DivyaDesam– Lord Vishnu | One of the DivyaDesamVishnuSthalam |
Region | Vada Naadu |
Vada Naadu | 6thVishnuSthalam |


This
is the only Divya Desam outside India. Tucked away in the midst of the mighty
peaks of the HimalayAs in Nepal, this Divya Desam is the hardest to access, but
the beauty surrounding it makes it worth the effort. Also, this the Divya Desam
associated with the sacred Saligramam stones that are considered a
manifestation of Lord Sri Vishnu and which are worshipped everyday in many Sri
Vaishnava households all over the world.
The
Pagoda style Muktinath Temple is symbol of the religious symbiosis between both
Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu believes that lord Vishnu got salvation from curse
of Brinda (wife of Jalandhar) here. Therefore he is worshipped as Muktinath
(Lit. the lord of salvation). Hindu regards Muktinath as Vishnu The main shrine
of Muktinath is a pagoda - shaped temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. On the
other hand where as Buddhists regard as Buddha. Buddhist worships Vishnu as
Avalokiteshvara. The Temple depicts metal statues of lord Vishnu, goddess
Laxmi, Saraswoti, Janaki, Garuda, Lava-Kush and Sapta Rishis. The building in
1815 of the Buddhist-Hindu temple of Vishnu and Chenrezig at Muktinath-Chumig
Gyatsa was initiated by the Nepali Queen Subarna Prabha who considered
Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa Salagrama.
The
famous temple of Lord Muktinath situated at base of Khatang Kang(Thorang Peak)
in Baraha Gaun (lit. Twelve village) in the district of Mustang in the north
central part of Nepal,and it is about 110 Km from Pokhara and 20 kms northeast
of Jomsom. The temple and the religious shrine of Muktinath is about 90m in
elevation above Ranipauwa and an altitude of about 3800 meters from the sea
level. It is a gate way to Mustang from Manang in famous Annapurana circuit
Trek route. Named after highly referred Muktinath shrine the valley is one of
religious place in Nepal for both Hindus and Buddhist. The Buddhist nuns take
care of cultural heritage inside Muktinath temple. Photography and filming of
deities inside Temple and Monasteries is strictly prohibited.
The
holy shrine, which is said to have risen on its own, is one of eight such
shrines (the others include Srirangam, Sri Mushnam, Tirupati, Naimisaranyam,
Thottadri, Pushkaram and Badrinath). It is also one of 108 Vaishnava shrines.
It is believed that one should visit this temple after completing pilgrimage of
four special religious sites, Chardham Yatra of India; Muktinath must be
visited once
Here
in the early 19th century the Hindus consecrated a Vishnu temple and named is
Muktinath - Lord of Liberation. Against a backdrop of incredible starkness you
can sit and stare to the south the snow covered Annapurna range, or to the
north the Tibetan plateau.
This
Sanskrit name itself has religious overtone and a sort of emotional ring to it
for the devout Hindus. The name is synthesis of two words - Mukti and Nath.
Mukti means Salvation or Nirvana and Nath mean god or Master. Mukti Holds grate
significance for all spiritual people in the south Asian sub continent.
Muktinath (the provider of salvation) has been one such holy site, where
thousands of devotees flock for attaining the much sought after moksha
(Freedom) from the cycle of birth and rebirth. It is an ardent wish or a dream
if you may say, of every Hindu to get Mukti-Nirvana from this cycle taking
births over and over again. It is belief of the Hindus that this world is "MAYA"
(an illusion) and the earliest one gets out of it the better and a visit to
Muktinath will help them achieve that goal. Since then it called Muktinath.It
is believed that one should visit this temple after completing pilgrimage of
four special religious sites, Chardham Yatra of India; Muktinath must be
visited once
Muktinath
is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindu & Buddhist. The holy shrine
at Muktinath is in a grove of trees and includes a Buddhist Gompa and the
pagoda style temple of Vishnu Temple, Containing an Image of Vishnu
The
famous temple of Lord Muktinath situated at base of Khatang Kang(Thorang Peak)
in Baraha Gaun (lit. Twelve village) in the district of Mustang in the north
central part of Nepal,and it is about 20 kms northeast of Jomsom at an altitude
of about 3800 meters from the sea level. It is a gate way to Mustang from
Manang in famous Annapurana circuit Trek route. Named after highly referred
Muktinath shrine the valley is one of religious place in Nepal for both Hindus
and Buddhist.The Hindus call it Muktichhetra (Place of salvation) is one of the
four religious sites. Many Shaligrams (Ammonite) found here are considered by
Hindu as incarnation of lord Vishnu and worship them. According to Hindu Myth
lord Vishnu turned into Shaligram because of Brinda’s Curse.
