Many of our Hindu guests come to Pashupatinath for one reason: to perform a Rudrabhishek for a family wish, a health concern, a new home or the memory of a parent. We take the family's names, gotra and sankalpa in advance and book the puja through the temple's registered priests, who work under rules set by the Pashupati Area Development Trust. Mondays, Pradosh days and the month of Shrawan (July to August) are the most favoured, and those dates fill early.
On the morning, the family meets the priest in the temple premises after darshan. The puja is done on a lingam set up for the ritual, since only the temple's own chief priests touch the main Pashupati lingam. The lingam is bathed in turn with milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar and water from the Bagmati, then dressed with bel leaves, flowers, sandalwood paste and sacred thread, while the priest recites the Rudri and leads the family through each offering. A full Rudrabhishek takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
The puja fee depends on the type of ritual and the number of priests, and the trust revises its rates; check current status before you travel. Pay through the official counter or as agreed in our quotation, never to touts at the gate. Men usually wear a kurta or dhoti and women a sari or salwar suit; no leather is allowed. Keep the morning free of plans so the ritual is not rushed, and bring a bag for the prasad you will carry home.
Good for
- Pilgrims
- Families
- Seniors
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
How do I book a Rudrabhishek at Pashupatinath from India?
Send us the date you prefer, the names and gotra of the family members and the purpose of the puja, and we book a registered priest and materials through the temple premises. Confirm at least two weeks ahead for Mondays and Shrawan, and longer for Maha Shivaratri. We send a written quote with the fee before you travel.
How much does a Rudrabhishek at Pashupatinath cost?
The fee varies with the form of the puja, the number of priests and the materials, and the temple trust revises its rates from time to time, so check current status before you travel. We quote the exact amount in writing before booking. Avoid anyone at the gate offering a cheaper puja, as unregistered operators are common.
Can women perform Rudrabhishek at Pashupatinath?
Yes. Women take part fully in the Rudrabhishek alongside the rest of the family, making the offerings with the priest. Many families follow their own custom about participation during menstruation, and priests respect that. Modest traditional dress such as a sari or salwar suit is expected, and leather items must be left outside.
