KATHMANDU, Sept 2: Female devotees thronged the Pashupatinath Temple since early morning today to observe auspicious Haritalika (Teej) festival.

All the four doors to the temple have been opened since 3 am and they will remain open until today evening.

Pashupatinath temple precinct is crowded with women clad in red. Even the eastern door to the temple, which was only used for bringing the holy water for 11 years, has been opened for the devotees today, Pashupati Area Development Trust member secretary Pradip Dhakal said.

Four thousand security personnel have been mobilized in the Pashupati area today for the security of the devotees. 

An integrated security plan has been enforced in partnership with the security personnel belonging to Nepal Police, Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, National Investigation Department, and PADT.

PADT expects some 700 thousand devotees will visit Pashupatinath temple today to pay homage to Lord Shiva on the occasion of Teej festival.

A large number of scouts and volunteers from various organizations are also mobilized to provide assistance to the devotees and facilitate them. Devotees, most of who keep a fast today, worship lord Shiva and his consort Parbati, the divine couple also known by the name Umamaheshwar on the occasion of Teej festival.

 
• female_devotees
 
• pashupatinath_temple
 
• teej_festival