Every year on Maha Shivaratri, the sacred grounds of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu transform into a spiritual spectacle—one of colors, chants, fire, and deep silence. Among the most iconic presences in this holy festival are the Sadhus—wandering ascetics, mystics, and holy men—who arrive from all corners of Nepal and India to pay homage to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction, meditation, and transcendence.
🔥 Who Are the Sadhus?
Sadhus are renunciants who have given up worldly life in pursuit of spiritual liberation (moksha). On Shivaratri, Pashupatinath becomes their spiritual capital—a sacred reunion of yogis, Aghoris, Naga Babas, and Shaivite ascetics who embody devotion to Shiva in its most intense and raw form.
Clad in saffron robes or entirely naked, smeared in ash, dreadlocked and meditating in stillness, they are living symbols of detachment and divine madness.
🌙 What Do They Do on Shivaratri?
- Meditate and chant mantras like Om Namah Shivaya
- Engage in fire rituals (havan) and smoke chillums in Shiva’s honor
- Offer blessings, tell stories, and teach seekers
- Practice yogic austerities such as silence, fasting, or standing for hours
- Reenact symbolic acts of destruction, devotion, and renunciation
Shivaratri night is sacred because it is believed to be when Shiva performed his cosmic dance (Tandava). The sadhus, through their devotion and spiritual discipline, become a bridge between the mystical and material worlds.
📿 A Sacred Gathering Like No Other
The sight of thousands of flickering oil lamps, echoing chants, conch shells, and fire rituals creates a powerful atmosphere at Pashupatinath. Sadhus from diverse traditions—Naga (naked), Aghori (esoteric), Juna Akhara (warrior monks), and many more—camp in the temple premises for days.
Pilgrims, photographers, yogis, and seekers are drawn to witness their presence—not just for the visual intensity but for the spiritual energy they radiate.
🙏 A Moment of Reflection
While some may view them as exotic or theatrical, the presence of sadhus is a reminder:
That there are still those who live for spirit over substance, for soul over society.
In their wildness, there is wisdom. In their silence, a teaching.
In their renunciation, a mirror for our attachments.
📸 Visiting Pashupatinath During Shivaratri?
Come with respect, curiosity, and humility. Many sadhus welcome conversation, photos, and blessings—but always ask, observe, and honor their path.
🕉️ Shivoham — I Am Shiva
On Shivaratri, Pashupatinath doesn’t just host a festival—it becomes a field of living yoga, a theater of the soul, a reminder that beyond all roles and rituals, there is a presence that can be felt—and perhaps, even touched.