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The Pashupatinath Temple is primarily dedicated to the deity Vishnu and is situated in Lumbini, Nepal.
Answer: False
The Pashupatinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, not Vishnu, and is located in Kathmandu, Nepal, not Lumbini.
The Pashupatinath Temple is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,680 feet above sea level.
Answer: True
The temple is situated at an elevation of approximately 817 meters, which equates to about 2,680 feet above sea level.
The geographic coordinates of the Pashupatinath Temple are 27°42′35″N 85°20′55″E.
Answer: True
The correct geographic coordinates for the Pashupatinath Temple are 27°42′35″N and 85°20′55″E.
The Pashupatinath Temple is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in 1979 as part of the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site.
Answer: True
Pashupatinath Temple was indeed designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, as an integral component of the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site.
The image captioned 'Pashupatinath at night' depicts the temple illuminated during the daytime.
Answer: False
The image titled 'Pashupatinath at night' accurately shows the temple illuminated during nighttime, not daytime.
In which city and country is the Pashupatinath Temple located?
Answer: Kathmandu, Nepal
The Pashupatinath Temple is situated in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.
The Pashupatinath Temple is recognized by which international organization as a World Heritage Site?
Answer: UNESCO
Pashupatinath Temple was indeed designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, as an integral component of the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site.
What is the elevation of the Pashupatinath Temple site in feet?
Answer: 2,680 feet
The Pashupatinath Temple is situated at an elevation of approximately 817 meters, which is equivalent to about 2,680 feet above sea level.
What is the significance of the Bagmati River in relation to the Pashupatinath Temple complex?
Answer: It is considered sacred and flows adjacent to the temple complex.
The Bagmati River is considered sacred by Hindus and flows adjacent to the temple complex, holding spiritual importance for rituals performed on its banks.
What is the significance of the Bagmati River for Hindus in relation to the temple complex?
Answer: Rituals performed on its banks are believed to have spiritual significance.
For Hindus, the Bagmati River is sacred, and rituals performed on its banks, including cremations and bathing, are believed to possess spiritual purifying significance.
The principal deity worshipped at the Pashupatinath Temple is Shiva, identified by the epithet Pashupati, signifying 'the lord of all beings'.
Answer: True
The primary deity is indeed Shiva, known as Pashupati, which translates to 'the lord of all beings,' reflecting his universal dominion.
The idol of Pashupatinath is a Mukhalinga with faces representing Shiva's aspects, resting on a silver base adorned with a silver serpent.
Answer: True
The Mukhalinga idol rests on a silver base and is encircled by a silver serpent, not a gold one.
The four faces on the Mukhalinga represent Shiva's aspects: Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Tatpurusha, and Aghora, with each depicted holding a rudraksha mala and a kamandalu.
Answer: True
The four primary faces represent Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Tatpurusha, and Aghora. Each face is depicted with tiny hands holding a rudraksha mala and a kamandalu.
The Pashupatinath lingam is typically adorned with golden vestments and allows direct ritualistic offerings like milk and Ganga Jal by all priests.
Answer: False
The lingam is adorned with golden vestments, but direct ritualistic offerings are restricted to the head priests during specific ceremonies, not permitted for all priests.
The Pashupatinath lingam is believed to grant all wishes, according to the Shiva Purana.
Answer: True
The Shiva Purana indeed states that the lingam of Pashupatinath in Nepal possesses the power to fulfill all the wishes of its devotees.
The Mukhalinga idol features faces representing Shiva's transcendent aspect (Ishana) on all four sides.
Answer: False
The Mukhalinga has four primary faces representing Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Tatpurusha, and Aghora. Ishana is considered the fifth, transcendent aspect, not represented on all four sides.
What is the primary deity worshipped at the Pashupatinath Temple, and what does the name 'Pashupati' signify?
Answer: Shiva, meaning 'the lord of all beings'.
The principal deity is Shiva, known as Pashupati, which translates to 'the lord of all beings,' indicating his role as the protector and ruler of all creatures.
The idol housed within the main temple is a Mukhalinga. What does this iconographic representation signify?
Answer: It is a lingam featuring faces carved on its sides, representing different aspects of Shiva.
A Mukhalinga signifies a lingam representation of Shiva that features carved faces on its sides, symbolizing different aspects or manifestations of the deity.
The Shiva Purana states that the Pashupatinath lingam in Nepal possesses the power to:
Answer: Grant all wishes of its devotees.
