Muktinath

The Muktinath Temple is one of the holiest temples located in the Muktinath Valley in Mustang, Nepal. The word Muktinath comes from two words: Mukti meaning salvation and Nath meaning God. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it serves as a religious symbiosis between the Hindus and the Vaishnavites.

Muktinath Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Muktinath (Lord Vishnu)
Location	Mustang, Nepal
Entry Fee	Free
Tours	Muktinath Tour
Timings	5:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Best Time to Visit	September to October

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What are the timings of Muktinath Temple?

Muktinath Temple opens at 5 AM in the morning and closes at 8:30 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as aarti and poojas.

Here are the timings of the Muktinath Temple:

Rituals	From	To
Morning Darshan	5:00 AM	12:00 PM
Evening Darshan	2:00 PM	9:00 PM
Seva Sankalpa	8:00 AM	9:00 AM
Tirtha Prasad	1:00 PM	3:00 PM
Pooja Timings	6:30 PM	8:30 PM

What is the significance of the Muktinath Temple?

The significance of the Muktinath Temple is that it is believed that one who visits this temple attains salvation or Moksha. Moksha means freedom from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It helps one get rid of all their sins in this place.

Muktinath is called ‘Mukti Kshetra’ in Hinduism, which means the ‘place of liberation or moksha’. This temple is considered to be 106th amongst the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu, which is considered sacred by the Vaishnava sect. The Muktinath Temple is believed to be one of the eight most blessed temples of the Vaishnavas. The other seven temples are Pushkar, Badrinath, Tirupati, Thotadri, Srirangam, and Srimushnam. It is also one of the ‘Shakti Peetha’.  The Buddhists call the temple Chumig Gyatsa, which means “Hundred Waters” in Tibetan.

Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh are the three Supreme Gods and are also known as the Holy Trinity. Brahma is known as the Creator, Vishnu, the Protector, and Shiva or Maheshwara, the Destroyer. Vaishnavites consider Vishnu as the Supreme Lord. Vaishnavites believe that Lord Vishnu holds the entire world as a Lotus in his hand. Lord Vishnu is merciful and he blesses one salvation.

Muktinath Temple is considered very important for Buddhists as well. This is because Guru Padmasambhava meditated in this place for some time. Tibetan Buddhists consider Muktinath an important place for Dakinis. It is one of the 24 Tantric places for them.

What is the history of Muktinath Temple?

As per the beliefs of Hindus, Lord Vishnu due to the curse of Brinda converted into Shaligram. Brinda was the wife of Jalandhar. This is the place where he was rid of the curse and got salvation. Therefore, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as the Muktinath here. Muktinath means God of Salvation. Buddhist worship Lord Vishnu as Avalokiteshwara here.

As per the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava),  meditated at Muktinath on his way to Tibet.

How to reach the Muktinath Temple?

The Muktinath Temple is located at an elevation of 3710 meters at the foot of Thorong La Pass. Although travelling to Muktinath is difficult, it is a wonderful experience. The trip involves traveling in a Jeep for quite a lot of time. It involves a bit of trekking as well. One can also choose to travel on a mountain flight.

Here’s how you can reach the temple.

• Air: There are mountain flights from Pokhara to Jomsom. From Jomsom, there are Jeeps available to Muktinath.
• Road: There are Jeeps available from Pokhara to Jomsom. From Jomsom, there are Jeeps to Muktinath. Travelling to Muktinath by road is an adventurous trip. This is because of the conditions of the roads that are quite bumpy.

What is the best season to travel to Muktinath Temple?

The best season to travel to Muktinath Temple is:

1. Autumn: This is the best time to visit Muktinath. September, October, and November cover autumn. This season is neither too hot nor too cold. The trekking trails are available for trekking.  The weather is clear and dry and offers an excellent view of the snowcapped mountains in the blue sky. The monsoon rain washed away the pollution and dust. This is the peak season in Nepal.
2. Spring: This is the second-best season in Nepal. The temperature is moderate and the views of the mountains are excellent. March, April, and May cover this season.
3. Summer: Since this is the rainy season, road tour to Muktinath will be difficult. However, this is the best trekking season. June, July and August cover this season.
4. Winter: Muktinath region is covered by snow in these months. December, January, and February cover these months. It is preferable to use mountain flights to view Muktinath during these months.

What are some temples nearby?

Some temples near Muktinath Temple are:

1. Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal. This temple worships Nepal’s national deity, Lord Pashupatinath. It is situated near the eastern side of Kathmandu valley. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is of supreme importance in Nepal. This temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year, especially during the time of Mahashivratri, Teej, etc. The 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is considered to be the body and Pashupatinath is considered the head to the body.
2. Manakamana Temple: ‘Manakamana’ originates from two words, ‘Mana’ meaning heart or mind and ‘Kamana’ meaning wish. Therefore, Manakamana means ‘the heart’s wish’. this temple is present in the Gorkha district of Nepal is in dedication to the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati. Bhagwati is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati – Shiva’s consort.  

