5 Temples in Nepal Where Only Hindus Have Permission To Enter – Non Hindus Are Banned / Prohibited

Temples in Nepal Where Only Hindus Have Permission To Enter: – Certain high-profile temples in Nepal have restricted non-Hindus to enter the temple premises. A few of them are Pashupatinath temple, Muktinath temple, and Krishna temple.

While such temples are regarded as the holiest places in the temple architecture, the restriction to enter inside for the non-Hindus has been the main issue because Nepal is secular. And many foreigners as well as many archeologists have been questioning the Government of Nepal regarding the same and have repeatedly requested to lift the ban as well.

But why are these religious places restricted for non-Hindus? The authorities of Nepal have claimed that there are certain rituals that followers of Hindu follow like not eating meat, and taking bath every day including others before entering any temple these are not expected from non-believers so they are restricted from entering the sanctum.

Here are 5 popular and important religious places for which only Hindus all over the world are allowed to enter. Non- Hindus are restricted to get inside the temple premises. These are banned Temples in Nepal for Non-Hindus. Here is the name of the temples of Nepal where Hindus have permission to enter and worship the God/Goddess:

5 Temples in Nepal Where Non-Hindus Have Not Permission to Enter

1. Pashupatinath temple

Located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Pashupatinath temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1979, this temple was established anew in the 15th century by the then king of Kathmandu, Kirat Yalamber.

This temple encompasses 264 hectares of land area and includes 518 different temples and monuments including one pagoda-styled temple that is one of the holiest places for all Hindus all over the world.

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Entry into the internal courtyard is severely checked by the temple safety, which is careful of who is allowed inside. Practicing Hinduism in Nepal and India is only allowed in temple courtyards. Practicing Hinduism in western places is also not permitted in the temple complex along with other non-believers of Hinduism. Others can observe the main temple from the opposite side of the river.

2. Changu Narayan Temple

The temple of Changu Narayan is restricted to be visited by non-believers of Hinduism. Since this is the temple devoted to Lord Vishnu and lots of Hindu rituals are carried out on the temple premises every day, non-Hindu people are kept away from the temple premises. Those who like to visit the temple can stroll around the temple and observe its architecture and rituals, however, can not participate in the rituals let alone be entering the main temple.

3. Manakamana temple

Situated in the Gorkha district of Nepal, the Manakamana temple is the sacred place or temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhagwati who is also regarded as an incarnation of the goddess Parvati. Venerated since the seventeenth century, goddess Manakamana is believed to grant the wishes of those who make a pilgrimage to her temple to worship her.

The temple has not restricted non-Hindus and foreigners to enter the premises, however, nonbelievers of Hinduism are not allowed to enter the temple and worship the goddess. Nonbelievers of Hinduism are allowed to look at the architecture and the temple from the temple premises. The temple security strictly restricts foreigners from entering the main temple where the statue of Goddess Bhagwati is located and where all the holy Hindu activities are performed.

4. Dakshinkali temple

Located about 22 km outside of Kathmandu valley, Dakshinkali temple is one of the holy sites for Hindu pilgrims. The inner courtyard of Dakshinkali is restricted to the non-believers of Hinduism. Foreigners, as well as believers of other religions, are not allowed to enter the main temple and perform any religious rituals. However, they are allowed to stroll around the temple and observe all the rituals being taken place inside the temple from right outside the temple. The temple authorities are strictly cautious regarding the entry of nonbelievers.

5. Jal Binayak Temple

The temple of Jal Binayak, dedicated to Lord Ganesh is one of the major temples of Nepal for all Hindu pilgrims. It is one of the important Ganesh shrines located in the Central Region of Kathmandu. established in 723 NS by the Malla King Shiva Singha Malla, this temple is one of the landmarks in ancient architecture.

Just like in many Hindu temples, the authorities of Jal Binayak temple have also restricted non-believers of Hinduism to enter the main temple or worshipping area. Unlike in Pashupatinath where entering the inner courtyard is prohibited, Visitors from any religion can enter the temple premises but are restricted to enter inside the main temple where the rituals take place.

These are a few of the temples in Nepal where Non-Hindus are prohibited from entering the premises as well as the main temple and performing any Hindu rituals. Similarly, there are many other temples where non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the main temple and perform any Hindu rituals.

Nepal is a country with varied religions and cultures and that is what foreigners come to Nepal to observe and learn. In that condition, not letting them inside the temples and religious places not just disappoint them but also make them believe they are discriminated against and that is what is against secularism.

So, in my personal opinion, all these temples and shrine places should be open to everyone regardless of religion and belief system.

Author- (Asmita Sharma)