Muktinath, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Nestled in the Mustang district at an altitude of 3710 meters, Muktinath is a sacred destination for both Hindus and Buddhist religion. Muktinath tour package is a perfect blend of spirituality, adventure and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
Muktinath is believed to be “Moksha Dham” a place where people are freed from their sins. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It is believed that visiting the Muktinath Temple and taking bath in the holy 108 water sprouts (108 dhara), known as the Mukti Dhara cleanses devotees of their sins and helps them attain Moksha(liberation). The Mukti Dhara, arranged in the shape of a cow's head, are said to be the pure waters of Kali Gandaki River and also sacred rivers of India including Yamuna, Ganga and Saraswati. Taking a dip in this icy water from the faucets is believed to be a test of devotion and faith for devotees. Another aspect of Muktinath temple is the eternal flame known as Jwala Mai, which has been burning naturally for centuries, and is believed to be fueled by natural underground gas.
Buddhists know this place as one of the 24 Tantric places which are associated with Guru Rinpoche(Padmasambhava). It is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated at Muktinath temple on his journey to Tibet and consecrated the place. The eternal flame is also interpreted as a symbol of Unity of five elements– earth, water, fire, air and space which are central to Buddhist philosophy. The monastery beside the temple is a sacred place for Buddhists. Many monks visit the site to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Apart from the religious importance it holds, Muktinath is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including the Himalayan Mountain range, lush valleys and unique Tibetan-influenced culture. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a nature lover or an adventure enthusiast, Muktinath offers a unique blend of devotion and scenic beauty that makes the journey worthwhile.
Why is Muktinath so special?
Here are some reasons and beliefs that makes Muktinath not just a temple but makes it a place that holds spiritual and natural significance:
- Confluence of Two Religions: This place is one of the rarest places in the world where two religions, Hinduism and Buddhism are equally practiced and respected.
- Natural Marvel: There is an eternal flame in this temple that has been burning over centuries, this flame burns without any fuel.
- 108 Mukti dhara: The 108 water sprouts present in the temple are believed to cleanse your sins. People bathe under the 108 cow’s head shaped sprouts and the two ponds in the temple to be freed from the sins they committed.
- One of the Highest temples in the world: Muktinath is one of the highest temples in the world standing at 3800 meters offering a surreal experience.
- Believed to Grant Liberation: People believe that visiting the Muktinath temple washes away past sins and grants liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
History behind Shree Muktinath temple
History in Hinduism:
Muktinath represents Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology, there was a battle between Lord Shiva and Jalandar who was a powerful demon king. Jalandhar who was an evil minded demon crossed his limit to achieve Goddess Parvati. He transformed himself into Lord Shiva, but Goddess Parvati immediately knew that it was not her husband Lord Shiva and she called Lord Shiva for help. A battle started between them and Lord Shiva won with the help of his wife’s trust and faithfulness. Later on the god’s decided to end the evil so Lord Vishnu transformed into Jalandar and went to Vrinda , Jalandar’s wife. She lost the devotion and Jalandar got slaughtered by Lord Shiva. Later on, when she got to know the truth, she gave Lord Vishnu a curse to spend the rest of his life as a Shila, this is how Muktinath originated and Lord Vishnu started getting worshipped there. It is believed that after cursing Lord Visnhu , Vrinda killed herself and with her ashes a tulsi plant started growing there. So the pilgrims who visit Muktinath must worship the Shaligram with a Tulsi leaf.
Another belief behind the origin of Muktinath is related to the death of Lord Shiva’s first wife Sati. According to the Swasthani Brata katha, it is believed that Lord Shiva took the dead body of Sati with him wandering many places, while wandering around her body parts fell down in many places and those places were declared as Shakti Peeth. Her Mukh(Face) fell down at Muktinath and it is how Muktinath was believed to have originated.
History in Buddhism:
The Buddhist know Muktinath as ‘Chumig Gyatsa’ which in Tibetan language means 100 waters. It is a very important place of Dakinis, goddesses known as Sky dancers and it is also believed to be one of the 24 tantric places. They believed that the murti is the manifestation of Avalokitesvara. It is also said that Guru Rinpoche who was the founder of Tibetan Buddhism , while moving towards Tibet meditated in this place and gained lifelong spiritual knowledge from this place.
Places to visit in Muktinath village
There are different places to visit during your trip to Muktinath Temple, including:
- Muktinath Temple
- 108 Mukti Dhara
- Two Kunda in front of the temple
- Jwala Mai Temple / Dhola Mebar Gompa
- Mharme Lhakhang Gompa , north of the temple
- Sangdo Gompa, left from the temple
- Biggest buddhist statue built in front of Jwala Mai Temple
- Ranipauwa Village and many monasteries built in this place.
Spiritual Significance of Muktinath Among Pilgrims
Hindu Beliefs
For Hindus, Muktinath is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples) and is believed to be the place where salvation (Moksha) can be attained. The word Muktinath itself means "Lord of Liberation." According to Hindu mythology, bathing in the temple’s 108 holy water spouts, known as Muktidhara, washes away sins and grants freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). Many devotees, especially elderly pilgrims, visit Muktinath with the hope of attaining moksha before the end of their lives.
Buddhist Beliefs
For Buddhists, Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who is believed to have meditated here on his way to Tibet. The temple is also considered a symbol of the harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism, as the central deity, Vishnu, is worshiped as Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) by Buddhists. The eternal flame inside the temple, believed to be naturally burning for centuries, is considered sacred, representing the five elements—earth, fire, water, air, and sky—essential in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Special and Auspicious days to travel to Muktinath
Although the temple is busy throughout the year, there are many suspicious days that are special to pray and worship for Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu festivals like Janai Purnima (Rishi Tarpani), Ram Navami and Vijaya Dashami are the auspicious days believed to be special to pray and worship in the temple. Similarly for Buddhists, festivals like Lhosar, Toranla, Bak chhap(Lama Dance festival), Yartung are the special days to visit the temple and make special prayers.
Permits to visit Muktinath Temple
- Annapurna Conservation area permit - NPR 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1000 for Indians
- TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) - NPR 2000 for foreigners and NPR 600 for SAARC Nation countries
These are the two permits travellers must get while visiting Muktinath temple.
Best time to visit Muktinath Temple
The best time to visit Muktinath Temple by road is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May), when the weather is most pleasant. Autumn is ideal, with clear skies, comfortable temperatures between 12-20°C, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The stable weather makes both road trips and flights smooth, attracting many pilgrims and travelers.
Spring is another great time to visit, as the landscape comes alive with blooming rhododendrons and vibrant colors. With temperatures ranging from 10-18°C, this season offers a perfect mix of spirituality and natural beauty.
Visiting during these seasons ensures a peaceful and comfortable journey, allowing travelers to fully experience the sacred atmosphere of Muktinath while taking in the stunning mountain scenery.
