Explore the spiritual essence of Muktinath in Nepal, Muktinath Temple is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. Domestic and foreign tourists visit Muktinath Temple, which is located at an altitude of 3800 meters in Mustang Nepal. Muktinath Temple, built in 1871 B.S., is in the pagoda style.
Inside the temple, there is a copper statue of Lord Muktinath. On the right side of the Muktinath statue, there is a statue of Lakshmi and on the left side, there is a statue of Saraswati. The copper roof of this temple has a gold jalap on the brass gate. Chaitrashtami, Ram Navami, Rishi Tarpani, Bada Dashain, and other festivals are considered important for visiting Muktinath. Apart from this, those who come here with the belief that their wishes will be fulfilled, bathe in the water that has frozen in 108 streams and 2 tanks.
The temple is small and contains a human-sized golden statue of Vishnu as Shri Mukti Narayana. In addition to Mukti Narayana, the temple has bronze images of Bhoodevi (the Earth-goddess form of Lakshmi), the goddesses Saraswati and Janaki (Sita), Garuda (the mount of Vishnu), Lava-Kusa (the sons of Rama and Sita) and the Sapta Rishis (Seven Sages created by Lord Brahma). There is an old Buddhist monk present in the temple and worship is conducted by Buddhist nuns.
What is the meaning of the term Muktinath?
The term “Muktinath” originates from Sanskrit, where “Mukti” translates to liberation or salvation, and “Nath” denotes lord or master. Consequently, Muktinath can be interpreted as “the lord of liberation,” highlighting the temple’s role as a site where worshippers seek spiritual freedom.
Architectural marvels of Muktinath
Muktinath Temple is celebrated for its distinctive architectural style, which is a blend of influences from the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayan region. The temple complex is enclosed by a wall, likely intended to maintain its sanctity.
The principal shrine of Muktinath Temple, constructed in a pagoda style, features elaborate wooden carvings across its multiple-tiered roofs and contains a sacred black Saligram (ammonite) symbolizing Lord Vishnu. Additional shrines are dedicated to various deities, including the Hindu gods Ganesha, Laxmi, and Saraswati, as well as the Buddhist figure Avalokiteshvara.
The statues within these shrines are crafted from brass and bronze. Among the prominent shrines on the grounds is the Jwala Mai Temple. Furthermore, several smaller temples can also be found in the vicinity.
Muktinath Temple is particularly noted for its 108 water sprouts, known as Mukti Dhara (Liberation Sprouts), which are adorned with the heads of various animals, such as lions, cows, and horses.
Another significant temple within the Muktinath complex is the Jwala Mai Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Jwala Devi and is renowned for its perpetual flame, sustained by natural gas.
The legend behind the Muktinath Temple
The Muktinath Temple is deeply intertwined with the Hindu observance of Swasthani Barta, a fasting ritual dedicated to the goddess Swasthani, who is believed to grant the wishes of the pure-hearted devotees. During the month-long Swasthani Barta, a narrative known as the Swasthani Katha is recited daily, originating from the Kathmandu Valley.
The Swasthani Katha recounts a conflict between Lord Shiva and the demon King Jalandhar. Jalandhar, intent on dishonoring Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva’s consort, disguised himself as Shiva to gain entry into her chamber. However, Parvati sensed the deception and sought assistance from Lord Shiva. A fierce battle ensued, but Lord Shiva was unable to vanquish Jalandhar due to the unwavering loyalty of Jalandhar’s wife.
Recognizing this predicament, the gods devised a plan to deceive Jalandhar’s wife, Vrinda. Lord Vishnu took on the guise of Jalandhar, successfully misleading her. In the meantime, Lord Shiva defeated Jalandhar. Upon realizing the ruse, Vrinda cursed Vishnu to become a stone, leading him to transform into a Shaligram. This accounts for the presence of Vishnu in the temple’s main shrine as a Shaligram, which can be found along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River in the Muktinath region.
The various patterns found in these Shaligrams are considered unique representations of Vishnu. White Shaligrams denote Vasudeva, black ones signify Vishnu, green represents Narayana, blue embodies Krishna, while golden yellow and reddish-yellow stones symbolize Narasimha and Vamana. These stones exhibit diverse forms, some resembling the Panchajanya (conch) and the Sudarshana Chakra (disc), both of which are significant symbols associated with Vishnu.