Muktinath Tour Cost

Manakamana Temple present in the Gorkha district of Nepal is in dedication to the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati, who is an incarnation of goddess Parvati (Shiva’s consort). Further, the name ‘Manakamana’ originates from two words, ‘mana‘ meaning heart/mind and ‘kamana‘ meaning wish, hence translating to ‘the heart’s wish’.

The temple is present 1,302 meters (4,272 ft) above sea level. One can also view the Manaslu- Himachali and Annapurna ranges to the north of the temple. Spectacular deep valleys, the terraced field from a cable car and mountain views of Himchuli range can be seen from the temple.  

Manakamana Temple Facts-

Deity	Goddess Bhagwati
Location	Gorkha District
Entry Fees	Free
Tours	Muktinath Tours
Timings	5 AM to 9 PM
Best Time to Visit	September to October
Cable Car timing	8 AM to 5 PM

What are the timings of the Manakamana Temple?

Here are the timings of Manakamana Temple:

Timings	From	To
Morning	5 AM	12 PM
Evening	2 PM	9 PM

Pooja and Ritual Samagri for Manakamana Temple

As per Hindu mythology, all objects in this universe is consist of five cosmic elements the earth, water, fire, air, and ether or space or sky. Devi is worshiped with the same elements. Especially red is considered as Saubhagya, so Devi is offered almost everything in Red color. 

The pooja thali should contain at least the following in a puja basket along with Pancha Patro–

1. Abir (kumkum) for Saubhagya
2. Kesar represents earth
3. Flower and Leaves
4. Dhup for Scent (Fragrance)
5. Diya for light
6. Cloth (Bastra or Dress)
7. Mirror
8. Fruit and Foods for Prasad (Coconut and sweet deserts)
9. Bell for sound.
10. Betel nut and Janai
11. A little amount of rice (anna, grain)

What is the significance of the Manakamana Temple?

The significance of the Manakamana Temple is that devotees believe that the goddess grants wishes to people who visit her shrine and worship her with devotion. According to Hindu mythology, the universe consists of five elements- earth, fire, water, air, and ether. Offerings to the Goddess are made on this basis.

Some pilgrims sacrifice goats or pigeons in a pavilion behind the temple.

What is the history of the Manakamana Temple?

A legend associated with the history of Manakamana Temple states that the Queen of Gorkha king Ram Shah possessed divine powers. Nobody knew anything about them except her devotee Lakhan Thapa. However, once the king saw the queen in her angelic form, with Thapa as a lion.

Soon after, the king died mysteriously and the queen jumped in the funeral pyre (the act of Sati).  Six months later, a farmer while ploughing his fields cleaved a stone from which blood and milk were flowing. When Lakhan heard an account of this event, he immediately started performing Hindu tantric rituals.

How to reach Manakamana Temple?

Here’s how to reach Manakamana Temple:

• Air: The nearest airport is Tribhuvan International Airport (2 km away from the temple).
• Train: One can reach Raxaul railway junction and then avail a bus to Brigunj and then Kathmandu.
• Road: Devotees can avail buses from New Delhi to Pokhara, and then to Kathmandu.

Where to stay near Manakamana Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Manakamana Temple are:

• Palagya Hotel: This 2-star hotel commands an excellent location and provides access to the city’s biggest attractions.  The hotel provides 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas to ensure our guests the greatest comfort. 
• Dwarika’s Hotel:  Dwarika’s Hotel is just a 10-minute drive away from the city of Kathmandu. The restaurant serves a 22-course Newari feast and also has Friday night barbecues. With its unique and intricate beauty, the romantic 5-star hotel is ideal for anyone who wants to experience Nepal’s rich and artistic atmosphere.
• Hotel Travel Inn: The facilities and services provided by Hotel Travel Inn ensure a pleasant stay for guests. While lodging at this wonderful property, guests can enjoy 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, express check-in/check-out as well as luggage storage.

What are the festivals celebrated at Manakamana Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Manakamana Temple are:

• Navratri: Navratri or Durga Puja is celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legend, goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura to save the world and restore Dharma. Celebrations include stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism. Take a look at 9 colours of navratri 2018.
• Nag Panchmi: It is the day for traditional worship of snakes in Hinduism and is celebrated majorly across India and Nepal. Devotees perform rituals using milk, sweets, flowers, lamps etc in front of idols made of silver, stone, wood, or paintings on the wall.

What are some temples near Manakamana Temple?

Some of the temples that one can visit near Manakamana Temple are:

• Muktinath Temple: It is a place of religious importance for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is present in the Muktinath Valley in Mustang, Nepal. As per Hinduism, it is the ‘Mukti Kshetra‘ or ‘the place of liberation’ and is among the 108 Divya Desam of the Vaishnava sect. Also, it is one of the oldest temples of Lord Vishnu.
• Pashupatinath Temple: It is one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal, present near the eastern side of Kathmandu valley. This temple is in dedication to Lord Shiva and is of supreme importance in Nepal. It serves as the seat of Nepal’s national deity, Lord Pashupatinath. It is present on the banks of river Bagmati and devotees believe that the 12 Jyotirlingas in India (Know the details about them) are the representations of a body, and the Jyotirlinga at Pashupatinath temple is the head of that body.