The Shiva Purana asserts that the Pashupatinath lingam in Nepal has the power to grant all wishes of its devotees.
What is the etymological meaning of the name 'Pashupati'?
Answer: Lord of the Animals/Beings
'Pashupati' is a name for Shiva that signifies 'the lord of animals' or 'the lord of all beings'.
Which aspect of Shiva is represented by the fifth, transcendent aspect of the Mukhalinga?
Answer: Ishana
The fifth, transcendent aspect of Shiva represented by the Mukhalinga is Ishana.
The Pashupatinath Temple complex covers an area of approximately 246 hectares.
Answer: True
The Pashupatinath Temple complex spans an area of approximately 246 hectares.
The main Pashupatinath Temple is constructed in a modern architectural style, characterized by large glass windows and concrete structures.
Answer: False
The main temple is built in the traditional Newari architectural style, not a modern one featuring glass and concrete.
The main temple's roofs are covered in silver and gilded with gold, and its doors are made entirely of solid gold.
Answer: False
The temple's roofs are covered in copper and gilded with gold, and its four main doors are covered with silver sheets, not solid gold.
Historical records indicate the Pashupatinath Temple was first established around 400 CE, with some legends suggesting origins predating the Vedic period.
Answer: True
Documentation places the temple's establishment around 400 CE, with oral traditions and legends pointing to even earlier origins, potentially pre-dating the Vedic era.
The Pashupatinath complex contains only the main pagoda-style temple and no other smaller structures.
Answer: False
The Pashupatinath complex is extensive, featuring 518 smaller pagodas in addition to the principal temple.
King Prachanda Deva is credited with the initial construction of the temple, while King Supuspa Deva is associated with building a five-story temple, and Ananta Malla added the roof.
Answer: True
Historical accounts attribute the initial construction to King Prachanda Deva. King Supuspa Deva is credited with building the five-story temple, and Ananta Malla added the roof.
The April 2015 Nepal earthquake caused significant structural damage to the main Pashupatinath Temple sanctum.
Answer: False
While the main temple sanctum remained intact, the April 2015 Nepal earthquake did cause damage to several outer buildings within the complex.
The main temple structure is approximately 23 meters and 7 centimeters tall.
Answer: True
The main temple structure measures approximately 23.07 meters (23 meters and 7 centimeters) in height from its base to the pinnacle.
What is the architectural style of the main Pashupatinath Temple?
Answer: Traditional Newari
The main temple is constructed in the traditional Newari architectural style, known for its intricate craftsmanship and distinct cultural influences.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic architectural feature of the main Pashupatinath Temple as described in the source material?
Answer: A single-story structure with a flat roof.
The main temple is a multi-story pagoda structure, not a single-story building with a flat roof. It features two-level roofs covered in copper and gilded with gold.
When is the earliest documented existence of the Pashupatinath Temple?
Answer: 400 CE
Historical records indicate the earliest documented existence of the Pashupatinath Temple around 400 CE.
What is the total number of smaller pagodas within the Pashupatinath complex, in addition to the main temple structure?
Answer: 518
The Pashupatinath complex encompasses 518 smaller pagodas alongside the principal temple.
Who is credited with constructing the five-story temple structure at Pashupatinath?
Answer: Supuspa Deva
King Supuspa Deva is credited with the construction of the five-story temple structure at Pashupatinath.
How was the Pashupatinath Temple complex affected by the April 2015 Nepal earthquake?
Answer: The main temple remained intact, but several outer buildings were damaged.
The main temple structure remained intact following the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, although several outer buildings within the complex sustained damage.
Which historical king is credited with the initial construction of the Pashupatinath Temple?
Answer: Prachanda Deva
King Prachanda Deva is credited with the initial construction of the Pashupatinath Temple.
What is the approximate height of the main temple structure, from its base to the pinnacle?
Answer: 23.07 meters
The main temple structure stands approximately 23.07 meters (23 meters and 7 centimeters) tall from its base to the pinnacle.
The main temple features four doors, each covered with what material?
Answer: Silver
Each of the four main doors of the temple is covered with silver sheets.
What are 'shivalayas' as mentioned in the context of the Pashupatinath Temple complex?
Answer: Shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva
'Shivalayas' are shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, and fifteen such shrines are illustrated within the Pashupatinath temple complex.
Daily rituals are conducted by Rajbhandaris, who are hereditary priests responsible for touching the idol.
