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Manakamana Temple
Manakamana Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the Gorkha district of Nepal. It holds significant religious and cultural importance and is a popular pilgrimage site for both locals and tourists. The temple is situated on a hilltop in the village of Manakamana, which is about 105 kilometers west of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.
The name "Manakamana" is derived from two words: "mana" meaning heart and "kamana" meaning wish. It is believed that the temple is a place where wishes come true, and devotees visit to seek blessings and fulfillment of their desires.
The primary deity worshipped at the Manakamana Temple is Goddess Bhagwati, who is considered an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. The idol of the goddess is adorned with various ornaments and is believed to possess divine powers.
To reach the temple, devotees can either trek for about 3-4 hours from the town of Kurintar or take a cable car ride, which is a more popular and convenient option. The cable car journey offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the Trishuli River below.
The temple sees a significant influx of visitors during special Hindu festivals like Dashain and Tihar when devotees come from different parts of Nepal to pay their respects and seek blessings. The serene ambiance, religious significance, and picturesque setting make the Manakamana Temple an essential destination for spiritual seekers and those interested in experiencing Nepali culture and traditions.
History
The history of the Manakamana Temple dates back several centuries and is shrouded in myth and legend. While there is no concrete historical evidence about its exact origin, the temple holds a prominent place in Nepali folklore and religious beliefs.
One popular legend associated with the temple revolves around the Goddess Bhagwati. According to the legend, a farmer named Gorkha Dhanapati and his wife Darshana were blessed with a cow that yielded a great amount of milk every day. One day, when Dhanapati was working in his fields, he saw that the cow was not giving any milk. In a moment of frustration, he struck the cow with a khukuri (a traditional Nepali knife). To his astonishment, the cow started bleeding profusely, and Dhanapati realized that the cow was not an ordinary one but a divine manifestation of Goddess Bhagwati.
Realizing his mistake, he and his wife expressed remorse and sought forgiveness from the goddess. It is said that the goddess appeared in their dreams and instructed them to build a temple on the spot where the cow's body was found. Following her divine command, they constructed the Manakamana Temple in the 17th century.
Another legend is associated with the king of Gorkha, Ram Shah. It is believed that the king's wish to have an heir to his throne was granted after worshipping at the Manakamana Temple. As a token of gratitude, he presented a trident made of gold to the goddess.
Throughout its history, the Manakamana Temple has undergone several renovations and reconstructions. The present temple structure is a two-story pagoda-style building, and it has attracted countless devotees and visitors over the years.
While the exact historical details may be somewhat ambiguous, the cultural and religious significance of the Manakamana Temple has remained strong, making it one of the most revered and visited temples in Nepal.
Myths and Legends of Manakamana Temple
- The Wishing Fulfilling Goddess: The name "Manakamana" itself is derived from two words: "mana," meaning heart, and "kamana," meaning wish. The central myth associated with the temple is that Goddess Bhagwati, the presiding deity, has the power to fulfill the heartfelt wishes of her devotees. It is believed that sincere prayers and offerings made at the temple can lead to the fulfillment of one's desires.
- The Divine Cow: As mentioned earlier, there is a popular legend that revolves around a divine cow. According to the myth, a farmer accidentally killed a cow that belonged to Goddess Bhagwati. Upon realizing his mistake and seeking forgiveness, the goddess instructed him to build a temple in her honor at the spot where the cow's body was found. This led to the establishment of the Manakamana Temple.
- The King's Wish: Another myth links the temple to the wish fulfillment of King Ram Shah of Gorkha. It is said that the king, who desired an heir to his throne, prayed at the Manakamana Temple, and his wish was granted. As a token of gratitude, he offered a golden trident to the goddess.
- Hidden Temple: In ancient times, it is believed that the temple remained hidden in the dense forests of the Gorkha region. It was considered a secret place of worship known only to a few people until a devotee named Lakhan Thapa, through divine intervention, discovered the temple and brought it to public attention.
- Sati's Necklace: According to another legend, the temple is associated with the story of Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva. It is said that Sati's necklace fell at the location where the temple stands today. Devotees believe that the temple holds the power of the divine feminine and connects them to the eternal spirit.
