Click image to zoom
Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple Brims With Shaivite Ascetics And Decoration Ahead Of Maha Shivaratri
Nepali workers paint the structures around Pashupatinath temple ahead of the Maha Shivaratri festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2026. The Maha Shivaratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, the protector, falls on Sunday, February 15, this year. An estimated 2 million pilgrims are expected to visit the temple this year. ''Maha Shivaratri,'' known as the night of Lord Shiva, is observed with great fervor in Nepal, as well as in India and other Hindu populous countries. Generally, the day of Maha Shivaratri falls on the 13th night or 14th day of the luni-solar month according to the Lunar Calendar. Every temple of Lord Shiva is flocked with pilgrims on the day of Shivaratri. One of the major festivals of Nepal, Maha Shivaratri literally means ''Night of the Shiva.'' It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that on this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are in the most optimum positions to help raise a person's spiritual energy. It is also believed that the Shiva principle is most active on this day of the year. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated marking the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Maha Shivaratri also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva performs the ''Tandav,'' the cosmic dance. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)
Photo Details
| Photo ID | #13310254 |
|---|---|
| Date Taken | |
| Location | N/A |
| Photographer | Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto |
| Category | Human Interest |
| Copyright | © 2026 NurPhoto - Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto |
Related Keywords
Small Group of People
Action Shot
Nepali workers
paint
structures
Pashupatinath temple
Maha Shivaratri festival
Kathmandu
February 12
2026
Lord Shiva
protector
Sunday
February 15
pilgrims
temple
night of Lord Shiva
fervor
Nepal
India
Hindu countries
13th night
14th day
luni-solar month
Lunar Calendar
Shivaratri
major festivals
Night of the Shiva
dark fortnight
Māgha month
Hindu lunar calendar
stars
Northern Hemisphere
spiritual energy
Shiva principle
convergence
Shiva and Shakti
Tandav
cosmic dance
Subaas Shrestha
NurPhoto.
2026 NurPhoto. All rights reserved.
This image is the property of NurPhoto and is protected under international copyright laws.