Similarly
Buddhist calls this valley the Chumig Gyatsa (place of 108 waterspouts). It is
believed that Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambha) the scholar founder of Tibetan
Buddhism once meditated and gained lifetime achievement of spiritual knowledge
here while on his way to Tibet on 12th century. The valley has seven historic
village: Putak, Jhong, Chhyonkhar, Purang, Jharkot and khinga. Ranipauwa
(lit.queen's pilgrim hostel, named after queen Subarna Prabha Devi) is a new
settlement founded by people of Purang. The main ethnic group of the valley is
BhotiasThis place is opened through out the year but especially in
Rishitarpani, Ram Nawami, and Bijay Dashami thousands of pilgrims gather here
to celebrate the festival.
Kunda: In
front of MuktinathTemple there are 2 Kunda (Water pond), Where holy dip is
believed it can wash away negative karma, the results of one's past negative
actions.
Mukti
Dhara: Around the temple is a wall from the temple which there are 108
waterspouts (Dhara) name of “Muktidhara”. The 108 faucets in the cast in the
shape of bulls' heads, pour fourth-sacred water closely arranged in a
semi-circle with a gap of hardly a foot between the faucets, at a height of
seven feet. The water from Gandaki River continuously flowing through the mouth
of the bull. Pilgrims who visit the temple take a holy bath in each of these
spouts. But as the water is ice cold it requires burning desire and courage to
take a holy bath here. Hindu devotees take bath under chilled water of 108 waterspouts
“Muktidhara” believing that it brings them salvation. It is also believed that
the deity was originated from Jumla,far western part of Nepal. It has helped to
make this area as center of Tourist attraction. In Janai Purnima Buddhist’s Yar
tang Mala celebrated here.
Jwala
Mai Temple: Even more sacred is the water that issues from rock inside the
ancient Tibetan style “Jwala Mai Temple” sound of flowing river is situated
south and a short distance below the of Muktinath Temple. Inside this Gompa, behind
a tattered curtain, are small natural gas jest that produce Continuously
burning flame, the Jwala Mai temple has a spring and there are three eternal
flames “Holy flame from soil”, “Holy flame from rock” and “Holy flame from
water” fed by natural gas. Currently two flames are continuously burning. The
Hindu believes that this miracle of fire lighting was offering made by Brahma
himself , (the creator of universe) set water on fire. Hindus worship the fire
as Jwala Mai (Lit. Goddess of fire). The Buddhist believe that Padmasambhav,
the great Indian master who inducted Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet,
meditated at this place. The Buddhist living will show foot prints which they
say are those of the great master. They called it Dhola Mebar Gompa.The holy
flame alongside a spring that is the source of the religious importance of
Muktinath. It is often possible to see Tibetan woman with elaborate turquoise
embedded headdresses, engaged in devotion at these shrine.
Mharme
Lha Khang Gompa: After completing prayer and puja at the temple a visit to
Mharme Lha Khang Gomba is situated to the North of Muktinath Temple. Mharme Lha
Khang is translates as thousand holy lamps. As this monastery dedicated to Guru
Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) with his huge clay image is placed center of altar
along with bon deities: red Trakpo at right side and blue singe Doma at left
side. Since Singe doma is lion headed deity, Hindu worships as Narasimha and
name of monastry Narsingh Gompa
Gomba Samba, a "newly built monastery". It is believed that founder
of this monastery Syandol Lama came from Tibet. Originally this monastery was a
big hostel for monks that later collapsed and people of Khinga and Jharkot
jointly reconstructed it. The main deities monastries are Sakyamuni, Chingresig
and Guru Rimpoche. The monastery is situated at left from entrance gate of
Muktinath temple complex, would be worth it.
Swaminarayan: One
Hindu Guru connected to Muktinath is Lord Shri Swaminarayan, Satguru of Sabij
Yoga, the goal of which is the realization of and service to God Supreme. At
the end of the 18th century this Satguru practiced severe penance in Muktinath
for two and a half months and attained the highest degree of proficiency in
Nishkamvrat. In 2003 his followers funded the new wall around Muktinath and
raised a small monument for him at Muktinath.
