Pashupati Mahasnan observed

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Nov. 8: The annual bathing (Mahasnan) ritual of Pashupatinath was observed by offering panchamrit and variety of sweets and sacrificing five types of animals on Monday.  

The annual bathing ritual of Pashupatinath is observed on the day of Baikuntha Chaturdashi in the name of ‘Makkai Subba’ by an individual.  However, regular bathing ritual of Pashupatinath is held every full moon day. The regular bathing ritual will also be organised on Tuesday as it is a full moon day.

Rajeshwor Joshi of Battisputali, the person who has been still continuing the tradition of Mahasnan, said that Mahasnan of Pashupati is celebrated on the day of Baikuntha Chatrudashi of Kartik month, which falls a day before the full moon day.  

  On the day of Mahasnan, each of the four faces of Lord Pashupatinath are offered 25 earthenware panchamrit made from  milk, curd, ghee, honey and molasses respectively.  Around 16 kilograms of four kinds of sweets were offered on Monday.  Similarly, five animals  were also offered as Bali (a sacrifice of animals) to Kirtimukha Bhairav and Guheshwori. 

Joshi said, “We bring only two he-goats to offer to both god and goddess and other animals were managed by Guthi Sansthan”. 

Around 40 to 50 slung baskets are used to carry things from Battisputali to Pashupatinath temple. 

Main Bhatta of Pashupatinath performed all the rituals of Mahaesnan.