Gorkha Manakamana Temple – Nepal

Address

Gorkha Manakamana Temple Gorkha District, Manakamana, Nepal

Deity

Amman: Bhagwati

Introduction

• Dedication: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati.
• Location:
  • Situated in the village of Manakamana in Gorkha District, Gandaki Province, Nepal.
  • Located at an elevation of 1,300 meters (4,300 ft) above sea level on Kafakdada Hill, at the confluence of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers.
  • Approximately 106 kilometers (66 miles) west of Kathmandu and about 94 kilometers (58 miles) from Pokhara.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background:
  • Believed to have been built in the 17th century during the reign of Kings Ram Shah or Prithvipati Shah.
  • The Queen of Gorkha possessed “divine powers,” known only to the persistent Lakhan Thapa.
• Legend:
  • The king saw his wife in the form of Goddess Manakamana, which led to his mysterious death after he shared this vision.
  • In accordance with the Sati tradition, the queen sacrificed herself by sitting atop her husband’s funeral pyre.
  • Before her death, she foretold her reappearance in six months.
  • A farmer, while working in the fields, split a stone that began to bleed and exude milk.
  • Following this event, Thapa conducted tantric rituals at the stone site, which halted the stream and led to the construction of a shrine for fulfilling wishes.
• Identification:
  • Manakamana is believed to be Champawati, the wife of Ram Shah, who reappeared during the reign of his son, Dambar Shah, or possibly during the reign of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal.
• Meaning of the Name:
  • “Mana” translates to “heart” and “kamana” to “wish,” signifying that Goddess Bhagwati is believed to grant the wishes of her devotees.

Special Features

• Devotional Practices:
  • The temple is revered for its belief that the goddess grants wishes to devoted worshippers.
• Cosmic Elements:
  • Offerings to the Goddess are based on the five elements of the universe: earth, fire, water, air, and ether.

Festivals

• Major Celebrations:
  • Dashain (Sept – Oct): A significant time for devotees to seek blessings.
  • Nag Panchami (July – Aug): Another key period when worshippers visit the temple.
• Devotee Experience:
  • During these festivals, devotees may wait for five to ten hours to pray to Goddess Bhagwati.

Century/Period/Age

17th century

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Pokhara, Kathmandu.

Nearest Railway Station

Raxaul junction

Nearest Airport

Tribhuvan International Airport

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