Introduction
Manakamana Temple, located in the Gorkha District of Nepal, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati. It is also recognized as the “temple that fulfills devotees’ wishes,” and holds immense significance in Hinduism. Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Gandaki Province, this temple holds immense religious significance and attracts pilgrims from far and wide. Let’s explore the location, architecture, worship rituals, and fascinating legends associated with Manakamana Temple.
Key Highlights
- Location: Situated in the Sahid Lakhan Rural Municipality, Gorkha District, Gandaki Province, Nepal.
- Architecture: Two-storey traditional Nepalese pagoda-style temple with an ambulatory outside.
- Shrines: Devoted to goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati/Durga/Mahalakshmi.
- Festivals: Celebrations include Durga Ashtami and Dashain.
Location
- Elevation: Positioned at an altitude of 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) above sea level.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Baudha (part of Manaslu).
- Access: Approximately 106 kilometers (66 miles) west of Kathmandu and 94 kilometers (58 miles) from Pokhara.
- Hiking Option: A three-hour trek from Anbu Khaireni Rural Municipality to Manakamana.
- Cable Car: Alternatively, pilgrims can take the Manakamana Cable Car, a 10-minute ride built in 1998.
Legend and History
According to Nepali legend, Manakamana Temple was constructed in the 17th century during the reign of either King Ram Shah or King Prithvipati Shah of Gorkha. The Queen of Gorkha possessed divine powers bestowed upon her by Manakamana, a secret known only to a man named Lakhan Thapa. One day, the king witnessed his wife transforming into the form of Goddess Manakamana, with Lakhan Thapa appearing as a lion. Astonishingly, shortly after the king revealed this revelation to his wife, he mysteriously passed away.
Following the historical Hindu practice of Sati, the queen selflessly sacrificed herself by sitting atop her deceased husband’s funeral pyre. Before her untimely death, she prophesied her reappearance six months later. True to her words, a stream of blood and milk emerged from a split stone discovered by a farmer working in the fields. Lakhan Thapa, upon hearing this miraculous account, performed Hindu tantric rituals to stop the flow of the stream.
To commemorate these extraordinary events and fulfill the wishes of devotees, Thapa built a shrine at the same spot. The temple is believed to be dedicated to Champawati, the wife of Ram Shah, and her reappearance was witnessed during the reign of Dambar Shah, Ram Shah’s son. Some sources suggest that she also appeared during the reign of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern-day Nepal. The deity worshipped in the temple is Goddess Bhagawati Devi, an incarnation of Lakshmi, with Garud serving as her protector. The name “Manakamana” stems from the Nepali words “mana” (heart) and “kamana” (wish), symbolizing the goddess’s ability to grant the heartfelt wishes of her devotees.
- Legend: The temple’s origins trace back to the 17th century, during the reign of Gorkha Kings Ram Shah or Prithvipati Shah.
- Divine Revelation: The queen of Gorkha possessed divine powers known only by Lakhan Thapa. After revealing her true form to the king, he mysteriously died.
- Sati Tradition: The queen, following the ancient Hindu practice of Sati, sacrificed herself on her deceased husband’s funeral pyre.
- Divine Reappearance: The queen promised to reappear six months later. Her reappearance led to the construction of a shrine by Thapa.
- Goddess Bhagwati: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, believed to grant the wishes of devotees.
Worship and Rituals
- Manakamana Darshan: The pilgrimage to Manakamana is known as Manakamana Darshan, attracting a multitude of devotees annually.
- Offerings: Worship materials include vermilion (Abir), saffron, almond (Kesar Badam), flowers, incense (Dhup), oil lamps (Diyo), cloth (Bastra), fruits, coconuts, desserts, bells, betel nuts, sacred threads (jannai), rice, and auspicious items like red cloth (Saubhagya), Chura, and pota.
- Animal Sacrifices: Traditionally, animal sacrifices were performed, but bird sacrifices are currently banned by the District Livestock Service Office.
- Peak Pilgrimage Times: Dashain (Sept-Oct) and Nag Panchami (July-Aug) witness increased footfall, with devotees patiently waiting for up to ten hours to seek blessings.
Cable Car Convenience
- Cable Car Facility: Introduced in 1998, the cable car offers a convenient and time-saving mode of transportation to the temple.
- Duration: The cable car ride from Kurintar to Manakamana takes approximately 10 minutes.
- Scenic Views: Passengers enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes during the cable car journey.
- Capacity: The cable car can accommodate up to 6 passengers in each cabin.
- Operating Hours: The cable car operates from early morning until evening, providing access to the temple throughout the day.
FAqs
A: No, prior booking is not required. Visitors can purchase tickets at the cable car station.
A: Yes, the cable car is suitable for people of all ages, including children and the elderly.
A: Photography and videography are generally allowed outside the temple. However, it is advisable to seek permission from the temple authorities for photography and videography inside the temple.
A: Yes, there are hotels, guesthouses, and lodges available in the nearby areas for overnight stays, catering to the needs of pilgrims and tourists.
Conclusion
Manakamana Temple stands as a significant religious site in Nepal, attracting devotees seeking blessings from goddess Bhagwati. With its captivating architecture, stunning surroundings, and convenient cable car facility, it offers a memorable pilgrimage experience. Plan your visit to Manakamana Temple to immerse yourself in spirituality and witness the cultural heritage of Nepal.
Also read: https://insightsnp.com/buddhist-pilgrimage-sites-in-nepal/
