Nestled at an altitude of 3710m in the lap of the Himalayas- Mustang, Muktinath Temple is one of the sacred Pilgrimage sites for dual religion Hinduism and Buddhism. The Temple is popularly known as Mukti-Dham, as it is believed to be the place for Liberation. Revered by dual religion, Muktinath Temple offers spiritual values as well as stunning mountain views. Muktinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is one of the 3 major deities in Hinduism. Revered as the preserver and protector of the universe, and is a member of the Trimurti (Hindu Trinity) along with Brahma and Shiva.
Muktinath Temple History
Shree Muktinath Temple is the oldest temple of Nepal, which holds a centuries-long history and has huge followers of Hinduism and Buddhism. Devotees from every country visit the Muktinath Temple hoping to get blessings and the surrounding nature. The exact date of the origin of the Temple is not found in any scriptures, but it is supposed to have been built in the early 1st century. With a dual religious perspective, the Hindu religion is honored as the form of Lord Vishnu, seeking Mokshya (Salvation). The same Buddhism is connected with Guru Rinpoche - the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, where Guru Rinpoche meditated to achieve Enlightenment.
The Hindu devotees believe Muktinath is the abode of Lord Vishnu. During ancient times, the Brinda cursed lord Vishnu to become Saligram as Lord Vishnu came in the form of her Husband Jalandhar, and had intercourse with her to disturb her purity. So we worship Shaligram as the form of Lord Vishnu. After the long meditation, Shri Vishnu got salvation from the Shaligram Shila life. So, at Muktinath Temple, he appears as a God of Mukti (Salvation). Another legend involves the great Indian philosopher and theologian Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have visited the temple in the 8th century AD and established it as one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Also, Muktinath is one of the eight most sacred shrines in the Hindu tradition, known as the Swayam Vyakta Kshetras, where Lord Vishnu is said to have manifested himself. Devotees visiting the temple often take a ritual bath in the 108 sacred water spouts, known as Mukti Dhara, and the two holy ponds, Mukti Kunda and Saraswati Kunda, to cleanse themselves of sins and achieve spiritual purification.
The Buddhist Devotees believe in Muktinath as the enlightenment spot of Guru Rinpoche while travelling to Tibet. There are lot of Buddhist monastries and Gumbas for Buddhist Devotees.
Religion Significance
Hindu Devotees
Muktinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Preserver) for Hindu Devotees. Devotees take bath with the surrounding 108 mukti-dhara, dipped in 2 holy ponds (Laxmi Kunda and Saraswati Kunda), and then worship Mukti-Dham. It is believed that those who come to the Muktinath Temple get moksha from their sins and get salvation (liberation from birth and rebirth). The black stone - shaligram is considered the form of Lord Vishnu. As a result, thousands of Hindu pilgrims journey to the temple each year to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and attain spiritual liberation.
Buddhism Devotees
During the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche meditated here while on his way to Tibet. During his meditation, Guru gets enlightenment, so it is connected with spirituality and enlightenment. The eternal flame, which burns naturally inside the temple, represents purity and is a critical meditation symbol. Many Buddhist monks visit Muktinath as part of their spiritual practice, adding to its cultural value.
Location and Altitude of Muktinath Temple
Muktinath Temple is nestled at an altitude of 3710m, lap of the Himalayas between Mount Nilgiri and Mount Dhaulagiri. The Temple is between the base camp of the most famous trekking Pass, "Thorong-La Pass", during the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and the starting point of the Upper Mustang Tour. Being one of the sacred Pilgrimage sites, devotees from all around the world visit Muktinath Temple. With just 174km from Pokhara, many people came here easily on 1 day and return the next day.
Architecture and Features
The Muktinath Temple is a small two-storey pagoda-style north-facing temple reflecting a blend of Hindu and Buddhist architecture. Inside the temple, there are three idols of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Saraswati, and Goddess Laxmi. Moreover, the statues of Janaki, Luv-kush, Garuda, and Sapta Rishi are also worshiped inside the temple. The bells outside the temple and inside the temple area hang on the bell wall. Both Hindu priests and Buddhist priests worship inside the temple on their schedule. The Hindu Priest opens the temple and performs the morning ritual pooj, and the Buddhist Aani came here to worship the temple. Throughout the day, the AANI perform the pooja. In the evening, a Hindu priest came and performed Evening aarati and concluded the day.
Key Highlights
108 Sacred Water Spouts
Eternal Flame (Jwala Mai)
Shaligram Stones
Monasteries