About Muktinath Yatra

“Muktinath Temple” in Nepal has been a site of great spiritual importance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Also known as “Muktishetra”, the place of salvation, thousands of pilgrims from around the world visit this place for spiritual enlightenment & inner awakening.
The place is called Muktinath because it is believed that Lord Vishnu Murthi, Goddess Sri Devi, and Bhoo Devi gave Jeevan Mukthi here. Muktinath is one of the eight holy sites famous for worshiping Lord Vishnu; Swayambhu Kshetras or Divya Kshetra.

The word "Mukti" and "Nath," which together make up the term "Muktinath" (or “Mukthinath”), are Sanskrit terms that denote “Salvation” and “God” respectively.

Apart from Muktinath seven other sites are a part of Svayam Vyakta Kshetras namely, Badrinath, Pushkar, Naimisharanya, Tirupati, Srirangam, Srimushnam, and Thotadri. The water is distributed via 108 bull faces in the Outside Courtyard (Prakaram). 

The hallowed Pushkarini waters (Temple Tanks) from the 108 Sri Vaishnava Divya Desams, where devotees take their sacred dip even in below-freezing temperatures, are represented by the 108 pipes of sacred water that run throughout the temple complex.

Why does Muktinath Temple of Nepal hold such a strong history?

Muktinath Nepal's history dates back to the nineteenth century. It is stated that “Sabarna Prabha”, a Nepalese queen, took the initiative to start building this temple. Hindus are thought to have erected this Vishnu temple. 

A very well-known Tibetan yogi named Shabkar paid a visit to Nepal Muktinath Mandir in 1818 and stayed there for several days to get to know the place better.

According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, is said to have meditated at Muktinath on his route to Tibet. Damodar Kunda, the main source of Shaligram and the Gandaki River, is located close to the Muktinath Temple. 
The Damodar Kund, also known as "Men-Chu" in Tibetan, is associated with Guru Rinpoche's life and is referred to as the beginning of Mukti Kshetra.

Did you know there's a story of a sacred bond between "Tulsi and Shaligram" that began in Muktinath?

According to Indian mythology, there was a massive conflict between Lord Shiva and Jalandhar (the powerful king of Asuras). Jalandhar was devious and went too far by attacking Kailash to get Parvati (wife of Lord Shiva). Then Jalandhar changed himself and utilized his abilities to imitate Shiva. 
Due to her spiritual strength, Parvati was able to recognize reality with ease and immediately sought Shiva for assistance. Soon after, they started fighting, but thanks to her wife's loyalty, Jalandhar was largely safe.

Later, other gods decide to utilize a small tactic to defeat the significant evil. To present himself to Vrinda, Lord Vishnu uses his power to transform into a replica of Jalandhar. Vrinda did not pay attention and acted in the same way as her husband. 

She, therefore, forsakes Lord Shiva, who then massacres Jalandhar. When Vrinda finally learns the truth, she curses Lord Vishnu and orders him to live out the rest of his days as Shila (stone). 

Lord Vishnu then gives birth as Shaligram in the Muktinath region. Vrinda destroys herself after casting a curse, and the Tulsi plant is created from her ashes.

Vrinda is valued and adored by Lord Vishnu because of her fidelity, which greatly impressed him. Consequently, a Tulsi leaf must be present when worshiping the Shaligram.

What is the Spiritual Significance of Muktinath Temple in Nepal?

The Muktinath Temple beautifully showcases the interreligious harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism. A Buddhist monk is present at the temple to perform the worship along with a local nun who looks after the prayer rituals (Puja).

The Temple of Muktinath is the only Divya Desam outside of India and ranks 106 out of 108 Divya Desams in Hinduism. It is one of the Char Dham in Nepal and is referred to as Mukti Kshetra, which means the "liberation arena" (moksha).

There are scripts in the Vishnu Purana and the Gandaki Mahathmya that explain the significance of the temple. According to Sri Vaishnava literature, Thiru Saligramam is its earliest name The Saligram Shila, the non-anthropomorphic image of Vishnu, is thought to have solely come from the neighboring Gandaki river.

Muktinath is one of the 24 Tantric sites and a significant location for Dakinis, goddesses known as Sky Dancers, among Tibetan Buddhists. They recognize the murti of Muktinath temple as a manifestation of Avalokitevara, who represents the Buddhas' collective compassion. It is referred to as Chumig Gyatsa by Buddhists; the Tibetan name for it is Hundred Waters.

Where Exactly is the Nepal Muktinath Temple located?

