MUKTINATH DARSHAN YATRA
Muktinath is Sanskrit name, this words separation two word Mukti & Nath. Mukti mean Salvation and Nath mean god and Nirvana. 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 belief of the Hindus that this world is “MAYA” (an illusion) and the earliest one gets out of it the better and muktinath darshan will help them achieve that goal. Since then it called Muktinath (Muktinath darshan).
The Muktinath temple (Muktinath Darshan)
Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu. The Pagoda style Muktinath Temple is symbol of the religious symbiosis between both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu regards Muktinath as Vishnu where as Buddhists regard as Buddha.
Attraction while Muktinath Darshan.
Muktidahara: Behind the temple there are 108 waterspouts (Dhara) name of “Muktidhara”. The 108 faucets in the shape of a head of a bull, 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. Hindu devotees take bath under chilled water of 108 waterspouts “Muktidhara” believing that it brings them salvation.
Kunda: In front of MuktinathTemple there are 2 Kunda (Water pond), It called Saraswoti & Laxmi Kunda, Where holy dip is believed it can wash away negative karma, the results of one’s past negative actions.
Jwalamai Temple: Continuously burning flame “Jwala Mai Temple” sound of flowing river is situated south of Muktinath Temple. 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. Hindu believes that this miracle of fire lighting was offering made by Brahma, Hindus worship the fire as Jwala Mai (Lit. Goddess of fire).
Sri Murthy Mahatma: This is the only place on earth where you can find all five elements from which everything is made, according to the Buddhist and Hindu tradition: fire, water, sky, earth and air at the same place together in their own and distinct from this place is near Jwala Devi temple.
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 Nishkamrat.
Shaligrama: Another attraction for the pilgrimage is the River kali Gandaki from where one can collect fossils of the Jurassic park age. These fossils can be had from the local people at a price. It is supposed to be symbol of Lord Vishnu.
Gomba Samba, a newly built monastery with main deities Sakyamuni, Chingresig and situated at left from entrance gate of Muktinath temple complex, would be worth it.
There are many ways one can travel, depending on time and budget:-
Starting From Pokhara to Jomsom:
By Flight: Pokhara to Jomsom by air in about 25 minutes
By Trek: Pokhara to Nayapool by vehicle then do the 7/8 days trek to Jomsom,
By Jeep: Pokhara to Beni to Ghasa, via Tato pani, Marpha, Tukuche to Jomsom-140 km about 10-12 hrs.
Starting from Jomsom To Muktinath
By treks: Walk to Kagbeni to Jharkot to Muktinath in about 7-8 hours.
By Transport: Go by local rented motorbike with driver & by Jeep in about 2.30 hrs.
By Horse: Go by a local rented horse in about 7/8 hrs.
By Helicopter
1. Kathmandu to Muktinath in about 1.30 hrs
2. Pokhara to Muktinath in about 45 minutes
Season:
The most suitable time for Muktinath Darshan from March to May & October. In November & February it can be cold, but you can travel. December and January are for the diehard & snowfall in the all of area 4 to 10 ft. June to September is raining season. As the weather conditions would not be safe enough to travel in other months.
Muktinath Darshan yatra
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