Shree Murthy Muktinath Temple, Nepal

Muktinath: The Lord of Salvation

In our spiritual world, there are some places that combine the beauty of nature and divine power. One such sacred place is the Shree Murthy Temple in Nepal, also known as Muktinath Temple. Located at an altitude of 3,710 meters in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, this temple is equally sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed that a pilgrimage here grants salvation (mukti) from the cycle of birth and death. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, how to get there, and the best time to visit this temple in detail – to help you plan your spiritual journey!

History and Legend of Muktinath Temple

The origin of the Muktinath Temple is connected to ancient legends. The current pagoda-style temple was built in 1815 by Queen Subarna Prabha Devi of Nepal. According to the Puranas, when Goddess Tulasi (Vrinda) cursed Vishnu, he turned into Salagrama stones. It is believed that these stones are formed in the Kali Gandaki River, where Vishnu performed penance and attained salvation.

Another story says that Vrinda, the daughter of King Dharmadhvajan, performed penance to marry Narayana. When she cursed Vishnu, he turned into a stone, and later, he merged with her and took an eternal avatar in this place. In the Hindu Vaishnava tradition, Muktinath is revered as the 70th of the 108 Divya Desams, glorified by the hymns of Thirumangai Azhwar and Periyazhwar.

For Buddhists, it is called ‘Chumig Gyatsa’ (100 waters), a place where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated. In fact, this is a rare place where Hindus and Buddhists worship together!

For Hindus and Buddhists

• For Hindus: Vishnu is worshipped as ‘Mukti Narayanan’. This is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) site, one of the Nepal Char Dhams, and one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The Salagrama stones – forms of Vishnu – are found in various types: white (Vasudeva), black (Vishnu), and green (Narayana). Worshipping these stones at home is believed to bring wealth, knowledge, and salvation.
• For Buddhists: It is the abode of the Dakini goddess in Tantric Buddhism and one of the 24 holy Tantric sites. The deity is worshipped as Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara).

It is believed that bathing in the 108 Mukti Dhara (springs) and the two ponds (Papa Kundam, Punya Kundam) found in this temple washes away sins.

Structure of the Muktinath Temple

The pagoda-style temple features a copper statue of Vishnu in the Padmasana posture, with Shree Devi and Bhoodevi (Lakshmi, Saraswati) beside him. There are also idols of Ganesha, Buddha, Garuda, and Ramanuja. Behind the temple are 108 spouts in the shape of a cow’s head – a magnificent sight!

How to get to Muktinath Temple?

The journey to Muktinath is a mix of adventure and spirituality. It is 197 km from Pokhara and 377 km from Kathmandu.

• By Helicopter: 35 minutes from Pokhara, or 1 hour 15 minutes from Kathmandu – convenient but expensive.
• By Plane + Jeep: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (20 minutes), followed by a 1-hour jeep ride.
• By Car/Jeep: An 8-hour drive from Pokhara, the road is mixed.
• By Trekking: A 7-8 day trek via the Annapurna Circuit – for nature lovers.

An ACAP permit is mandatory; acclimatization is required due to the high altitude. You can stay in places like Jomsom and Kagbeni.

Pasuram: Periya Thirumozhi (987)

Kalaiyum kariyum parimavum
      thiriyum kaanam kadanthupoy
Silaiyum kanaiyum thunaiyaach
      sendran vendri s’erukkalaththu
Malai kondu alai neer anai katti
      madhil neer ilankai vaal arakkar
Thalaivan thalai paththu aruththu ukanthan
      Salagramam adai nenje

Best Time to Visit Muktinath Temple

March-June or September-November – the weather is pleasant, and the mountain views are clear. The monsoon season (June-August) carries the risk of landslides; the winter season (up to -15°C) is for snow lovers.

Worship Methods at Muktinath Temple

Morning and evening aarti are performed by Hindu priests, while the afternoon worship is done by Buddhist nuns.

• Bathing in the 108 spouts – believed to wash away sins.
• You can perform a Yagna in the Yagashala.
• Worshipping the Salagrama stones – after cleaning them with holy water.

Start Your Journey to Salvation!

Muktinath Temple is not just a destination – it is a gateway to the liberation of the soul. The beauty of the Himalayas, the glory of the legends, and the fusion of two religions – all will make your journey unforgettable. Plan, go, and attain salvation!

Muktinath Temple Address

Pilgrimage Site, Muktinath 33100, Nepal

https://www.muktinath.org

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Umamaheswari Sivanesan

Vanakkam! I'm Uma, currently living in Chennai. I hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry (M.Sc.), but my true passion lies in spirituality and the rich cultural heritage of Tamil traditions.

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