Answer: False
While Rajbhandaris are caretakers and assistants, the daily rituals involving touching the idol are performed by the Bhatta priests, not the Rajbhandaris.
The selection of Bhatta priests at Pashupatinath is based on family lineage, a common practice in many Hindu temples.
Answer: False
Unlike many Hindu temples, the selection of Bhatta priests at Pashupatinath is not based on hereditary lineage but rather on merit and education from Vedic scholarship.
The Bhatta priests originate from the Kathmandu Valley and are integrated into the Newar caste system.
Answer: False
The Bhatta priests originate from Karnataka in Southern India and are Vedic Karnataka Brahmin scholars, not from the Kathmandu Valley or integrated into the Newar caste system.
Rajbhandaris serve as temple caretakers and treasurers, and their work involves rotating shifts until the full moon day.
Answer: True
Rajbhandaris function as caretakers and treasurers, working in rotating shifts. Each set of caretakers serves until the full moon day.
Entry into the inner courtyard is permitted for all tourists and devotees regardless of religious background.
Answer: False
Access to the inner courtyard is restricted. Practicing Hindus and Buddhists of Nepali/Tibetan origin are generally permitted, but not all tourists or devotees irrespective of background.
The inner temple courtyard is accessible from 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
Answer: True
The inner temple courtyard is indeed accessible to devotees daily between 04:00 and 19:00 (7:00 PM).
Devotees are allowed to enter the innermost sanctum (*garbhagriha*) for direct worship.
Answer: False
Devotees are not permitted to enter the innermost sanctum (*garbhagriha*); they may observe from the exterior premises.
All four doors of the inner sanctum are opened simultaneously for devotees between 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM.
Answer: True
The four doors of the inner sanctum are opened for devotees during the period of 09:30 to 13:30 (1:30 PM).
The Supreme Court of Nepal ruled against the government's appointment of Khas-Gorkhali priests, thereby upholding the traditional system.
Answer: True
The Supreme Court of Nepal's ruling indeed favored the traditional system by ruling against the government's controversial appointment of Khas-Gorkhali priests.
The controversy in 2009 was resolved when the government decided to allow both the traditional Bhatta priests and the newly appointed Khas-Gorkhali priests to serve concurrently.
Answer: False
The controversy was resolved not by concurrent service, but by the government reversing its decision and reinstating the traditional Bhatta priests following widespread opposition.
The main priests are trained at the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, located in Northern India.
Answer: False
The main priests, who are Vedic Karnataka Brahmins, are trained at the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, which is located in Southern India, not Northern India.
The Rajbhandaris are responsible for performing the main worship and can touch the idol.
Answer: False
The Rajbhandaris serve as caretakers and treasurers; the main worship and the privilege of touching the idol are the responsibility of the Bhatta priests.
Who are the primary caretakers and assistants responsible for the temple's maintenance and treasury?
Answer: Rajbhandaris
The Rajbhandaris serve as the primary caretakers, assistants, and treasurers for the temple complex.
The selection of Bhatta priests at Pashupatinath Temple is based on hereditary lineage, a common practice in many Hindu temples.
Answer: False
Unlike many Hindu temples where priesthood is hereditary, the selection of Bhatta priests at Pashupatinath is based on merit and education from Vedic scholarship, not family lineage.
From which region do the Bhatta priests traditionally originate?
Answer: Southern India (Karnataka)
The Bhatta priests traditionally originate from Karnataka in Southern India, where they are trained at the Sringeri Sharada Peetham.
Which of the following groups is generally NOT permitted entry into the inner courtyard of the Pashupatinath Temple, according to the provided source material?
Answer: Western Hindus
Western Hindus are generally not permitted entry into the inner courtyard, although practicing Hindus from the South Asian diaspora and Buddhists of Nepali and Tibetan origin are allowed.
What are the general operating hours for the inner temple courtyard for devotees?
Answer: 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The inner temple courtyard is accessible to devotees daily from 04:00 AM to 07:00 PM (19:00).
Are devotees permitted to enter the innermost sanctum (*garbhagriha*) of the Pashupatinath Temple for direct worship?
Answer: No, they can only observe from the exterior premises.
No, devotees are not permitted to enter the innermost sanctum (*garbhagriha*); they can observe from the exterior premises.
The Rajbhandaris work in rotating shifts, with each set of caretakers serving until which specific day?
