After the Mansarovar Yatra and the Pashupatinath Yatra, the Muktinath Yatra is one of the most opted for pilgrimage tour.Devotees from all over the world other than India, and Nepal visit this holy shrine seeking blessings of Lord Vishnu.
This temple also holds great importance to Buddist religion also, thus making it a holy destination for them as well.The primary itinerary of Muktinath YatraAfter landing at Kathmandu, one needs to travel 200 km approximately to Pokhara to begin the journey to Muktinath Temple.The Manakamana Devi Temple which is 20 mins of Cable car ride away is usually how the Muktinath YatraAfter an overnight halt at Pokhra, the next day the tour continues towards Jomson which is 175 km away.From Jomson, one needs to change vehicle to move through the uphill terrains towards Ranipauwa which is about 20 km away.From Ranipauwa, it is a half an hr trek through the Thorong La Pass valley to the temple.The temple is located in the Mustang District of Nepal.The same route is once again taken to get back to Pokhara.The Muktinath Tour packages are between 5 to 10 days.
Legend says that this holy shrine is one of the rare pious locations where one can attain moksha or freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.Known by the synonym Muktichetra, this divine temple is believed to be the only remaining Hindu sthaan where one can get rid of their ‘Mohmaya’ or greed and illusion.
The Shaligrams or Ammonites found on the route the trek to Muktinath Temple are believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and often worshipped as a sign of blessing.Though the temple was built at the beginning of the 19th century, there are many relevant documentation of its existence as early as 400 AD.
The temple is famous for its Pagoda style architecture giving it the acknowledgment as a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhist alike.The temple remains open all year round, and on special occasions like Ram Navami, Dusshera, and Rishitarpani sees a massive surge in Hindu Pilgrims.
It is solely is dedicated to Buddhist Monk Guru Rimpoche also known as Padmasambhava.Jwala Mai Temple is a must visit worthy spot in Muktinath because of its unusual geological marvel.