- Address: Annapurna Conservation Area, Ranipauwa 33100, Nepal
- Contact phone: +977 985-5060221
- Website: muktinath.org
The Muktinath Pilgrimage Center in the upper reaches of the Kali Ghandaki River in Nepal is widely known to Hindus and Buddhists around the world. This is one of the most visited by pilgrims and pilgrims sacred places in the country.
Location:
Muktinath is located in the valley of the same name at the foot of the Thorong-la Pass, near the village of Ranipauva, in the Mustang district. The height at which the center is located is 3710 m above sea level. This temple complex is the largest of all temples and monasteries in the Muktinath Valley.
What does Muktinath mean for Buddhists and Indians?
Muktinath for many years is a very significant religious place in Nepal. The Hindus call it the Muktikshetra, which in translation means "The Place of Salvation." This is due to the fact that there is an image of the "murti" inside the temple, and a number of Shaligrams (Shaligrama-Shily - an ancient form of life in the form of black stones of round shape with fossilized ammonites) are found nearby. All this is considered by the Hindus as the embodiment of the revered deity Vishnu, whom they worship.
Buddhists also refer to the valley of Chuming Gyats, which translates from Tibetan as "100 waters". They believe that their Precious Guru Padmasambhava on his way to Tibet stopped for meditation in Muktinath. In addition, Buddhists have this temple complex associated with the heavenly dakini dancers, therefore it is revered as one of the 24 tantric places. Murti for them is the image of Avalokiteshvara.
What is interesting about Muktinath in Nepal?
First of all, the Muktinath complex is the only place on earth where the five sacred beginnings that form the basis of the entire material world - air, fire, water, heaven and earth - are simultaneously connected. In the temple of the sacred fire of Dhola Mebar Gompa, you can see the flaming tongues of the divine fire that make their way from under the ground, and also hear the murmur of underground waters.
The main attractions of the whole complex include:
- The temple of Sri Muktinath , built in the XIX century and representing a small pagoda. He is one of the eight most famous places of veneration of the god Vishnu. Inside the temple is its image, made of pure gold and in size comparable to a man.
- Sources . The outer decoration of the Muktinath temple is served by 108 sacred springs arranged in a semicircle in the form of bronze bull heads. Before the temple for the pilgrims made 2 pools with ice water. According to local beliefs, a pilgrim who has bathed in the holy waters is cleansed of all previous sins.
- Temple of Shiva . On the photo of Muktinath to the left of the main path one can see this tiny and often deserted temple, and near it the attributes of the bull Nandi (Wahana Shiva) and trishula - its trident, symbolizing the triplicity of nature. On four sides are the white turrets, and inside them the main symbol of Shiva is the lingam.
Inside the Muktinath temple complex, there is a Buddhist monk, so there are regular services here.
When is it better to visit Muktinath?
The most favorable time in terms of weather for visiting the Muktinath temple complex in Nepal is the period from March to June.
How to get there?
There are several options for getting into Muktinath:
- Flight by plane from Pokhara to Jomsom , then either rent a jeep, or go on foot to the temple (trekking takes approximately 7-8 hours).
- Hiking from Pokhara to the Kali Gandaki river valley, which will have to be spent at least 7 days.
- By helicopter from Pokhara and Kathmandu . This method will allow you to see the picturesque Mount Annapurna and Dhaulagiri .