Pashupati Temple

Pashupati Temple, originally uploaded by aNantaB.

The temple of god 'Shiva'. Shiva is worshiped as God of Gods. Shiva is also known as God of Destruction (Maha Kaal).

Shiva has different faces and forms of exposure. Among them, the name, Pashupati is given after his form as an animal. The word Pashupati means 'the god of animals'.

The story behind this name goes as follows: There used to be a large forest on this region, named Shlesmantak. Once, the god Shiva was roaming on the forest being a deer. He looked so charming, attractive and outstanding among other deers. So, many of the female deers were attracted towards him. He spent years and years on the same forest enjoying the environment and company of fellow deers.

Meanwhile, other two leading gods, Bramha (God of Creation) and Bishnu (God of Admistration) were so worried since, the God of Gods had disappeared from a long time ago. So, they try to search every possible spots but could not find him. Then, they came to know he is enjoying in the form of a deer with the help of their inner instinct (the supremo god power).

Then, the team of gods came to the forest. Chased him. But, could not capture him. They prayed to him from a distance. But, the Shiva did not listen to him. Then, they decided to use some force and they became to catch him. But, unfortunately, one of the antlers is broken and came into hand of the following gods.

Then, the Shiva came to his normal and powerful form. The gods, asked him what to do for that broken antler (it remained as a broken antler since it was separated from the living body while transposing back from deer to Shiva) . Then, he told them to build a temple on the same place, and the result is the Pashupati Temple.