Wellness · Nepal
Hinduism in Nepal: Gods, Temples and Daily Devotion
Shiva at Pashupatinath, the goddess in countless shrines, and devotion woven into daily life — a guide to Hinduism in Nepal.
Hinduism is the faith of roughly four-fifths of Nepalis and the thread that runs through much of the country's culture, art and calendar. Yet Nepali Hinduism is distinctive: shaped by the Himalaya, entwined with Buddhism, and full of local gods, sacred rivers and even living goddesses. For travellers, it is visible everywhere, from roadside shrines to the great riverside temple of Pashupatinath.
The short answer
Nepal is majority Hindu, with Shiva — worshipped here as Pashupati — especially revered, alongside Vishnu, the goddess Durga and Ganesh. The holiest temple is Pashupatinath in Kathmandu. Hinduism blends closely with Buddhism, and its festivals shape the year.
Pashupatinath and the great temples
The spiritual heart of Nepali Hinduism is Pashupatinath, a sprawling complex on the Bagmati River dedicated to Shiva as lord of the animals. Sadhus in saffron robes, ringing temple bells and open-air cremations on the ghats make it one of the most powerful religious sites in South Asia. Beyond Kathmandu, the Janaki Mandir in Janakpur honours the goddess Sita and her birthplace, while the hilltop Manakamana temple, reached by cable car, is a famed wish-fulfilling shrine to the goddess Bhagwati.
Gods, goddesses and rivers
Nepali Hindus worship a vast pantheon. Shiva is supreme to many, but the goddess — as Durga, Kali, Taleju or Bhagwati — is equally central, especially during Dashain. Vishnu is honoured in forms such as the great sleeping Budhanilkantha statue near Kathmandu, and Ganesh is invoked before any new undertaking. Rivers like the Bagmati are themselves sacred, used for ritual bathing and cremation. This devotion plays out daily in puja, the offering of flowers, vermilion, rice and light at home and temple shrines.
Festivals: religion in motion
Much of Nepali Hinduism is lived out through its festivals, which are religious at heart. Dashain, the longest and most important, celebrates the goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura across fifteen days of worship, family reunions and tika blessings. Tihar honours light, the goddess Lakshmi and the bonds between siblings. Maha Shivaratri draws tens of thousands of Shiva devotees and wandering sadhus to Pashupatinath in a single extraordinary night, while Teej sees women fast and dance in red for marital wellbeing. Timing a trip to one of these is the surest way to feel the faith's pulse.
A faith intertwined with Buddhism
What makes Nepal unusual is how seamlessly Hinduism and Buddhism coexist. Newar communities of the Kathmandu Valley worship at both, share many festivals, and revere the living goddess Kumari — a young girl honoured by Hindus and Buddhists alike. Some deities have both Hindu and Buddhist identities, and the same courtyard may hold shrines of both faiths. This long tradition of tolerance is one of the most striking features of religious life in Nepal.
Visiting Hindu sites respectfully
Hindu temples are working places of worship. Dress modestly, remove leather items and shoes where asked, and never step over offerings or touch images. Be aware that some inner sanctums admit Hindus only, including the main shrine at Pashupatinath, so respect the signs. Ask before photographing people in prayer, and walk respectfully around ghats during cremations. To plan around the great religious celebrations, see our guide to the festivals of Nepal, and for the full picture of Nepal's holiest journeys read sacred sites and pilgrimages of Nepal. For broader manners, our culture and etiquette guide is essential, and you can plan the rest of your trip from the Nepal travel hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nepal a Hindu country?+
Nepal is majority Hindu — around four-fifths of the population follow Hinduism, making it one of the most Hindu countries in the world by proportion. It was officially a Hindu kingdom until 2008, when it became a secular federal republic, though Hindu culture remains deeply embedded.
What is the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal?+
Pashupatinath, on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, is the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal and one of the most important Shiva temples anywhere. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major cremation and pilgrimage centre.
Which gods do Nepali Hindus worship?+
Shiva, often as Pashupati, lord of the animals, is especially revered, alongside Vishnu, the goddess Durga or Devi in her many forms, and Ganesh. Local and family deities, sacred rivers and even living goddesses are also worshipped within the broad Hindu tradition.
Can non-Hindus enter Hindu temples in Nepal?+
Often, but not always. Many temple courtyards are open to all, yet some inner sanctums — including the main shrine at Pashupatinath — admit only Hindus. Always watch for signs, dress modestly, remove your shoes and follow the lead of local worshippers.
How does Hinduism mix with Buddhism in Nepal?+
The two faiths are deeply intertwined. Many Nepalis, especially Newars, worship at both Hindu and Buddhist shrines, share festivals and even deities, and revere figures such as the living goddess Kumari across both traditions. Religious tolerance is a hallmark of Nepali life.
What are the main Hindu festivals in Nepal?+
Dashain, the longest and most important, celebrates the goddess Durga's victory over evil. Tihar honours light, Lakshmi and family bonds, while Maha Shivaratri draws huge crowds of Shiva devotees to Pashupatinath. Holi and Teej are also widely celebrated.
