Manakamana Temple: Nepal’s Sacred Wish-fulfilling Goddess

Introduction

The Manakamana Temple, one of Nepal’s most revered spiritual sites, is perched on a hill in the Gorkha district, Gandaki Province in Nepal. It draws countless devotees who come to seek blessings and fulfill their wishes. Known as the “Wish-Fulfilling Goddess,” Manakamana Devi is worshiped by Hindus who believe that sincere prayers offered at this temple will be answered. With its fascinating mythology, breathtaking views, and convenient access by cable car, the Manakamana Temple is a spiritual haven and popular tourist destination for both Nepalese and international visitors.

Meaning of Manakana Darshan:
Manakamana pilgrimage is also called Manakamana darshan. In Nepali, Man means ‘Heart or Soul,’ and Kamana means ‘Wish.’ Therefore, the meaning of Manakamana is to fulfill the heart’s desires. Similarly, Darshan means to see directly or visit can be understood.

This page will provide all the information about why and how to visit Mankamana Temple, a beautiful tourist destination. Knowing everything about any place before traveling makes the journey easy, so readers interested in Nepal’s religious and natural tourist travel arrangements are requested to read this entire section.

Location and Accessibility

Manakamana Temple is located in the Gorkha district of central Nepal, approximately 106 kilometers southwest through the road of the capital city of Kathmandu and 94 km east of Pokhara. The temple is situated on a hill at an elevation of about 1,302 meters (4,272 feet) above sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and distant Himalayan peaks. It sits along the Prithvi Highway, one of Nepal’s main highways, which connects Kathmandu and Pokhara, making it easily accessible for pilgrims and tourists alike.

The Temple Complex and What’s There

The Manakamana Temple complex is not just a sacred shrine but a scenic area with cultural, spiritual, and natural beauty. The main temple structure reflects traditional Nepalese pagoda architecture, with intricately carved golden-plated doors, windows, and golden roof tiers. Inside the temple, the sanctum houses the stone idol of Goddess Manakamana, where devotees offer their prayers. The grounds are surrounded by lush greenery, ancient trees, and nearby shops selling offerings, prayer items, and souvenirs.

Visitors also find several smaller shrines and statues surrounding the temple, dedicated to various Hindu deities. The temple area is peaceful, with benches and sitting areas where visitors can rest and take in the spiritual ambiance of the site.

Religious Significance of the Manakamana Temple

Manakamana Temple holds profound religious significance for Hindus in Nepal and beyond. The goddess Manakamana is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Manakamana Devi is revered as the goddess of “wishes and desires,” and it is said that those who visit with pure devotion will have their wishes granted. Pilgrims from across Nepal and neighboring countries flock to the temple, especially during festivals, to seek blessings, pray for health, prosperity, and success, and thank the goddess for answering their prayers.

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During the festivals of Dashain and Tihar, the temple sees an even more significant influx of pilgrims who come to offer animals in sacrifice, as it is believed these offerings please the goddess. The temple’s religious significance makes it one of the most visited temples in Nepal.

History of Goddess Manakamana

The origin or incarnation of the famous goddess, Manakamana of the Gorkha district, is directly related to various legends and ancient history. Let us read the mysterious and exciting story of why and how the temple of the goddess was established at that place:

Incarnation or origin of Goddess Manakamana

The origin of the Manakamana Temple is deeply rooted in local folklore and religious beliefs. Legend has it that Manakamana Devi first appeared in Nepal in the 17th century during the reign of King Ram Shah. Ram Shah’s queen Champavati is believed to have divine powers and was an incarnation of the goddess. However, the queen’s true identity was kept hidden for many days. But one day, the king saw divine magic in the queen. Soon after that, the king suddenly died. According to tradition, Queen Champavati committed sati (self-immolation), a custom prevalent among royal wives of that time.

Legends say that Lakhan Thapa Magar, a court saint of that time, witnessed all these events. He knew that the queen had the power of the goddess, but he kept quiet. Even after the queen’s death, Lakhan Thapa had a meeting in his dream of the goddess and said, I will come again. Six months later, a farmer saw blood flowing from a stone while working in the field. Saint Lakhan Thapa went to that place and stopped to shed blood after performing Hindu religious worship. It is said that after that, the Manakamana temple was established based on the belief that the goddess appeared there.

Descendant priesthood custom

Saint Lakhan Thapa Magar established the temple as a priest and prayed, so even now, the Manakamana temple has a mandatory system of running the temple by priests of the Magar caste. It is reported that the current priest, believed to be a descendant of Lakhan Thapa Magar, has seventeen descendants.

Thus, the holy place full of historical mystery has now become famous as the sacred pilgrimage Manakamana, where the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled. This place is Nepal’s great Shaktipeeth (Goddess Power Place).

Things to Do in the Manakamana Shrine

If you are going for the Manakamana shrine visit, you can also do the following activities, including worshipping at the Manakamana temple, which will make your trip even more satisfying and enjoyable:

Performing Prayers and Rituals

Visitors can participate in the various religious rituals and pujas performed at the temple. Many pilgrims bring offerings such as flowers, coconuts, and incense to offer to the goddess. For an immersive experience, visitors can hire local priests to perform specific rituals on their behalf.

Meditation and Contemplation

The temple complex’s peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for meditation and contemplation. Surrounded by nature and spiritual energy, many visitors take a few moments to meditate, relax, and enjoy the calm atmosphere.