Shaligram: Another attraction for the pilgrimage is the River kali Gandaki
from where one can collect fossils of the Jurassic park age. One may find a
fossil within a few minutes or it may take hours and without success. However,
these fossils can be had from the local people at a price. Shaligram, a black
stone fossil if found, is considered sacred and is kept in pooja (prayer) room
in the house. It is supposed to be symbol of Lord Vishnu.
The
temple and the religious shrine of Muktinath are about 90m in elevation above
Ranipauwa.The Buddhist nuns take care of cultural heritage inside Muktinath
temple. Photography and filming of deities inside Temple and Monasteries is
strictly prohibited. There are no hotels and the temple committee does not
allow camping.
Around
Places: The Muktinath valley has seven historic famous places Putak,
Jhong, Chhyokhar, Purang Jharkot and Khinga. Ranipauwa (Lit.Queen pilgrims
hostel the name of Subarna Prabha Devi) is new settlement village founded by
people of Purang. There are many monasteries and Gompa around the Muktinath
temple.
Once
Pilgrimage journey made to this holy Muktinath, holy dip in the Kunda and bath
beneath of 108 waterspouts “Muktidhara” is believed to bring about salvation
(Moksha) and to fulfill your wishes.
How
to go there: Only those who are willing to undergo physical discomfort and
rigour can go to Muktinath. Above all, one should have the Grace of the Lord to
visit Muktinath. The convenient routes to Muktinath from India are: via
Gorakhpur, Sonauli, Bhairawa and Pokhara, the last big town on the way to
Muktinath; via Raxaul, Birgunj and Pokhara or via Darjeeling, Siliguri, Kakar
Bhitta and Pokhara. There are many ways to reach Muktinath. Either take a
flight from Pokhara to Jomsom or hike for 7-8 hours from Jomsom or trek all the
way from Pokhara through Kali-Gandaki valley, which takes 7/8 days. There has a
trekking route one of famous treks name of Muktinath. Nowadays the Bus &
Jeep Services are available from Pokhara via Beni, Then Beni to Ghasa, via Tato
pani, to Jomsom there Jeep services which take time 12-15 hrs. From Jomsom to
Muktinath it takes 1.30 hrs by Jeep. After Beni to Jomsom the road is graveled
through the Kaligandaki river bank. and Jomsom to Muktinath road is graveled
through the Kaligandaki river bank & Hill area. Helicopter services are
also available from Pokhara & Kathmandu. The sight of the bewildering
Annapurana and Dhaulagiri ranges will enchant you as you approach towards Pokhara
Valley by air or surface. The next morning when you discover the clear sky and
views of mountain, you then discover you are on your special journey to the
Muktinath
Apart from walking to Muktinath all the way, there are many ways one can
travel, depending on time and budget.
Climate Muktinath
and its high valley are located in the Mustang Bhote region. The climate and
landscape here are similar to those of the Tibetan Plateau since it is situated
in the rain shadow of the Greater Himalayas. The changes in climate from warm
to cold take you to the sacred shrine of Muktinath in Mustang district. Flowing
through the region from north to south and forming deep gorges is the Kali
Gandaki river. The temperature in summer (March to August) hover between Maximum
of 16 to 18 degree Celsius and Minimum 6 to 8 Degree Celsius. In the beginning
of winter (September to November) the temperature fluctuates between 14 to 16
degree Celsius and 0 to 4 degree Celsius. In the winter (December and Janaury )
the maximum temperature will be 4 to 6 degree Celsius and minimum 0 to -8
degree Celsius. After February and before of November the temperature will be
good.
Season: The
most suitable time to visit to Muktinath from March to May & September to
October, these month are best time to visit Muktinath as a weather condition.
Some time the flights can be cancel due to fugy & cloudy weather but it
will be cleared with in a day. You can travel there on November & February.
It is not possible to travel December and January, these month are the diehard
here will be snowfall 2 to 6 ft in the all of area.June to August is raining
season but it is possible to travel. As the weather conditions would not be
safe enough to travel on Rainy season & cold season, but people are
traveled. On rainy season the flight services are cancel due to bad weather for
uncertain days. And the Jeep service are closed due to bad road condition
Clothing: Days
are relatively warm; especially when there is no wind in the late morning. The
appropriate clothing as per the travel period (temperature) and a good walking
shoes for rocky and uneven paths are highly recommended. Walking stick would
help for those who need support.We suggest you to take normal warm clothes.
