Muktinath Temple: Symbol of Purity and Salvation

Muktinath is not only one of the most sacred places, but also a site (of the confluence of faiths) or the symbol of religious symbiosis for Hindus and Buddhists alike.

Located at an elevation of 3710 meters above sea level, lies in the lap of the Thorong-La mountain pass and falls in the Mustang district of Nepal.

Significance of Muktinath Temple:

According to Buddhist traditions, the temple of Muktinath is one of the 24 Tantric sites in Tibetan Buddhist faith according to which Guru Padmasambhab (founder of Tibetan faith-) had sojourned at this place to offer prayer in divinity while on the way to Tibet.

On the other hand, the believers of Hindu religion believe that this site is one of the 8 most sacred shrines on earth which they consider should be visited once in one’s lifetime to get exonerated from the burden of evil deeds.

Austere Hindus also worship this site as one of the 108 pure and sacred places to worship the lord Bishnu-one of the incarnations of Hindu Gods in Hindu myths.

For a common tourist who has come to see the natural beauty of this place will certainly be amazed to enjoy the exotic scenes of barren mountain peaks and hills covered with snows most of the time.

Meaning of Muktinath

The meaning of the word “Mukti” in local terms means liberation (salvation) in Hindu theology and Nirvana in Buddhism whereas “Nath” means the lord or master.

That’s why this site is also known as “Muktichhetra” which literally means ‘salvation area’ from a religious point of view.

Every year thousands of internal and external visitors throng to visit this place whether with religious intent for just for the enjoyment of exciting holidays or excursions.

Hindus believe that any visitor taking bath in 108 water spouts located in the backyard of Muktinath will be exonerated from their worldly sins.

Buddhists also call this site as Muktinath Chumming Gyatsa which conveys the sense of “Hundred Waters” in Tibetan terms.

According to Tibetan tradition Chumming Gyatsa is a sacred site of 24 celebrated Tantric places.