Another legend associated with this temple also pertains to the Swasthani Brata Katha. It narrates the tale of Sati Devi, Lord Shiva’s cherished wife, whose death plunged him into profound sorrow. In his grief, he wandered the earth carrying her lifeless body, which began to decay.
Spiritual Significance of Muktinath Temple
The Muktinath Temple is of significant spiritual importance to both Hindus and Buddhists. For Hindus, it is particularly revered within the Sri Vaishnava tradition, where the goddess Laxmi, the consort of Vishnu, is worshipped alongside Vishnu himself. Muktinath is mentioned in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of 4,000 Tamil hymns composed by Vaishnava poet saints from South India.
Buddhists regard Muktinath as a site for meditation and enlightenment, linking it to the deity Avalokiteshvara. The water that flows from the Mukti Dharas, which consists of 108 water sprouts located within the temple grounds, is believed to originate from Gosain Kunda. This water is thought to cleanse individuals of their sins and facilitate spiritual purification.
Additionally, Hindu devotees view the eternal flame at the temple as a manifestation of the goddess Jwala Devi’s power, and they express their devotion to her in hopes of receiving her blessings. The significance of the 108 water sprouts is further deepened by Hindu philosophy, which recognizes the 12 zodiac signs and the nine planets, their combination yielding the number 108. Furthermore, the 27 lunar mansions, each divided into four quarters, also contribute to this total, enhancing the symbolic meaning of the number.
In Buddhist practices, the number 108 is also prominent, as seen in the Buddhist Malas or rosaries, which consist of 108 beads, representing the number of teachings attributed to the Buddha in the Tibetan Buddhist canon.
The Pilgrimage Journey to Muktinath
The journey to Muktinath Temple transcends a mere physical trek; it embodies a significant spiritual odyssey. Devotees from diverse backgrounds navigate challenging mountain paths and face arduous conditions to arrive at this revered location, motivated by profound devotion and respect. The pilgrimage to Muktinath is rich with rituals, prayers, and offerings, facilitating a transformative experience of self-exploration and spiritual rejuvenation. This journey also serves as a testament to one’s faith in the divine.
Optimal Times for Visiting Muktinath Temple
The most favorable periods to visit Muktinath Temple are during the spring and autumn months, specifically from March to May and September to November. These intervals typically feature clear weather, moderate temperatures, and low rainfall, making them ideal for trekking and pilgrimage endeavors. Furthermore, the surrounding scenery bursts into vibrant hues, providing stunning vistas of the Himalayan mountains and verdant valleys, thereby enriching the overall pilgrimage experience.
Necessary Travel Permits
As Muktinath is situated within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) in Nepal, it is essential to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. Additionally, special permits may be required for entry into the Upper Mustang region. Should you choose to travel with us, we will acquire these permits on your behalf.
How to get Muktinath?
It has become very easy to go to Jomsom, or Muktinath, in recent times. Trains are easily available from major cities in the country. Moreover, trains are available directly from Kathmandu to Muktinath.
If you are going to visit Muktinath from Kathmandu and other districts, it is cheaper to take a rented train. Take a train from various cities in the country and reach Pokhara or Beni in Myagdi. Buses and jeeps are available directly from Beni to Jomsom in the morning. However, during the peak tourist season, it is a bit difficult to get a ticket.
If you do not get a ticket, then from Beni, reach Ghansa in Mustang and from there you can get a bus to Jomsom. After reaching Jomsom, buses and jeeps are easily available from Kagbeni to Muktinath. If you are also planning to visit Upper Mustang, then take a train from Kagbeni to Chhusang and from there travel by jeep to Lomanthang.
Cost of Muktinath.
Muktinath Kagbeni and Jomsom are worth about 10 thousand rupees to visit and return. We have calculated the cost from Kathmandu to Muktinath.
However, the cost of living in different cities may vary slightly. On the first day, you can reach Beni from Kathmandu for 800 rupees. In Beni, you can find a hotel for 500 rupees and food is not that expensive. On the second day, you can reach Jomsom from Beni for 900 rupees. There, you can find a room for 1 thousand. Food is a bit expensive here. Here, you can get a meal for 500 rupees.
On the third day, you can reach Muktinath from Jomsom for about 300 rupees. After visiting Muktinath, you can return using this route.
0 Comments