These myths and stories have been passed down through generations, and they play a crucial role in shaping the religious beliefs and practices surrounding the Manakamana Temple. The temple's mysterious and sacred atmosphere, combined with the breathtaking surroundings, continue to draw thousands of pilgrims and visitors seeking blessings and fulfillment of their desires.
How to reach Manakamana Temple?
1. By Road:
The distance between Kathmandu and Manakamana Temple is approximately 105 kilometers, and the journey by road takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
You can hire a private vehicle, such as a car or a taxi, to travel from Kathmandu to Manakamana Temple. This option provides flexibility in terms of departure time and allows you to make stops along the way for sightseeing or breaks.
2. By Cable Car: The most popular and convenient way to reach Manakamana Temple from Kathmandu is by driving to Kurintar from Kathmandu and taking a cable car ride. First, you need to travel from Kathmandu to the cable car station at Kurintar, which is about a 3 to 4 hours drive. At the Kurintar cable car station, you can purchase tickets for the cable car ride to Manakamana Temple. The cable car journey takes around 10-12 minutes and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the Trishuli River below. The cable car drops you off near the upper station, and from there, it's a short walk to the temple.
Manakamana Cable car Ticket Price.
| NATIONALITY | ONE WAY | TWO WAY |
| Nepali | NRS 450 | NRS 770 |
| Child | NRS 270 | NRS 460 |
| Student | NRS 335 | NRS 575 |
| Senior Citizen | NRS 315 | NRS 540 |
| Differently Abled | NRS 225 | NRS 385 |
| Indian Adult | INR 400 | INR 670 |
| Indian Child | INR 240 | INR 400 |
| SAARC/ Chinese | USD 6.00 | USD 10.00 |
| SAARC/ Chinese child | USD 4.00 | USD 7.00 |
| Foreigner | USD 11.00 | USD 20.00 |
| Foreigner Child | USD 8.00 | USD 15.00 |
Notes:
- Goat Rs. 275.00
- Goods Per Kg Rs. 20.00
- The child is categorized by their height, children above 3 ft and up to 4 ft height qualify for a child ticket.
- 60 years and above qualifies for a senior citizen ticket.
- Senior citizen and student tickets require proof of ID card.
- 15 kg baggage allowed is given free of charge baggage exceeding the limit will be charged @NPR 20 per kg.
- Rates are subject to change without prior notice.
As of per the update in September 2021, the opening and closing times of the Manakamana Temple were as follows:
| OPENING TIME | CLOSING TIME |
| Around 8:00 AM | Around 5:00 PM |
Please note that these timings might be subject to change, and it's always a good idea to verify the current opening and closing hours before planning your visit. Additionally, special opening hours might apply during festivals and important religious occasions when the temple experiences a higher influx of visitors.
In conclusion, Manakamana Temple stands as a revered spiritual destination and a symbol of faith in the heart of Nepal's Gorkha district. Its name, which translates to "heart's wish," reflects the belief among devotees that the temple has the power to fulfill heartfelt desires. Surrounded by myths and legends, the temple's origin remains shrouded in mystery, adding to its mystique and allure.
Perched atop a hill, Manakamana Temple offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, providing a tranquil escape for pilgrims and tourists alike. Visitors can reach the temple either by a scenic cable car ride from Kurintar or by trekking through picturesque trails from Abu Khaireni.
The temple's significance extends beyond its spiritual aspects, as it also serves as a cultural and historical landmark. It attracts pilgrims during religious festivals, especially Dashain and Tihar, when devotees come to seek blessings and express their gratitude.
Manakamana Temple's location amidst the serene natural beauty of Nepal's landscape adds to the spiritual experience. The lush hills, flowing rivers, and distant Himalayan peaks create an ambiance of peace and harmony that resonates with those who visit.
Whether arriving to fulfill a wish, seeking spiritual enlightenment, or simply exploring the cultural heritage of Nepal, Manakamana Temple offers an enriching and unforgettable experience. Its centuries-old traditions, mythological connections, and breathtaking views make it a cherished destination that continues to inspire devotion and wonder among all who visit.