As the sun dives into the horizon, casting an orange glow on the Pashupatinath temple, a beautiful ritual unfolds, i.e. evening Aarati. One of the mesmerizing ceremonies of Pashupatinath brings devotion, music, and thousands of devotees into one union. The evening aarati takes place aside from the holy Bagmati river, facing the Pashupatinath temple.
Three priests dressed in orange clothes start the aarati by lighting the lamps. They raise the lamps filled with ghee and start moving the lamps in a circular motion, and slowly the dance of lights unfolds. At the same time, singers who are just behind the priests start singing the powerful Shiva Tandav Bhajan. The atmosphere just fills with rhythmic chants and bhajans.
Evening aarati at Pashupatinath isn’t just a visual spectacle. It is a combination of melodious bhajans, singing, and devotional chants that create a serene atmosphere and wash away the worries of the day.
The powerful aarati was started from the year 2000, but the regular traditions of aarati started from 2006 A.D. The aarati is done to show reverence towards the holy bagmati River and to Lord shiva presiding in the Pashupatinath temple. The main purpose of aarati is also for the betterment of human lives and the union between us.
Whether you’re a devoted Hindu or simply a curious traveler seeking a glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural tapestry, the Pashupatinath Aarati is an experience not to be missed.
Also Read: https://whatthenepal.com/2024/06/03/the-mysterious-siddha-gufa-a-spiritual-and-historical-journey/