Thiru Salagramam (Muktinath) Sri Moorthy Perumal Temple – Nepal

Address

Thiru Salagramam (Muktinath) Sri Moorthy Perumal Temple – Thiru Salagramam,Muktinath , Nepal – 33100

Deity

Moorthy Perumal Ammam: Devi Naachiyaar

Introduction

• • Muktinath Temple is a sacred Vishnu temple located in Muktinath Valley, Mustang, Nepal, at an altitude of 3,800 meters, making it one of the highest temples in the world.
  • It is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. In Hinduism, it is known as Mukti Kshetra (the ‘place of liberation’ or moksha) and is one of the Char Dham in Nepal.
  • The temple is considered the 106th of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred temples of the Sri Vaishnava sect. In ancient Sri Vaishnava literature, it is called Thiru Saligramam.
  • The nearby Gandaki River is the source of the Saligram shila, a naturally occurring form of Sriman (Vishnu).
  • The site is close to the village of Ranipauwa, often mistakenly called Muktinath.
  • Other features: Kanaka Vimanam Temple Tower and Chakra Theertham (Temple Tank) at the Gandaki River.
• Puranic Significance:
  • Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, is believed to have meditated at Muktinath during his journey to Tibet.
  • The temple is highly praised in Vishnu Purana and Gandaki Mahathmya.
  • The waterway downstream from Muktinath is the source of the Silas (Shaligrams), which are essential in establishing Vishnu temples.
  • Muktinath is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists.
  • The temple features 108 water springs, a number significant in Hindu philosophy. It represents a combination of 12 zodiacs, 9 planets, and 27 lunar mansions divided into 4 quarters, totaling 108 combinations.
• Special Features:
  • Sri Muktinath Temple is considered one of the Svayam Vyakta Ksetras, one of the eight most sacred shrines for Hindus. The others include Srirangam, Tirupati, and Badrinath.
  • The temple itself is small, with a golden murti of Vishnu, roughly the size of a man.
  • The prakaram (outer courtyard) contains 108 bull faces through which water flows. These water streams symbolize the Pushkarini waters (Temple Tanks) from the 108 Sri Vaishnava Divya Desams, where devotees perform sacred baths even in freezing conditions.
• Festivals:
  • The temple is open year-round, with significant festivals attracting large crowds of Hindu devotees. Key festivals include:
    • Ram Navami
    • Rishitarpani
    • Bijay Dashami

Century/Period/Age

2000 to 3000 Years old

Managed By

Government of Nepal

Nearest Bus Station

Pokhara

Nearest Railway Station

Pokhara

Nearest Airport

Pokhara

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