Muktinath is a combination of the Sanskrit words “Mukti” and “Nath,” where Mukti means “salvation or moksha” and Nath means “God.” One of the oldest temples in the world, Muktinath Temple is situated at 3,800 meters above sea level at the base of the Thorong La Mountain Pass. Hindus and Buddhists alike hold this temple in high regard. It is believed that those who have taken bath here at 108 stone faucets and two ponds at the front of the temple have all their sins washed and get released from the cycle of birth and rebirth. This shrine is also one of the eight holy sites known as Svayam Vyakta Kshetras. Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupati, Naimisharanya, Totadri, Pushkar, and Badrinath are the remaining seven.
The mythological origins of both religions are shrouded in mystery. In Hinduism, this temple is widely known as one of the shakti paths (Sati Devi’s mouth, or Mukh, fell in this place and was then named Muktinath), and Vishnu takes birth as Shaligram after being cursed by Vrinda, Jalandhar’s wife. On Buddhism, this site is one of 24 tantric locations and home to dakinis (goddesses/demonesses). This is a location known as “Chumming Gyasta” in Tibetan, which means “Hundred Water,” and Guru Rinpoche, aka Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, meditated here on his way to Tibet from India.
This location is known as Mukti Kshetra, which means “place of salvation,” and it is one of Nepal’s oldest temples dedicated to the God Vishnu and the Vaishnava tradition. Mustang Muktinath, which is serene, spiritual, and important, is also significant for “Shradas” Homage to Ancestors. People believe that performing the Shradas at Kagbeni and praying to their ancestors in Muktinath will bring them eternal peace. This temple site is also part of Buddhist culture. This large complex contains multiple other temples and Gompas.
In front of the temple are two ponds, and behind the temple are the 108 water faucets in a semi-circular wall at a height of 7 feet, separated by approximately one foot. Most visitors take baths in the 108 stone faucets and plunge into the two ponds to wash away their bad karma. Holy stone spouts have the shape of a bull’s head, and water is diverted from the Kali Gandaki River to flow through these mouths of 108 bull faces. The water from these spouts is ice cold and strikes the head like a hammer.
This place is not only a sacred religious but also a unique tourist place and tracking destination. During the winter season, temples and surroundings area are covered with snow which lures tourists from different regions of Nepal and the world. Pony is widely used for the transportation of goods in this region. From the Buspark you can have a pony ride to the entrance of Muktinath temple which usually charges NPR300.
Many devotees, both Hindu and Buddhist, visit Mebar Lha Gomba (Jwala Mai), the little monastery of the eternal flame, which is located near the temple’s main gate. a blue flame that was presumably natural gas that was burning continuously from ancient times. The area around and below the temple looked beautiful.
Why people from Nepal and India mostly visit here:
- One of the 108 Divya Deshams is Lord Muktinath.
- The deity at this site is a shaligram covered with a bronze statue of Lord Muktinath in padmasana, holding four arms out in front of him.
- The conviction is that whoever enters Muktinath has all of their sins forgiven and is freed from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
- One of Nepal’s Char Dhams.
- One of Lord Vishnu’s holiest and oldest sites of devotion and the Vaishnava tradition.
- Both Buddhism and Hinduism believe that this place on Earth hosts all five elements(Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Sky).
- An important place to do Shradas/Pitri Pooja (Homage to ancestors).
- Taking bath at 108 spouts and two ponds to wash away bad karma.
- Only the Kaligandaki downstream Shaligram can build a Vishnu temple wherever in the world.
Why International tourists are attracted here:
- Amazing natural beauty can be seen while traveling to a temple.
- Surroundings and temples can be seen on snow during the winter season.
- The temple is located in the Himalayan Range, and you can enjoy snowfall and views here for nearly half of the year.
- To explore the local lifestyle in this area.
- It is a popular trekking destination for hikers because it is located at the base of the Thorong La Pass.
- One of Nepal’s holiest temples.
A major attraction on Muktinath Temple.
- Muktinath Temple (holds two main religions faith in the same shrine)
- Mukti Kunda (Laxmi Kunda & Saraswati Kunda)
- 108 Holy Water Spouts (Mukti Dhara)
- Sakyamuni Buddha Statue
- Eternal flame Temple (Jwala Mai Gompa)
- Narsing Gumba (Marme Lhakhang)
- 4 Dham (Holy Place)
- Prayer wheels
- Stupas
How to reach Muktinath.
- fly to Jomsom airport and rent a vehicle/ grab a local bus at the highway to Muktinath
- Driving a private vehicle to the Muktinath Valley.
- Motorbike riding
- Contacting a travel agency to make an Itenary plan to visit Muktinath.
- Hiring a Helicopter and landing near the temple of Muktinath.
- Renting a jeep.
- Boarding a Bus from ktm/Pkr to Muktinath Valley.
Note: After passing over the Ghaleshwor, the journey to Muktinath gets more challenging/frightening. Although Road from Ghasa is also difficult, it is well maintained after the Kagbeni Road to Muktinath. Make sure to stop for gas wherever it is available if you’re traveling by bike; however, it may cost a little more at certain neighborhood stores. As you’ll be moving at a high altitude, inspect your automobile thoroughly before you go, pack some emergency supplies, and take short breaks often. Make sure you have already reserved a hotel on the way during the trip sometimes during peak season one can have trouble finding a hotel.
Things to do in Muktinath Valley.
- Visiting all temples and monasteries in the Muktinath Temple area.
- Cycling to the muktinath from Beni/Jomsom.
- the mesmerizing view of dawn and dusk.
- Shop unique Handicrafts for memories.
- Collecting Shaligram fossils.
- Short hiking to Muktinath valley.
- Roaming around the villages and seeing their lifestyles.
- Nighttime stargazing.
- Pony rides around the Town.
- Enjoy the off-road thrilling adventure.
