Muktinath or Mukti Kshetra roughly translated to English is Salvation arena. The temple carries a high cultural significance and is one of the most visited and must-visit places for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Ascending to an elevation of 3800m, to one of the temples located at the world’s highest altitude is challenging however, you will definitely feel some sort of positive accomplishment.On foot of Thorong La mountain pass in Mustang valley Nepal, lies Muktinath Temple. Muktinath is a wind valley and is a cold place. The temple in the Valley withstands the long history of being made in 1814 A.D and was recently renovated in 2012. The Valley is blessed with geographical diversity, an amazing landscape, and high elevated snow-capped mountain ranges on the south and Tibetan Plateau to the north side all are alluring. The place offers raw beauty during the ride, and the scenic drive along the bank of the Kaligandaki river will create fond memories The temple is the exemplar of the religious tolerance, as two different religions and different beliefs come to worship and pray in one of and send the message of unity.
Overview
From the Religious Perspective of Hindu
The place is revered as the holy place as it is one of the Char Dham Temple and is considered as one of the 8th scarsacredces. It is among one of the 51 Sakthi pits. The vibe from a visit to this temple is believed to affect your chakra positively. Muktinath means the place of salvation. The temple is sacred with many deities. The main sanctum of Muktinath temple is Pagoda styled and is dedicated to Lord Bishnu. It is made from the Shaligram from the m sacred Kaligandaki river. Inside the temple, the middle statue is of Lord Bishnu, surrounded by Goddess Saraswati, Janaki, Garud, Lava, Kush, and The Sapta Rishi. The outer area of the temple is for the sacred bath and holy dip. The front end has two holy ponds and the outer courtyard of the temple has 108 bull-faced taps where Ice cold water from the sacred Kali Gandaki river is diverted. The devotees have a belief that the bath in the tap and holy dip in the pond will bring salvation to life after death. Mostly the place is crowded during famous festivals like Janai Purnima, Navami, and Vijaya Dashami.
From Buddhist Perspective
It is believed that Guru Rinpoche stopped in this place and meditated on his way to Tibet. Tibetan and Buddhists often frame the place as “Chumming Gyatsa” which means Hundred Springs. The area is respected as one of the 24 places where Guru Rinpoche(Padmasambhava) Practiced in the 8th century on his way from Indimeditation After meditation he built the statue of his image while leaving the place. To this day the statue loves in Mharme Lhakang Gumba nearby Muktinath Temple. An old Buddhist monk is the main worshipper of God and is helped by nuns. Celebrating the festival lie Lhosar, Bak chap (Lama Dance festival) Yartung during Aug/Sept are important for Buddhist devotees
Each morning the rituals of prayers and worshipping begin, the Hindu priest then hands over the rituals to Buddhist nuns. During the daytime, The Buddhist nuns take care of the prayer services and again are concluded by the Hindu priest in the evening.
Trip Highlights
- Evening Pashupatinath Aarati
- Muktinath Temple
- Holy dip in sacred ponds
- Cold bath in 108 holy taps
- Mharme Lhakhang Gumba
- Sangdo Gumba
- Ranipauwa Village