Muktinath, a holy site sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike, is situated in the Muktinath Valley at the foot of Thorong La mountain pass, Nepal. It holds great spiritual significance being one of 108 Divya Desams outside India as well as known by its other name – Moksh Kshetra or ‘liberation arena’. To top it off all this grandeur is perched atop an altitude of 3800 meters making it one among the highest temples on earth! Indeed, Muktinath stands resplendent amongst many a Char Dham in Nepal.
For Hindus, Muktinath is the abode of salvation as a tribute to Lord Vishnu. Located in Mustang district, North-Western region of Nepal, this pilgrimage site stands at an elevation of 5900 feet above sea level and just 18 km away from Jomsom district headquarters. Every year thousands flock here seeking solace and spiritual enlightenment; hence making it one’s desired dream destination for Nirvana.
The divine shrine of Muktinath, surrounded by lush greenery and located at the origin of the Gandaki river, is a sacred pilgrimage site attributed to salvation. Adored among Vaishnavite devotees as one of 108 Divya Resham shrines in existence, this Svayam Vyakta Kshetras – or self-manifested – holy temple stands for holiness and tranquility.This Buddhist gompa is renowned among bassists and draws pilgrims from around the world. To be blessed by the Lord, one should take a bath in 108 thirthas, which is deemed to have religious significance.
During sacred festivals such as Rishitarpani, Ram Navami, and Ananth Chaturdasi, Hindus honor their ancestors at Kagbeni located between Jomsom and Muktinath by performing Shraddha ceremonies. During this time of celebration the temple at Muktinath is transformed into an even more spectacular sight.
Visiting this shrine will be most rewarding from March to June and September to November. It’s a popular destination along the renowned Annapurna circuit trek, with STOL flights and choppers services available out of Pokhara, or accessible by road route.
According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) took part in meditation at Muktinath on his journey to Tibet. Hindu saints highly extol this temple and its importance is documented in Vishnu Purana with Gandaki Mahathmya scripts.
Along the Kali Gandaki River downstream from Muktinath lies a sacred place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists alike. It is here that the Shaligrams, essential for establishing Vishnu temples, are sourced from – making it one of the holiest sites in all religions.
From a Hindu perspective, the number 108 holds many profound interpretations. For instance, twelve zodiacs and nine planets give us an amalgamation of 108 combinations. Additionally, 27 lunar mansions divided into four quarters overall provides a total sum of 108 padas. There are also numerous water springs with this same numerical value that make up the mystery surrounding it all.
