Heavy crowds at Shiva Temples nationwide from early morning, including Pashupatinath (photos)

KATHMANDU: On the occasion of the Haritalika (Teej) festival, observed annually on Bhadra Shukla Tritiya, crowds of devotees have gathered since early morning for worship and darshan (viewing) at the Pashupatinath Temple and other Shiva temples across the country.

To facilitate quicker access for devotees, all four gates of the Pashupatinath Temple were opened as early as 3:00 AM, according to Rewati Raman Adhikari, spokesperson for the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT).

The temple gates will remain open until all devotees in line have completed their worship. The area around Pashupatinath is filled with women dressed in red, green, and yellow attire, traditionally worn during the festival.

While morning rains slightly affected the devotees, they are now able to conduct their prayers smoothly, Adhikari reported. With the rain subsiding, thousands of devotees have flocked to the Pashupati area.

To manage the crowds, the Trust has set up four different pathways for devotees. They also noted that, this year, no special worship receipts were issued, given the large number of fasting devotees. The Trust has made all necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth experience for the worshippers.

For devotees coming from Koteshwor-Tinkune-Sinamangal, access to the Pashupatinath Temple has been arranged through the Tilganga Tourist Ticket Counter, passing Ram Mandir and Aryaghat to enter through the eastern gate. Footwear can be left in the designated area after crossing the two bridges over the Bagmati River near Aryaghat. Devotees will exit the same gate through which they entered.

In addition to this route, three other lines have been established for the devotees. The second line provides entry through the Mitra Park area, with footwear storage near Shankaracharya Math. The third line is set up for those entering from Gausala-Pingalastan-Panchdeval, with a footwear storage area near Bajra Ghar. The fourth line allows entry from Guhyeshwari-Umakund-Kailash South towards the Pashupatinath Temple, with footwear storage near the Guru Mandir.

Parking for devotees has been arranged at Tilganga Eye Hospital’s open space, Sifal ground, the area beyond Guhyeshwari, and the premises of the Metropolitan Police Circle in Gausala. Vehicles belonging to government personnel associated with the festival can park at the Trust’s office and the Amalkot Kachahari office premises.

Security has been heightened in the Pashupati area with an integrated security plan involving the Nepal Police, Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, National Investigation Department, and security personnel from the Trust. Vehicles are prohibited in crowded areas, and the Nepal Army, along with other agencies, has set up health camps for the devotees.

Besides Pashupatinath, large crowds of devotees have gathered at other temples in the Kathmandu Valley, such as Gokarneshwar and Doleshwar, as well as at Shiva temples across the country, to celebrate the Haritalika (Teej) festival.