Muktinath Temple – Nepal,Pilgrimage location for Hindus and Buddhists.
Posted by Vikas Acharya on April 30, 2022Muktinath is one of the main temples of Vaishnava sect. This shrine is famous for Lord Shaligram. Shaligram is actually a sacred stone which is considered to be revered in Hinduism. It is mainly found in the Kali Gandaki river flowing towards Nepal. it is one of the important temples in Nepal. It is situated between the Thorang La hills of Mustang district of Nepal. It is considered a pilgrimage to destroy all sins. It is believed that here Lord Vishnu also got freedom from the curse of Vrinda, the wife of Jalandhar Daitya. According to the legends, Mukti Kshetra is the place where salvation is attained. It is here that Lord Vishnu resides in Shaligram Sheela and is worshipped. This place is near Gandaki river. Not only Hindus, people of Buddhism also have faith in this temple. This temple is built in pagoda style. Muktinath Kshetra is comprised of five elements. Here there is earth, water, sky and air as well as naturally burning fire. Hence this place is considered as a Siddha place. In 1815, Maharani Suvarnaprabha of Nepal got the Muktinath temple rebuilt. According to the Puranas, the earth is divided into 7 parts and 4 regions. The main among these four regions is Mukti Kshetra. There is also a story related to this region that between the Shalagram mountain and the Damodar Kund, Brahma had performed a yajna in the Mukti Kshetra. Due to which Lord Shiva was born in the form of fire flame and Narayan in the form of water. With this, the field of liberation, which destroys sins, was created.In the southern corner of the Muktinath complex, there is a place named Meber Lakhang Gompa. Also known as Salammber Dolambar Gompa or Jwala Mai Temple. There is a continuous fire burning with natural gas. That’s why it is believed that this is the place where Brahmaji had performed the Yagya. A stream of water is also flowing with this fire.This combination of water and fire is very rare. Therefore, this place is also considered a symbol of Trishakti and Panchatattva.According to mythology, for the death of Jalandhar Daitya, Vishnu violated the chastity of his wife Vrinda. Vrinda cursed Vishnu to become an insect. After this Lord Vishnu stayed here in Shaligram form and he got freedom from the curse. Hence it became famous as Mukti Dham.
Image credit: Bells and Mountains Tours and Travels, Nepal. @bells_and_mountains_nepal – Pinterest.
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