Answer: The full moon day
Each set of Rajbhandari caretakers serves their rotating shift until the full moon day.
The Rajbhandaris, descendants of early helper priests, were assimilated into which socio-cultural system?
Answer: The Newar caste system
The Rajbhandaris were assimilated into the Newar caste system of the Kathmandu Valley.
What is the primary function of the Rajbhandaris mentioned in the source material?
Answer: Acting as treasurers, caretakers, and assistant priests.
The Rajbhandaris primarily function as treasurers, caretakers, and assistant priests, responsible for the maintenance of the inner temple premises.
Maha Shivaratri and Teej are identified as two of the most prominent festivals celebrated at the Pashupatinath Temple.
Answer: True
The temple observes numerous festivals, with Maha Shivaratri and Teej being specifically noted as particularly significant celebrations.
The Pashupatinath complex holds significance exclusively for Hindus and has no association with Buddhist traditions.
Answer: False
The Pashupatinath complex is significant for both Hindus and Buddhists, being associated with numerous Mahasiddhas and considered a sacred site in Vajrayana Buddhism.
The cremation zone within the complex is revered in Vajrayana Buddhism as one of the eight great charnel grounds.
Answer: True
In Vajrayana Buddhism, the cremation zone is indeed venerated as one of the eight great charnel grounds, known as 'Lhundrup Tsek'.
The caves north of the cremation zone are associated with the meditation sites of Mahasiddhas Tilopa and Naropa.
Answer: True
The caves north of the cremation zone are venerated as the meditation sites of Mahasiddhas Tilopa and his disciple Naropa, not Padmasambhava and Gorakhnath.
The Pashupatinath Temple is considered the body of Shiva, with his head extending to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Answer: False
Mythologically, the Pashupatinath Temple represents the head of Shiva, with his body extending to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
The Pashupatinath Temple is spiritually linked to the Panch Kedar temples through the legend of the Mahabharata.
Answer: True
The Pashupatinath Temple shares a spiritual connection with the Panch Kedar temples, as detailed in the Mahabharata legend concerning Shiva's dispersed divine form.
The Pashupatinath Temple complex is considered sacred by Buddhists and is associated with numerous *mahasiddhas*.
Answer: True
The complex holds significance for Buddhists, being associated with various *mahasiddhas* and recognized as a sacred charnel ground in Vajrayana Buddhism.
According to legend, how was the Pashupatinath lingam originally discovered?
Answer: A herdsman found it after it was lost centuries prior.
Legends recount that the lingam was lost for centuries and subsequently rediscovered by a herdsman.
The Pashupatinath complex holds significant importance in Buddhism primarily due to its association with:
Answer: Numerous *mahasiddhas* and considered a sacred charnel ground
The complex is significant in Buddhism as it is associated with numerous *mahasiddhas* and is considered a sacred charnel ground in Vajrayana Buddhism.
According to mythology, the Pashupatinath Temple represents which part of Shiva's body, spiritually linked to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Answer: The head
Mythologically, the Pashupatinath Temple is considered the head of Shiva, with his body extending to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
The caves north of the cremation zone are specifically venerated as the meditation sites of which two Mahasiddhas?
Answer: Tilopa and Naropa
These caves are venerated as the meditation sites of Mahasiddhas Tilopa and his disciple Naropa.
The Pashupatinath Temple is spiritually linked to which group of Himalayan shrines mentioned in the context of the Mahabharata legend?
Answer: The Panch Kedar temples
The temple is spiritually linked to the Panch Kedar temples, as detailed in the Mahabharata legend concerning Shiva's divine form.
The term 'Paadal Petra Sthalam' mentioned in the source material refers to:
Answer: Specific holy sites mentioned in the Tamil devotional text *Tevaram*.
'Paadal Petra Sthalam' refers to specific holy sites mentioned in the Tamil devotional text *Tevaram*, highlighting Pashupatinath Temple's importance in South Indian devotional traditions.
What does the presence of a 'Buddha statue' within the Pashupatinath area indicate?
Answer: It signifies the presence of Buddhist elements or influences near the temple complex.
The presence of a Buddha statue in the Pashupatinath area signifies the coexistence and influence of Buddhist elements or traditions alongside Hindu practices within the vicinity.
According to mythology, the Pashupatinath Temple represents which part of Shiva's body, spiritually linked to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Answer: The head
Mythologically, the Pashupatinath Temple is considered the head of Shiva, with his body extending to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.