Muktinath

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Muktinath Temple
Muktinath (Dhawalagiri)
CountryNepal
Muktinath is located in Nepal
Muktinath
Location in Nepal
Geographic coordinates28°49′01″N 83°52′18″E / 28.816854°N 83.871742°E / 28.816854; 83.871742
Architecture
TypePagoda
Elevation3,762 m (12,343 ft)

Muktinath is an ancient

Sati. [4] The temple complex is known as Mukti Kshetra, which literally means "the place of liberation (moksha)" and is one of the Char Dham in Nepal.[1]

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Char Dham, Nepal

For Buddhists, Muktinath is an abode of

Tibetan means "Hundred Waters" and the murti is revered as a manifestation of Avalokiteśvara, who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.[5]

Muktinath temple is seen as a symbol of religious harmony in Nepal where both the Hindus and Buddhists have been historically worshipping on the same spot, mutually respecting and including each other.[6]

Legend

Muktinath's importance within Hinduism is described in ancient Hindu

shaligrama shila, the non-anthropomorphic representation of Vishnu. The Tibetan Buddhist tradition states that Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, meditated at Muktinath on his way to Tibet. [6][8] The temple is believed to have been blessed by numerous mahasiddhas. [2]

Architecture

The central shrine of Muktinath is considered by Hindu

108 Divya Desams of Hinduism. [10]

Religious significance

Hinduism

Vaishnavism

108 mukti dharas, or the water spouts of liberation

Muktinath is sacred to the

yagna performed between 3 and 6 August 2009. This is considered by devotees of the tradition to be a milestone in the history of Muktinath. A large crowd of devotees visits this shrine, where the deity resides in the form of Sri Paramapada Nathan with his divine consorts Sridevi, Bhudevi, Niladevi
, and Gotadevi.

Gate of Muktinath overlooking himalayas

Shaktism

Main article:
Shakti Pithas

Muktinath Temple is considered an important place of pilgrimage in

Shakti Pitha associated with goddess Sati's head (face). The Shakti of Muktinath is addressed as "Gandaki Chandi", and the Bhairav (Shiva) as "Chakrapani".[9]

Muktinath temple complex is also revered as a place on earth to host all five elements (fire, water, sky, earth, and air) from which all material things in the universe are made. The goddess Jwala Mai Temple situated adjacent to the Muktinath Temple is worshipped for its sacred flame fueled by natural gas emanating from the earth.[12]

Buddhism

Buddha statue inside Muktinath area

The temple has been worshipped by Buddhists as an abode of Avalokiteśvara, the Buddha who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. In Tibetan Buddhism, the place is known as "Chumig Gyatsa" (the Hundred Springs) and is venerated as one of the important places related to Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the 24 Tantric (sacred) places of Tibetan Buddhism. [2] The area of the temple is worshipped as a residence of 21 Tara and many Dakinis, goddesses known as Sky Dancers.[13] [2]

  • Statue of Guru Padmasambhava
    Statue of Guru Padmasambhava
  • Buddhist Goddess in Muktinath temple complex
    Buddhist Goddess in Muktinath temple complex
  • Buddhist thangka
    Buddhist thangka

The nuns of the temple complex are considered to be female goddesses called Dakinis and to be the offsprings of the females who were taught by Padmasambhava during his stay in Muktinath. It is believed that Padmasambhava built a statue in his own image before departing from Muktinath to Tibet, which resides in the Mharme Lhakhang Gompa and is tended by these nuns.[13]

Gallery

  • Muktinath valley
    Muktinath valley
  • Muktinath Temple
    Muktinath Temple
  • Entrance to the temple area
    Entrance to the temple area
  • Inside Muktinath Temple
    Inside Muktinath Temple
  • Goddess Jwala Mai Temple
    Goddess Jwala Mai Temple
  • Muktinath Temple with 2 ponds (right) and 108 spouts (left)
    Muktinath Temple with 2 ponds (right) and 108 spouts (left)
  • Close-up of one of the 108 holy spouts
    Close-up of one of the 108 holy spouts
  • Pilgrims in Muktinath
    Pilgrims in Muktinath
  • Temple and pond
    Temple and pond
  • Prayer flags over Muktinath area
    Prayer flags over Muktinath area
  • Gumba
    Gumba
  • Buddha overlooking valley
    Buddha overlooking valley

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Nepal's Top Pilgrimage and Holy Sites – The Abode of Spirituality". Nepali Sansar. 2019-03-30. Retrieved 2020-12-14.]
  2. ^ a b c d "Brief history of Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa at the Annapurna Circuit - Nepal". muktinath.org. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
  3. ^ "Muktinath Temple". templesofindia.co. 2024-04-13. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
  4. ^ Alightindia. "Muktinath Temple - History, information & Temple timings". Muktinath Temple - History, information & Temple timings. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
  5. ^ Zurick, David (2006). Illustrated Atlas of the Himalayas. Lexington: University Press of Kentucky. p. 153.
  6. ^ a b "Brief history of Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa at the Annapurna Circuit - Nepal". muktinath.org. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
  7. ^ "Gandaki Chandi Homam | Devi Homam |". www.vedicfolks.com. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  8. ^ Alightindia. "Muktinath Temple - History, information & Temple timings". Muktinath Temple - History, information & Temple timings. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
  9. ^ a b "History of Muktianth Temple". Muktinath Temple Tour | Muktinath Temple Package | Muktinath Yatra. Retrieved 2024-06-30.
  10. ^ "Muktinath Temple: Muktinath Dham History, Muktinath Mandir Dharshan 2022". Divine Kailash. Retrieved 2024-06-30.
  11. ^ a b R., Dr. Vijayalakshmy (2001). An introduction to religion and Philosophy - Tévarám and Tivviyappirapantam (1st ed.). Chennai: International Institute of Tamil Studies. pp. 489–90.
  12. ^ Tour, Pilgrimage (2024-01-08). "Places to Visit In and Around Muktinath". Medium. Retrieved 2024-06-30.
  13. ^ a b "Muktinath: An Exemplar of Religious Symbiosis | Buddhistdoor". www2.buddhistdoor.net. Retrieved 2024-06-30.

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