Pilgrimage tourism in Pashupati Ksehtra, Nepal

Abstract

This study entitled "Pilgrimage Tourism in Pashupati Kshetra, Nepal" has set four objectives: i) To assess spiritual aspect of Lord Pashupatinath focused on Shiva Puran, ii) To analyze flow, service and facilities of the pilgrimage tourism in Pashupati Kshetra, iii) To explore motivation factors and willingness of pilgrims in Pashupati Ksheta, and iv) To examine economic contribution of pilgrimage tourism in Pashupati Kshetra. This study was based on mix method, both Primary and secondary sources of data have been used. Primary data were collected through field survey, Different methods were used to collect primary data. Secondary information was obtained from reviewing various published and unpublished documents including books, Shiva Puran, reports and electronic materials by desk top review and rapidly search of internet websites in central library. The data were analyzed and interpreted statistically and descriptively. First, Pashupatinath is the major and most sacred place on the Earth as other places like Himalayas Kedarnath and Kashi vishownath are just the branches/parts of it. The main part of Jyotirlinga looks like the enlightened golden pail, and obviously is made up of gold. This will continually bless the pilgrims who come to Darshan for Pashupatinath temple. However, only the devotees, monks, the Yogis and pious pilgrims can Darshan of this form of Lord Pashupatinath. According to Himbalkhanda of Yogi Narahari Nath, this ancient part is the five-faced AadiJyotirlinga. According to Shivapuran, this is the Head of Kedarnath Mahadev situated at Himalaya. Therefore, all the Indian pilgrims are lured at a huge number at millions to compulsorily visit this Head (Shirobhag) of Kedareshwar Mahadev as a form of Lord Pashupatinath. Therefore, Pashupatinath is the grandest and supreme among the Char Dhams and Saptapuri. Pashupatinath as a major pilgrimage place of all over Hinduism. Pashupatinath is a prime bridge between Nepal and India unique and best of long term relationship. Shiva temples of Nepal Pashupatinath and India Vishwonath connected and tied the people, culture, society and relations, geographically, socially, culturally and historically. The significance of Kashi Viswanath Temple and Nepal Pashupatinath Temple is interlinked especially in relation to Hindu faith. Pashupatinath Temple is vi considered to be the "head" meaning head of Lord Shiva, while Kashi Viswanath Temple is considered to be the "body without head". Second, this has been too difficult to give quality service facility and manage the time during the months of Srawan, Jestha, Falgun, baishakh, Asaad and the main festival times like Mahashivaratri, Teej, Balachadurshi and Srawan Sombar. The quality of facility and management for the huge queue of the pilgrims has been so difficult. We manage it with the support of the thousands of the security personnel and the Scout members. As the number of the visitors becomes above the carrying capacity; it is too difficult to manage the system, and we could not. If we could well manage the place, activities and provide all the quality facilities expected by the pilgrims with special priority; there is a huge possibility to earn the economy for the nation. Also, Pashupathinath could be established as the major pilgrimage place. Third, Pashupatinath is famous as Ashutos Bhole Baba. Mostly, the pilgrims visit with the wishes to meet their desires, (Dharma, Artha, Kaam and Moksha). The businessmen pray for the increasement in their material wealth. The people who do not have children pray for getting the children. Similarly, the unmarried ones visit to pray for worthy marriage. Students and the people in the search of jobs visit to pray for the success in examinations. However, Saints, Monks, Yogis, religious social workers, devotees, well cultured Brahmins and high leveled searchers desire for religious merits, and come to serve and Darshan of Bholenath. Religion has been the main motives and desires for most of the pilgrims. It indicates that the motive to visit Pashupatinath is due to religious attractions, spirituality and faith in god. Forth and finally, there are three major sources of daily income in pilgrimage tourism in Pashupatinath: Pashupatinah, Bashuki and Chadi daan paatra. Among them the income of Sombar of the month of Srawan is more than the income of other days. Likewise, special Tithi of Lord Pashupatinath Akadashi, Chaturdasi and Purnimaas’ income is more than other Tithies. It indicates that income source of Pashupatinath is in growing direction.