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Sri Moorthy Perumal

Muktinath, also known as Mukthi Kshetra, meaning "the place of liberation (moksha)," is a revered Vishnu temple located in the Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La mountain near Mustang, Nepal. The temple holds great significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Situated at an altitude of 3,800 metres, it is one of the highest temples in the world. The temple is close to the village of Ranipauwa, commonly referred to as Muktinath. For Hindus, Muktinath is considered the 106th among the 108 Divya Desams, sacred shrines dedicated to Vishnu under the Sri Vaishnava sect. In Sri Vaishnava literature, the ancient name of this site, before its association with Buddhism, was Thiru Saligramam. Additionally, Muktinath is one of the 108 Siddhapeethas and is revered as Mahadevi. Despite its Vaishnav origin, Muktinath is also sacred to Buddhists, as Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated here. For Tibetan Buddhists, Muktinath holds immense importance. The Muktinath Temple is recognized as one of the 108 Siddha Peethas, with the deity named Mahadevi or Devibhagwat. Shakti Peethas are holy sites of Shakti, formed by the falling body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi, whom Lord Shiva carried while wandering. The Shakti at Muktinath is worshipped as "Gandaki Chandi," and the Bhairava as "Chakrapani." It is believed that the forehead of Sati Devi fell at this site, making it a significant place of worship.

Timings

Morning: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM & Afternoon: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

The history of Muktinath Temple in Nepal dates back to the 19th century. It is believed that Queen Sabarna Prabha of Nepal initiated the construction of this sacred Vishnu temple. The temple is thought to have been built by Hindus. In 1818, the renowned Tibetan yogi Shabkar visited the Muktinath Temple and stayed for several days to familiarise himself with the place.

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 way to Tibet. Damodar Kunda, the main source of Shaligrams and the Gandaki River, is located near Muktinath Temple. In Tibetan, Damodar Kund is known as "Men-Chu" and is closely associated with the life of Guru Rinpoche, marking the beginning of Mukti Kshetra.

Indian mythology describes a great battle between Lord Shiva and Jalandhar, a powerful king of the asuras. Jalandhar, driven by his cunning, attacked Kailash to abduct Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. Using his abilities, Jalandhar disguised himself as Shiva, but Parvati, with her spiritual strength, saw through the deception and sought Shiva's help. A fierce battle ensued, but Jalandhar was protected by his wife Vrinda's unwavering loyalty.

The gods then devised a plan to defeat Jalandhar. Lord Vishnu, using his power, transformed into an image of Jalandhar to deceive Vrinda. Unaware of the deception, Vrinda unknowingly abandoned her support for Lord Shiva, allowing Shiva to defeat and kill Jalandhar.

When Vrinda realised the truth, she cursed Lord Vishnu to become a stone (Shila). Lord Vishnu then manifested as the Shaligram in the Muktinath region. After casting the curse, Vrinda immolated herself, and the Tulsi plant arose from her ashes.

Vrinda's devotion greatly impressed Lord Vishnu, and as a result, the Tulsi leaf is considered essential in the worship of Shaligrams.


Puranic Significance :



In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Muktinath Temple is revered as a site where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, meditated on his journey to Tibet. The temple is also celebrated in Hindu scriptures, with its importance highlighted in texts such as the Vishnu Purana and the Gandaki Mahatmya. The waterway flowing downstream from Muktinath along the Kali Gandaki River is the source of Shaligrams, sacred stones essential for establishing Vishnu temples. Muktinath is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists, featuring 108 water springs, a number with deep significance in Hindu philosophy. Hindu astrology, for instance, combines 12 zodiac signs with 9 planets, resulting in 108 key combinations, while the 27 lunar mansions (Nakshatras) divided into four quarters each also total 108 Padas.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Traditional attire is often preferred, as it shows respect for the sacred space.
  2. Remove Shoes: Remove your shoes before entering the temple premises. This is a common practice in Hindu and Buddhist temples to maintain cleanliness.
  3. Follow Rituals: Participate respectfully in the temple rituals, such as the offering of flowers, water, and lighting lamps. Observing and following the rituals enhances your spiritual experience.
  4. Respect Local Customs: Observe and respect the local customs and traditions associated with the temple. Engage with local priests and devotees courteously.
  5. Maintain Silence: Keep noise to a minimum to preserve the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the temple. Silence is often considered a form of reverence.
  6. Ask for Permission: Seek permission before taking photographs, especially inside the temple complex. Some areas may have restrictions on photography.
  7. Make Offerings: Contribute to the temple’s upkeep by making offerings or donations as you wish. Your contributions support the temple’s maintenance and community services.
  8. Follow Guidelines: Adhere to any guidelines or rules posted at the temple or provided by the temple staff to ensure a respectful and smooth visit.
  1. Do Not Touch Sacred Objects: Avoid touching or handling sacred objects, including the deity’s murti (idol) and offerings, unless instructed to do so by temple authorities.
  2. Avoid Public Displays of Affection: Refrain from displaying affection or engaging in any behaviour that may be considered inappropriate within the temple premises.
  3. Do Not Enter Restricted Areas: Respect any restricted or off-limits areas within the temple complex. These areas are often reserved for specific rituals or temple staff.
  4. Avoid Loud Conversations: Do not engage in loud conversations or use mobile phones within the temple to preserve the sanctity of the space.
  5. Do Not Litter: Avoid littering or leaving waste in and around the temple. Dispose of any trash in designated bins and help maintain the cleanliness of the area.
  6. Avoid Disrupting Rituals: Do not interrupt ongoing rituals or ceremonies. Wait respectfully until the rituals are completed before approaching the temple or interacting with the devotees.
  7. Do Not Engage in Commercial Activities: Refrain from engaging in commercial activities or selling items within the temple premises without permission.
  8. Do Not Use Flash Photography: Avoid using flash photography inside the temple, as it can be disruptive to worshippers and may be prohibited.

Dress Code

For Men: Men should wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders and legs, such as long pants and a shirt or kurta. Avoid shorts, sleeveless shirts, and revealing attire.

For Women: Women should dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees with a long skirt or pants and a blouse or shawl. Avoid short skirts, sleeveless tops, and low-cut clothing.

How to reach

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By Air: To Jomsom: Fly from Kathmandu to Jomsom, which is the nearest airport to Muktinath. The flight offers stunning views of the Himalayas and takes about 20-30 minutes. From Jomsom to Muktinath: From Jomsom, you can travel to Muktinath by jeep or on foot. The journey takes about 2-3 hours by road or can involve a trek depending on the route chosen.

By Road: To Kathmandu: Travel by road to Kathmandu from major cities in Nepal or neighbouring countries. Kathmandu is well-connected by bus and private vehicle. From Kathmandu to Jomsom: Take a long road journey from Kathmandu to Jomsom, which involves a drive to Pokhara followed by a road trip or flight to Jomsom. The overland journey can take about 2-3 days, depending on road conditions. From Jomsom to Muktinath: Drive from Jomsom to Muktinath.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :

  1. Kali Gandaki River: Flowing near Muktinath Temple, the Kali Gandaki River is a major river in Nepal, known for its deep gorge and significance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It is the source of the sacred Saligram stones used in worship.


Cities :

  1. Jomsom: Located approximately 25 kilometres from Muktinath, Jomsom is a key gateway town in the Mustang region, known for its picturesque landscapes and as a starting point for treks to Muktinath.
  2. Pokhara: About 150 kilometres from Muktinath, Pokhara is a major city in Nepal renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including lakes, waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. It serves as a popular base for travellers heading to Muktinath.