Mukhastami (मुखाष्टमी), Lunar Calendar: October/November (Kartik Shukla Ashtami) @ October 29, 2025
Mukhashtami refers to the eighth day (Ashtami) of the lunar fortnight when a crown (Mukha) is offered. On this day, a crown containing images of the Five Buddhas (Panchabuddha) is ceremoniously placed upon the Shiva Linga. This tradition seems to be limited only to Pashupatinath temple and Sarveshwar Mahadev (Kumbheshwar) temple in Patan.
It is believed that on this day, Lord Pashupatinath manifests in the form of Lokeshwor Karunamaya (the compassionate form of Avalokiteshvara). Similarly, at Sarveshwar Mahadev, after the crown is placed and the rituals are performed, the Shiva Linga is worshipped not as a Shiva Linga but as a Chaitya (Buddhist stupa) for the day.
This festival beautifully reflects and honors the long standing religious harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism.