Muktinath Temple and Kaligandaki River
The Kaligandaki River and Muktinath Temple share a profound cultural and spiritual connection, deeply rooted in the religious traditions of both Hindus and Buddhists.
Sacred River: The Kaligandaki River, also known as the Gandaki River, is considered sacred in Hinduism. It is believed to be the only river in the world where the Shaligram stones, which are sacred to Lord Vishnu, are found. These stones are naturally occurring fossils and are worshipped as a representation of Vishnu.
Pilgrimage Route: The river flows through the Mustang region, creating a natural pilgrimage route for devotees traveling to Muktinath Temple. The journey along the river is considered spiritually purifying.
Spiritual Significance: Muktinath Temple, also known as Muktinath Dham, is revered as a place of salvation. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu, and is also significant in Buddhist traditions.
Shaligram Connection: The presence of Shaligram stones in the Kaligandaki River enhances the temple’s spiritual significance. Pilgrims often collect these stones during their journey to Muktinath, considering them a divine blessing.
Ritual Baths: Pilgrims take ritual baths in the 108 waterspouts (Muktidhara) at the temple, which are fed by the Kaligandaki River. This act is believed to cleanse one’s sins and grant salvation.
Offerings and Prayers: Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals both at the river and the temple, seeking blessings and spiritual liberation.
Festivals and Celebrations
Rishi Tarpani: This ancient festival, celebrated during the full moon of Bhadra (August-September), involves offering prayers and performing rituals to honor the sages (Rishis). Pilgrims would gather at Muktinath to participate in the festivities.
Ram Navami and Vijayadashami: These Hindu festivals, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama and the victory of good over evil, respectively, have been observed at Muktinath for generations. Pilgrims would visit the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings during these auspicious occasions.
Cultural Harmony
Hindu-Buddhist Syncretism: Muktinath has long been a site of religious harmony, with both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visiting the temple. The blending of rituals and practices from both religions has been a hallmark of the temple’s cultural significance.
These practices have evolved over time, but they continue to form the core of the spiritual experience at Muktinath Temple.
Distance: 245 kilometres
Average duration: 6-7 days
The Location
The archaeological site of Muktinath Temple is set high just beneath Thorangla pass.
The Route
The most popular route is the Inca Trail, which can take 4-6 days to complete. The Inca Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Coordinates
The coordinates of the Machu Picchu site are 13.1631° S, 72.5450° W.
Height Elevation
Machu Picchu sits at 2,430m (7,972ft) above sea level, however, the Dead Woman’s Pass, at 4,215m (13,828ft) is the highest point of the Inca Trail
Where to Start
Most travellers will spend a few days in Cusco to get acclimated before starting the hike to Machu Picchu
Transport
Go to Route 79, turn left, see there Boy with Cow. Ask him - how to get to end of Universe? He will give you special cigarette and you can get Macchu and Picchu and even Andromeda stars