MUKTINATH

The temple of Muktinath, located in the mountainous region of Mustang district of Dhaulagiri zone is considered a very important pilgrimage for both the Hindus and the Buddhists. Hindus regard Muktinath (their five most sacred 'Dhams' pilgrimage site and 51 most sacred 'Shaktipeeths'. The temple 3750 meters above sea level is known as Muktinath to the Hindus while and the Tibetan ts call it Chhuming Gyatsa. The temple carries enormous historic and religious importance. bebeve that worshipping at the temple will free one from all their sins. Idols of lord Vishnu, :taizrni and the Eagle diety Garud is housed inside the temple. Followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Vaisnavism from all corners of Nepal and India arrive in large number to worship at the , The 108 metal water spouts have been installed near the temple that issue freezing cold water. . worshippers take bath under these spouts before entering the temple to offer prayers. Hindus nally hold a belief that worshipping the Muktinath temple will ensure their ancestors place in the L. A large number of worshippers from Nepal and India throng to the temple during the festivals navami, Janaipurnima, Chaitedashain and Dashain for worship. The temple of .1walamai is located it to the Muktinath temple. It houses the eternal flame glowing over water which people believe en burning since time immemorial. The Jwalamai temple is one of the highlights of the area. lth region is also a suitable place to observe the mountainous life. There are numerous hotels iges operating around the Muktinath temple for the tourists. Likewise, the nearby settlements of n, Kagbeni and Marpha are famous for sightseeing. The journey from Kathmadu to Muktinath wth the 200 km ride along the highway to Pokhara followed by 85 km road to Beni and another to Jomsom.