The location of Muktinath Temple lies tucked away in Nepal's Muktinath Valley, at the base of the Thorong La mountain pass in Mustang. It is adjacent to the village of Ranipauwa in the Annapurna area of Nepal. The Muktinath Temple is visited by International tourists mainly when going for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The Muktinath Dham is situated at a height of 3,800 meters above sea level which makes it one of the highest temples in the world. The Temple of Muktinath has a stunning backdrop of the Tibetian plains to the north and the snow-capped Annapurna mountain to the south.

How to reach Muktinath Nepal Temple?

Muktinath Dham is one of the most visited temples in Nepal. It can be visited in the following ways:

Nepal Muktinath Mandir by Road-

Visiting Muktinath Dham by road takes (6 nights/7 days) by the route Kathmandu - Pokhara - Jomsom - Muktinath. The Kathmandu to Muktinath distance is about 400 km. By taking the Prithvi Highway from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then passing through the towns of Jomsom, Beni, Tatopani, Ghasa, Marpha, and Kagbeni, you can get to the Muktinath Temple.

Muktinath Temple of Nepal by Flight-

Visiting Muktinath Dham by road takes (4 nights/5 days) by the route Kathmandu - Pokhara - Jomsom - Muktinath. The nearest airport to Muktinath Temple is Jomsom. There are no direct flights available from Kathmandu to Muktinath.
First, you need to reach Pokhara, then take a flight to Jomsom. The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara usually takes one hour, and the flight from Pokhara to Jomsom also takes about an hour.

Muktinath Nepal Temple by Helicopter-

A helicopter tour from Kathmandu to Muktinath Temple is also available. It takes just one and a half hours to reach Nepal Ka Muktinath Mandir by helicopter. You can now easily go from Ranipauwa to the Muktinath Temple with a hike of 30 minutes approx.

Muktinath Permit Nepal

The Muktinath Temple is located in a trekking and conservation area. Thus, two permits are needed to enter this zone. One is the Trekker's Information Management System Permit, and the other is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP) (TIMS). 

Those who are visiting the Muktinath Temples must have these two permissions because it is prohibited to access this area without them.

Best Months to Visit Muktinath Temple:

March to June (Summer Season):

Moderate and favorable conditions are most suitable for site exploration.
These conditions may rise to a maximum level of 32°C.
The perfect time to capture scenic views and the environment of the temple.

September to December (Post-Monsoon Season):

Good weather conditions are favorable for the pilgrimage.
The climate of this area is quite pleasant with no dust storms as it has clear blue skies.
Favorable time of year for pilgrims to visit the temple.

October to November (Fall Season):

Excellent weather conditions with clear sky.
Another busy period in the temple was due to the increased footfall of devotees.

Avoid Visiting During:

July to August (Monsoon Season):

Frequent rain showers and unpredictable weather can affect travel plans.

January to February (Winter Season):

Extreme winters with temperatures dropping to -19°C.
The area remains covered with snow making it challenging for the pilgrims to visit the place. The best time to visit Muktinath Vishnu Temple is in March, April, May, June, September, October & November when the weather is clear.

Best Weather and Time to Visit Muktinath Temple

The Muktinath Temple of Nepal can be visited from 5 am to 12 noon in the morning and from 2 pm to 9 pm. There are various special rituals performed in the Muktinath Dham.
The Hindu devotees ensure to pay a visit to the Muktinath Temple on Hindu festivals such as Rishi Tarpani (Janai Purnima), Ram Navami, and Vijaya Dashami (Dashain). Festivals such as Lhosar, Toranla, Bak chhap (Lama Dance festival), Yartung during August/ September are important times for Buddhists to gather and make special prayers.    

 
Top Places to visit around Muktinath Temple:

Samba Gompa
Vishnu Paduka
Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple
Narshing Gompa
108 Mukti Dhara
Mukti Kunda
Jwala Mai Temple
Sangye Buddha
Santok Palri Lingma Guru.

Conclusion

Therefore, the Muktinath Temple Tour Package of the "Trip to Temples" is an all-inclusive and informative journey for devotees. The journey begins in Kathmandu, and the duration and cost of the tour depend on the mode of transport.

This shall make your stay cozy and your experience memorable as you tour Muktinath Temple and some other famous destinations within the territory of Nepal such as the city of lakes, Pokhara, Jomsom, and many different sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, and the giant Annapurna range.

For those who are combining Kailash Mansarovar yatra with Muktinath, the tour is offered for 5 days and 4 nights. Or one can arrange for a special Muktinath tour which takes 5 nights and 6 days so that one can truly enjoy the divinity and the gorgeousness of this place. 

So, If you want your Muktinath Yatra to be unforgettable. Get in touch with us as soon as you can via this number - 9911937751

"Discover the Sacred Beauty of Muktinath Today!"