MAA GANDAKI

Overview

The Mukthinath Shakthi peeth is located in Nepal near the banks of the River Gandaki. The temple is about 125 kms from Pokhara. Non Nepalis have to take a visa grant to visit this temple. Nearest airport is from Kathmandu to Pokhara and from Pokhara to Jomsom. From Jomsom, pilgrims either trek upto the temple or hire private vehicles. Personal vehicles are not allowed, but quite a few buses ply from major cities in India to the temple. March to June is the best time to visit the temple due to weather conditions.

About The Temple

Legend has it that Mukthinath is where Sati’s Right Cheek had fallen. Devi Sati is worshipped as Gandakichandi (one who overcomes obstacles or Gandi) and Lord Shiva as Chakrapani. (one who holds discus). Mukthinath Shakthi Peeth built in Pagoda style is an ancient temple. Mukthinath temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3800 meters. The temple is one among the eight most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The other seven temples are Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupathi, Namisharanya, Todatri, Pushkar and Badrinath. The tall idol of Lord Vishnu is made of gold. In the courtyard of the temple is a pond in which water from 108 bull faces fall into the pond. The water from 108 bull faces is believed to be from all 108 Sri Vaishnav temples including the seven most sacred Vishnu temples. There are 108 water springs near the temple. The temple is sanctified with the flowing of the River Gandaki. Shaligram stones are found in the depths of the River Gandaki.

About The deity

The Main deity is Mukthinath or Gandaki Shakthi.

Legend and Stories

Gandaki Shakthi Peeth is one of the saintly embodiments devoted to Goddess shakthi as its history interesting. Meaning that Goddess Shakti' right cheek feel where Goddess Gandaki river appears on as the history is considered of Gandika River that the shaligrams (from of lord vishnu) as fossil – stones in the Gandaki-River are found as the boon to Goddess Gandika to have it in its depth. The region where shaligrams are found is also known as shaligrams. Here,the shaligrams region is in mustang and River Gandaki basin, including the famous kali-Gandaki river, Muktinath, Damodar Himal , Damodar kunda ,Devghat, etc. Indeed ,Gandaki River is fullfilment of sprititual attendance .

Festivals

Navaratri is celebrated for nine days during Chaitra masa (March- April) and Ashvija masa (Sep- Oct). Special pujas and Yagnas are offered to Gandaki Devi during Navaratri. Shivaratri is also another festival celebrated with great fervour.

Accommodation

Being a prominent location to go for, all sorts of arrangements like Villas, Guest houses and hotels etc. are available in ample quantity. Prices vary as per the way the quality increases. But, there are several independent organization too, that are running free services related to food and accommodation in this part of country. Avoid getting lured by the hefty discounts offered by the travel agents.

Nearby Place to Visit

Muktinath Temple and Balmiki Ashram

Accessibility

By road, there are couple of buses that ply from major cities of India towards this sacred site. Personal vehicles are not allowed. Railway routes are not available between the two countries. An airport in Kathmandu (Capital of Nepal) helps ply flights across the border.

Temple Address

Gandakee from Pokharaa,
Nepal