Muktinath & Kagbeni

Muktinath & Kagbeni

Muktinath : Mukti (Salvation) holds grate significance for all spiritual people in the south Asian sub continent. Muktinath (the provider of salvation) has been one such holy site, where thousands of devotees flock for attaining the much sought after moksha.

The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 kms northeast of Jomsom in the north central part of Nepal , at an altitude of about 3750 meters. Named after highly referred Muktinath shrine the valley is one of religious place in Nepal for both Hindus and Buddhist. Hindus call it Muktichhetra (Place of salvation). Many Shaligrams found here are considered by Hindu as incarnation of lord Vishnu and worship them. Similarly Buddhist calls this valley the Chumig Gyatsa ( place of 108 waterspouts).
There are many ways to reach Muktinath. Either take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom or hike for 7-8 hours from Jomsom or trek all the way from Pokhara through Kali-Gandaki valley, which takes 7/8 days. Helicopter services are also available from Pokhara & Kathmandu. There has a trekking route one of famous treks name of Muktinath. The sight of the bewildering Annapurana and Dhaulagiri ranges will enchant you as you approach towards Pokhara Valley by air or surface. The next morning when you discover the clear sky and views of mountain, you then discover you are on your special journey to the Muktinath.

Muktinath is of the religious importance to both Hindus and Buddhists. The main shrine of Muktinath is a pagoda - shaped temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. Also the Temple depicts metal statues of goddess Laxmi , Saraswoti, Janaki , Garuda , Lava-Kush and Sapta Rishis Hindu believes that lord Vishnu got salvation from curse of Brinda (wife of Jalandhar) here. Therefore he is worshipped as Muktinath (The lord of salvation). Hindu devotees take bath under chilled water of 108 waterspouts behind the temple believing that it brings them salvation. It is also believed that the deity was originated from western part of Nepal .. In front of Muktinath Temple there are 2 Kunda (Water pond), Where holy dip is believed it can wash away negative karma, the results of one's past negative actions.
The Jwala Mai temple (Jwala Mukhi) near by has a spring and three eternal flames fed by natural gas. Currently two flames are continuously burning. Hindu believes that this miracle of fire lighting was offering made by Brahma.

It is believed that one should visit this temple after completing pilgrimage of four special religious sites, Chardham Yatra of India .

Once Pilgrimage journey made to this holy Muktinath, holy dip in the Kunda and bath beneath of 108 waterspouts is believed to bring about salvation (Moksha) and to fulfill your wishes.
We welcome you to visit the highly religious place, Muktinath , where you will enjoy and discover you are on your special journey. for more information please contact keshabraj80@yahoo.com