The Muktinath Temple, sacred and divine, was established over the Himalayas in Mustang for both Hindus and Buddhists. The very name Muktinath means Place of Liberation or God of Salvation. Every year thousands of devotees and spiritual seekers flock to the sublime site to perform different rituals, which in turn are believed to purify the soul and grant an individual spiritual freedom.
If planning to visit this divine site, it helps to be familiar with all the important rituals to gain the full spiritual experience. Here are some of the must-do rituals during your visit to Muktinath that come with an ancient tradition and belief.
- Holy Bath in 108 Water Spouts
Taking a bath under 108 water spouts locally known as “Muktidhara” is one of the most important rites in Muktinath. Such water spouts in the shape of cow heads are in an arcuate line around the temple courtyard. Pilgrims believe one bath under these icy-cold waters washes away every sin and bestows moksha, or liberation.
Although the waters are very cold because they originate directly from the Himalayas, devotees still wait in a long queue to perform this rite in homage, penance, and purification. If you choose to perform this, carrying a change of clothes is advisable, and mentally preparing yourself for the biting cold is another recommendation.
- Dip in the Two Sacred Ponds
Two small ponds lie just adjacent to the spouts, Laxmi Kund and Saraswati Kund. They are also considered very sacred for the final purification ritual. After bathing at all the 108 water spouts, a dip into the pond completes the cleansing procedure and fulfills all other cleansings required of any individual, thus giving an inner feeling of tranquility.
The lakes have an additional level of importance for Hindus because they are glorified with the names of goddesses of wealth and knowledge. Offering prayers here is said to bring prosperity and wisdom into one’s life.
- Worship at the Main Temple
Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity of the temple, worshipped here in the form of Muktinath or Sri Murthi Mahatma. The temple is of a very small size but is an extremely potent pagoda-style construction. It leans a little towards Hindustani architectural style, yet it indeed bears the amalgamation of Hinduism and Buddhism. In the sanctum, devotees offer prasad, light oil lamps, and chant some prayers.
Offerings of flowers, sweets, and ghee lamps are also commonly made. One can also consult a local priest or guide for assistance in performing the rituals in line with their religious background.
- Lighting of Butter Lamps
This is one attractive tradition of the Muktinath Temple: Lighting butter lamps. Positioned inside the temple or anywhere outside in the temple premises, these lamps are considered light conquering darkness. For a Buddhist, it is the spreading of wisdom and compassion, while, for a Hindu, it is a way to honor their gods and goddesses, along with paying respect to their ancestors.
Many visitors take with them their own butter lamps. Some buy them from local shops. Lighting a butter lamp is for the remembrance of those who have passed away and to invoke blessings for the well-being of one’s family.
- Visit the Jwala Mai Temple
Near the main Muktinath Temple, the Jwala Mai Temple houses a flame, said to burn eternally, that comes naturally from the fissure in the rock. This flame, fueled by nature’s free supply of gas, is thus held sacred and considered miraculous. It denotes the pun of fire among five elements, or the very essence of this place: earth, water, fire, air, and space.
Most devotees meditate or simply sit in silence, soaking in the serene vibes of this place. Occasional prayers or lighting of more lamps provided for the ritual are common.
- Circumambulation (Parikrama)
One more important ritual is the Parikrama or circumambulation around the temple and sacred premises. Many pilgrims will generally take a bath and then offer prayers before they give their final respects by circumambulating the temple. This consists of keeping the temple on one’s right side and walking clockwise, the practice believed to be a token of respect directed towards the deity. The perception is that the Parikrama done with a pure heart propels the soul forward spiritually and can fulfill any heartfelt wish.
- Donation and Offering
Donating to a temple or local monastery is considered a noble good deed complementing the further merit of going on the pilgrimage. Donations can be anything from money, food, clothing, or helping the local community in some ways. It is giving back and saying thanks for what was afforded during the stay.
Planning Your Muktinath Pilgrimage
Indian pilgrim sites come with a spiritual flavor all their own. One wants to make sure that the right kind of package is decided upon before hitting the road. Most Indian pilgrims really like to start from Gorakhpur, given its proximity to the India-Nepal border and its good connectivity. A Muktinath tour package from Gorakhpur normally offers transport, accommodation, guiding, and permits. This is considered the best option for families and senior citizens who desire a very smooth and comfortable experience.
If one prefers to do a larger tour that includes other holy sites like Pashupatinath, Manakamana, or Lumbini, then one selects a full Package of Nepal. These packages combine religious, cultural, and scenic sites so the journey is both solemn and entertaining.
Final Thoughts
A trip to Muktinath is far from a simple journey; rather, it is quite spiritual in nature, and a deep impression is always etched into the minds and souls. The more sincere you are in carrying out your rituals with utmost respect and with calmness in your heart, the more you will probably achieve a feeling of cleansing and liberation in your soul.
As you have either booked the Muktinath tour package from Gorakhpur or are touring the area as part of a bigger Package of Nepal, do keep in mind that the actual essence of this pilgrimage is tranquility, thankfulness, and a deeper relationship with God.
Walk among the mountains, let the ceremonies cleanse you, and let the blessings of Muktinath make life abundant for you.
