Muktinath or Gandaki Shakthi Peetha is the temple where Satis Right Cheek has fallen. Devi Sati is worshipped as Gandakichandi and Lord Shiva as Chakrapani.
Shrine’s History
History of this place dates back in the time when it is said that the Right Cheek of Maa Sati fell to this place. It is said that the presence of Shaligrams stones in the depth of the river represents the Maa Sati. There are couples of places like Muktinath, Damodar Himal, Damodar Kunda, Devghat that are spiritual importance right from the ancient times. The best information about the origin and the formation of this temple, people can mingle with local people.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
The central shrine of Sri Muktinath is considered one of the eight most sacred shrines for Hindu Vaishnavas known as Svayam Vyakta Ksetras, the other seven being Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupati, Naimisharanya, Thotadri, Pushkar and Badrinath. The temple is very small. Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu. The murti is of gold and is tall enough to compare with a man. The prakaram (outer courtyard) has 108 bull faces through which water is poured. It is of freezing temperature. The sacred water that flows in 108 pipes around the temple complex denote all sacred Pushkarini waters (Temple Tanks) from all 108 Sri Vaishnava Divya Desams including Srirangam, Tirumala and Vaikunta, where the devotees take their sacred bath even in the freezing temperatures. There is an old Buddhist monk present in the temple. The worship is conducted by Buddhists.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Access is difficult because of tough weather conditions. One can fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then from Pokhara to Jomsom Airport. From there, one can either trek all the way or take a jeep to Muktinath.
By Air
Air, Dedicated airport is there in Kathmandu (Capital of Nepal), and provision of both national and international flight is there in this airport.
Some tourists are also known to charter a helicopter all the way to Muktinath which takes around forty five minutes to reach. The helicopter can be hired only when the weather permits. Arriving by helicopter for a longer period of stay is not recommended because of the risk of acute mountain sickness. Accommodation is available in Ranipauwa, Jharkot, Chhongur, Kagbeni or Jomsom.
Shrine Timings
All Days Open 06.00 a.m. Close 06:00 p.m.
The most suitable time to visit Muktinath is from March to June, as the weather conditions would not be safe enough to travel in other months. The journey passes through many archeological sites and temples.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Navaratri is celebrated for nine days during Chaitra masa (March- April) and Ashvija masa (Sep- Oct). Special pujas and Yagnas are offered to Gandaki Devi during Navaratri. Shivaratri is also another festival celebrated with great fervour.
Extra Information About this Shrine
Where to stay Being a prominent location to go for, all sorts of arrangements like Villas, Guest houses and hotels etc. are available in ample quantity. Prices vary as per the way the quality increases. But, there are several independent organisation too, that are running free services related to food and accommodation in this part of a country. Avoid getting lured by the hefty discounts offered by the travel agents. Shopping around Gandaki temple Shopping can be a fun as you will get the flavour of both traditional and modern items just adjacent to the Gandaki. Religious related stuff can be obtained from the nearby vicinity of the temple. Local or handicrafts shops are the one that caters maximum people, so try one of them. Bargaining during the shopping is a must and must thing. Finally try to buy those things that are available here only, because other things can be bought at your native or living place also. Other places that can be visited nearby The whole ambience of this place is like what you say a tourist spot. Nothing can beat a walk along the banks of the river Gandaki. Muktinath Temple is the prime attraction nearby to this place. It is dedicated to lord Vishnu and one temple is also constructed here. It is among the 108 sacred places where the human can take salvation.
Salvation is something that is related to get out of the cycle of birth and death. Balmiki Ashram: It has both spiritual and historical importance-Why? Well, Maa Sita (Wife of Lord Rama) stayed here after she was exiled from the Ayodhya Kingdom. Valmiki was the renowned spiritual saint and he wrote the famous book called as the Ramayan. Later Maa Sita gave birth to two beautiful sons, Lava and Kusha. How to reach the Gandaki temple First of all, for the non-resident of Nepal, everybody needs to get the visa for roaming and going for this sacred site.