Light warm jacket, woolen sweater, warm T-Shirts, comfortable shoes, trousers
and cotton pants are enough for this trip. We recommended you to bring down
jacket for the winter
Sannidhis –
Acharyas & Alwars, Sri Andal, Sri Manavala Mamunigal, Sri Ramanuja, Lord
Vishnu, Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi, Goddess Sri Saraswathy, Garuda, Lava-Kusha,
Saptharishis, Santhoshi Matha, Nara Narayana,Lord Buddha, Lord Ganesha,
Theertham –
Gandaki Theertham, Chakra Theertham, Lakshmi Saraswathy Kund, Mukthi Kund,
Damodar Kund, Muktidhara are 108 water channels projected on the temple wall
contains waters of 108 Divya Desam, water from Gandaki River flows through the
waterway. Holy dip in the sacred tank situated here would provide abundance of
devoutness and Salvation. The numerous Salagrama shilas are available in the
Gandaki Theertham is worshipped as Lord Vishnu. According to the sacred
scriptures Lord Vishnu turned into Salagrama at the curse of Brinda wife of
demon King Jalandhara.
Guidance
to the Devotees traveling to Holy Shrine Salagramam:
1. Though, for Nepal travel there is no Visa required, it is always advisable
to carry a proof of Identity and Nationality. While at exiting Nepal, one
should prove his/her nationality and this would avoid delays and complications
while traveling.
2. It is always recommended to travel in groups of 8-10 persons as it is unsafe
to travel in single or couple. Also, it would be of very helpful to arrange the
travel through some authorized travel agencies to get some assistance help when
needed. Since, you require permit to visit the shrine.
3. The approximate cost involved in way expenses etc. is INR.10000/- to 15000/-
per person. It is suggested to carry some smaller denominations; avoid carrying
Rs.1000/- and Rs.500/- currency notes; instead carry partly by cash and partly
by travelers cheques; make sure that you get an endorsement in the cheques that
it is valid in Nepal too. Take an exchange for some part of money in Nepal
currency that would be handy and helpful at small outlets.
4. Instead of sticking to your orthodox nature, one must adjust to the
circumstances and take care of health as prime concern; the climate, altititude
and the breeze are too chilly and cold, that it might be bothersome for Asthma
patients and elders.
5. As per the Government of India rules, nothing should be brought from Nepal
by Indians. One must be very cautions and careful about this specific
regulation and avoid buying anything from Nepal.
6. There is no shops in Mukthinath. One should make sure that they take the
needed Medicine, Lunch, offering to the Lord etc. before leaving for
Mukthinath.
7. Though most of the Hotels provide bedding and winter rugs, it is still
recommended to take Shawls, Sweater, Full sleeves, Muffler, Canvas shoes, socks
preferably woolen and a bed sheet. These items are needed while you travel
outside and on pony ride.
8. You must have a lock and key for your suitcases, boxes and other bags; in
some dormitories, they do not provide any lock so you have to carry an
additional lock & key to safeguard your personal belongings.
9. Please do not take along with you any valuables. Extra ornaments, jewels are
a cause to worry during travel. Just a normal or lesser jewels would do. You're
not going for any picnic, it is a pilgrimage to a Holy Shrine!
Moolavar |
Sri Sri Murthy Perumal/Mukthi Narayanan |
Ambal |
Sri Sridevi Thayar |
Theertham |
Gandaki Theertham, Chakra Theertham |
Lord here gives new
development in life and relieves sins.
Vaikunda Ekadasi in
December-January is grandly celebrated in the temple.
HOW
TO REACH:
Starting
From Pokhara to Jomsom: By Flight: Pokhara to Jomsom by air in about 20
minutes By Trek: Pokhara to Nayapool by vehicle then do the 7/8 days trek
to Jomsom, By transport: Pokhara to Beni to Ghasa to Jomsom by Jeep in
about 12 hrs. Starting from Jomsom To Muktinath By treks: Walk to Kagbeni
to Jharkot to Muktinath in about 7-8 hoursBy Transport: Go by Jeep in
about 1.30 hrs. By Horse: Go by a local rented horse in about 5 to 6 hrs.
TEMPLE
ADDRESS:
Sri Murthy Perumal
Temple,
Thiru Salagramam,
Nepal.
LOCATION:
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