. The main objective of PADT is the
implementation of their Master Plan to develop and conserve Pashupati as a religious
centre for the Hindus.

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GUTHI OF PASHUPATINATH
The word Guthi means an organization that look after the religious and cultural sites,
activities, and carries out those activities that preserve our rich culture and tradition. The
monument belongs to different Guthi. Guthi of Pashupatinath was also formed for the
development of the temple. The land was allotted many years ago for conducing regular
worshipping of Pashupatinath. The Guthi is run by the budget allotted by the government.
There are many offices in the temple area that works for Guthi and the temple. They work to
collect crops and revenues from the Guthis land, settle disputes of guthi lands. They also
work for the justice on the issues arising within the area of the deity. These offices are under
the control of the chief priest. The chief priest has special powers to settle the disputes
arising out of the land. If someone attempts to own the land illegally, the chief priest has the
power to seize the Guthi land or order penalties against the lawbreakers. The Guthi also
operates charitable institutions like Hindu Funerals, Funeral support centers and Old-age
orphanage house.

SOCIO ECONOMIC ASPECT

Pashupatinath is situated in the center of the town. It is on the bank of Bagmati River,
which was once known for its purity, but now it has become drainage. There is a dense forest
behind Pashupatinath temple i.e. Sleshmantak forest. It is one of the national forest of the
country. The plants and trees like Rudrakshya, cays, and especially coniferous trees are
found in these areas. The physical context affects economic of the place.
Per day earning from Pashupatinath is about one lakh. According to Kantipur
Newspaper, Money offered in the temple is counted twice a day, based on the two time
major prayer schedules. It is mainly during the prayers in the morning and evening that the
devotees offer money to the deity stationed on the main temple premises of Pashupatinath.
After counting the money, it is deposited in Nepal Investment Bank. And all of these are
governed by Pashupati Area Development Trust The money collected from the temple is
used for the development works of the complex. The devotees are not charged for
worshipping at the temple, but they have to pay a certain amount for special puja that the
main priests of the shrine perform. According to Pashupati Area Development Trust, the rate
for special puja ranges from Rs 1,100 to Rs 1.1 million. Recently, Prime Minister of India,
Narendra Modi had also performed this puja. There are different kinds of fairs held in this
temple occasionally, which also helps, in the economic development. There are different
shops nearby for the visitors. Hindu people are welcomed to the temple without any entry
fees but tourists have to pay about 500 to 1000 Rs to get into the complex. All these money
is collected in Pashupati Area Development Trust bank account. Salaries of Bhatta and
Bhandari of Pashupatinath are given from the collected money.
It is believed that there is lots of treasure at Pashupatinath. Precious items like nagmani,
masks made of rudrakshya, gold and silver ornaments and coins have been lying in the
temples stores since centuries ago. Many of those got disappeared and no one knows about
it. People think it might be stolen. No one is allowed to go inside the store except the chief of
storekeepers and the Bhandaris but they cant take anything from there. According to
Pashupati Area Development Trust, the wealth from the temple can only be used during a
period of national crisis.

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CULTURAL ASPECT
Pashupatinath is the oldest Shiva temple. It is a holy pilgrimage site for hindus. It is the
centre point of faith and respect. Pilgrims as well as tourists come to Pashupati from all over
the world. Festivals like Mahashivaratri, Teej, etc. are celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is
said that lord Shiva is also known as the destroyer. The world sustains itself by a balance
between the opposing forces of good and evil. When this balance is disturbed and existence
of life becomes impossible, Lord Shiva dissolves the universe for creation of the next cycle so
that the bad souls will have another opportunity to liberate themselves from burden of the
physical world. People come here to worship Lord Shiva so that they could end the pain.
There is a culture in Hinduism that dead bodies should be cremated (burning the body
after death). It is the only rightful passage to liberation of the soul. Pashupatinath area has a
special place along the Bagmati River for this ritual, which is known as Aaryaghat. Hindu
people take the dead bodies of their relatives for the last rites.

TOURISM
Tourism plays a vital role in heritage conservation. It helps in income generation as well
as to earn recognition as a heritage site. But it is necessary to manage the tourism for the
betterment of the property. Since it is located near by the airport, extension should be
considered in light.
Pashupatinath is not just a Hindu temple but also a World Heritage Site. Along with its
amazing architectural beauty, it stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition.
Thousands of visitors come to Pashupatinath to see it that helps in the tourism industry. The
landscape at the side of main entrance has been created for the additional beauty of the
temple site, increasing tourism. Apart from all these, the cremation process that takes place
in the Aaryaghat is something new to the tourists, which they find interesting. The temple is
flocked by the people during Mahashivaratri when Hindus all over the world gather here to
worship Lord Shiva. Since, non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple, tourist cant go
there. But they can move around the surrounding areas. They have to pay some amount of
money as the entry fees. The arrival of tourist in the temple helps in the economic growth of
the complex.
Since, many of the programmes related to cleanliness of Pashupati area as well as
Bagmati are carried out lately, the Pashupati area is much cleaner than how it used to be
once which is good for attracting the tourists. Also, the beggars as well as the Brahmins who
take money in exchange of tika from the tourist are prohibited from the Pashupati area, which
will make the visit less irritating for the tourists.
The tourism board of Nepal must deal with the marketing of the Pashupatinath as well as
Kathmandu valley as unique cultural heritage. They must use the income generated by the
tourism to develop the heritage. Basic facilities such as toilet, information centers and
refreshment facilities must be taken care of. They must look after if the tourist guides are well
trained and are giving correct information to the tourists. They must try to limit any negative
advertisement of the heritage. Tourism sector must be taken care of for income as well as
acknowledgement. The local economy in and around Pashupati zone is geared towards
Tourism. The religious Monument Zones cater to varying degrees to the religious visitors.
The success of conserving historic buildings will depend on a flourishing local
economy.Taxation within the Monument Zone areas must be seen as potential tools for
providing incentives to owners to conserve historic buildings.

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CONCLUSION
Pashupatinath is very important in architectural, religious, cultural and historical aspects.
It is the oldest temple of lord Shiva. It is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia
for the Shiva devotees. It was inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979 along with
other six monument zones of Kathmandu valley as a single heritage site. It was inscribed
based on nomination documents, which included maps specifying boundaries. These were
then inscribed on the list of World Heritage in Danger in 2003. After the inscription in the
World Heritage in Danger, the boundaries were redefined. The new boundaries of
Pashupatinath consists the areas with important religious and historic links to the main
Pashupatinath temple while the The Buffer Zone consists a strip of land of varying depth
around the Monument Zone and corresponds to the area gazetted in 1998.
To conserve Pashupatinath area following points should be taken care of:
i.
Authorized body should publicize for the betterment of the place.
ii.
Bagmati River should be kept clean.
iii.
Environmental sanitation program should be conducted.
iv.
Renovations should be done time-to-time to prevent from any heritage
damage.
v.
Local people should be included in the awareness for the conservation of the
site.
vi.
Facilities like drinking water and toilets must be increase to develop the site.

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