Pashupatinath temple will be decorated on Mahashivratri, 8 lakh devotees are expected to reach
Kathmandu. About eight lakh devotees are expected to reach Pashupatinath temple on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Sunday, of which about 30 percent will be Indians. The temple, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, has been decorated with colorful lights, paper flags, flowers, garlands and banners to welcome Hindu devotees from across the country and abroad, especially India.
Subhash Joshi, executive director of Pashupati Area Development Trust, which is responsible for the management of the temple, told a press conference on Thursday that this time in view of the elections to be held on March 5, special arrangements have been made for the security of the temple and about 8,000 security personnel, including Nepalese Army personnel, have been deployed.
He said that around 4,000 sadhus, including hundreds of Naga Babas, are expected to reach the temple premises for worship on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Joshi said that arrangements have been made for religious dance and music programs, bhajan-kirtan, bonfire and distribution of free food for the devotees. He told that the temple will be opened at 2 am on Sunday and devotees will be able to have darshan of Shivalinga from all four directions.
He said that arrangements have been made for free drinking water, emergency medical services, volunteer service and distribution of sandalwood vaccine for the devotees. Joshi said that special arrangements have been made for old, sick and disabled devotees so that they can easily enter the temple.
According to him, there will be a strict ban on consumption of liquor and other intoxicants in the temple premises. At least 2,500 volunteers and 26 organizations have been deployed on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Joshi said that Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel is also likely to arrive for darshan at around 4.30 pm.
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