Long ago, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati became fascinated by the natural beauty of the Kathmandu Valley. They left Mount Kailash and came to the peaceful forests near the Bagmati River. Lord Shiva took the form of a deer, and Goddess Parvati also took a similar form. They wandered happily through the forest, which is now known as Mrigasthali.

Meanwhile, the other gods searched everywhere for Lord Shiva because the universe needed him. After a long search, they finally found Shiva and Parvati in the forest near present-day Pashupatinath. When the gods tried to bring Shiva back to his original form, a struggle took place, and one of Shiva’s antlers broke off. The broken antler became a sacred symbol and was buried deep in the earth.

Centuries later, local cowherds noticed that their cows poured milk at the same place on the ground every day. Curious about this unusual event, the villagers dug the ground and discovered the sacred Shiva Linga hidden beneath the earth. A temple was later established at that holy place.

Because Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a deer, he became known as Pashupati, meaning Lord of All Living Beings. The story shows Lord Shiva’s close connection with nature, animals, and all living creatures.