Photography and Scenic Views

Manakamana, a sight to behold, offers breathtaking views of the Trishuli River valley below and, on clear days, the awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks. The temple’s architectural grandeur, set against the backdrop of the majestic mountains, creates a picturesque scene that is a delight for photographers, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The journey to and from the temple via the cable car also offers a chance to capture the beauty of the hill landscape.

Hilly lifestyle, souvenir, and food

Many hotels and gift shops are available near the temple of Manakamana. To reach the temple, you must walk for about 10 minutes after getting down the cable car, where a small market is on the way. Many types of gift items and religious worship materials can be found in this market. You can also prepare a framed photo (As a souvenir) taken with the Manakamana temple for yourself. Also, various types of food are available in the local hotels according to the order. All these local hill market pleasures can also be enjoyed on the Manakamana premises.

Manakamana Cable Car and Its Popularity

One of the most popular and convenient ways to reach the Manakamana temple is the Manakamana Cable Car, introduced in 1998 and operated by Manakamana Darshan Pvt. Ltd Nepal. The cable car runs from Kurintar station, located on the banks of the Trishuli River along the Prithvi Highway, and reaches the hilltop temple within 10-12 minutes. This modern facility has greatly enhanced access to the temple and has become a popular attraction. The cable car is located on the banks of the Trishuli River, where the elevation is about 300 meters; it takes the passenger to the height of 1300 meters of the Manakamana temple, i.e., the cable car crosses a height of about 1000 meters in 10 minutes, which is a wonderful journey.

Cable car promoted the shrine

It’s not just about reaching the Manakamana temple but also about the journey itself. Some people flock to Kurintar not just for the temple but also for the cable car experience. For those who have never been on a cable car, this can be a new and exciting journey shared by many others.

The cable car ride is not just a means of transport but a journey that offers awe-inspiring views of the river, forests, and terraced fields below. This scenic beauty adds a touch of excitement to the pilgrimage, making it a memorable experience. The cable car is trendy during peak seasons and festivals, providing easy access for people of all ages who may find the steep climb challenging.

Cable car tickets during peak season and festivals are more crowded, and you must wait in line. However, you can also buy tickets through online services. When writing these lines (2024), the ticket price is 770 Nepalese Rupees, 670 Indian Rupees, and 10 US Dollars for Nepali, Indian, and foreigners, respectively. It is for a two-way traveling service; the one-way price is less than that.

Food and Accommodation Facilities

Manakamana offers various food and accommodation options for travelers. Several guesthouses and hotels, ranging from budget-friendly lodges to mid-range hotels, are located near the cable car station and the temple itself. These accommodations provide basic facilities, including clean rooms, food, and amenities suited for both short and longer stays.

For dining, local restaurants and eateries serve traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat (rice and lentil soup), momo (dumplings), and snacks. Many food stalls around the temple complex also serve tea, coffee, and light snacks. Visitors can experience authentic local cuisine while enjoying the area’s scenic beauty.

Nearby Places to Visit

Suppose you are going for a Manakamana visit. In that case, apart from worshipping at the Manakamana temple, you can also visit the following crucial nearby tourist places, making your trip even more satisfying and enjoyable. These places are within a few hour’s drive from Manakamana temple or on the way. So visiting these places will not increase your expenses much. But this will be an economic package tour which will take advantage of the opportunity while saving time.

Gorkha Durbar

Located in Gorkha district, the historic Gorkha Durbar (palace) is the birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of Nepal. This ancient palace complex offers insight into Nepal’s royal history, architecture, and stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains.

Trishuli River Site

The Trishuli River flows near Kurintar, and visitors can enjoy water activities such as river rafting and fishing. The river is popular among adventure enthusiasts, and several rafting tours are available, making it a thrilling experience for visitors.

Bandipur

A charming hill town located about an hour’s drive from Manakamana, Bandipur is known for its preserved Newari culture, traditional houses, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. This cultural gem is a beautiful place to experience Newari hospitality and traditional Nepali architecture.

Kathmandu and Pokhara

The Manakamana religious tourist area is located on the Kathmandu Pokhara Highway. After visiting Manakamana, pilgrims can easily reach Kathmandu or Pokhara on the same day. Both these places can be reached from here in about two to three hours by vehicle, and buses and taxis can be easily found from here. Therefore, Manakamana or Kurintar are convenient points for those who want to visit Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Famous Devghat religious site and Chitwan National Park

If you are visiting from Terai of Nepal or India for the Manakamana shrine, you will pass through Narayanghat city in the Chitwan district. Near Narayanghat, one should not miss visiting the Devghat religious site, which is famous in Nepal and is significantly mentioned in Hindu scriptures. The visit will be very pleasing, delightful, and enchanting because this holy place is located at the confluence of the Kaligandaki and Trishuli rivers. Apart from this, the world-famous Chitwan National Park is located in the Chitwan district. This is one of the best destinations in Nepal for those who love wild environments and jungle animals.

Best Season to Visit

The best time to visit Manakamana Temple is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is mild, and the skies are generally clear, providing unobstructed views of the surrounding landscapes and mountains. The festivals of Dashain and Tihar, which typically fall in autumn, also make this period an exciting time to visit, as the temple is bustling with cultural activities and celebrations.

The winter months can be chilly, and the rainy season (June to August) brings heavy monsoons, making travel and outdoor activities less favorable. However, each season brings its own unique beauty, and the temple is open year-round for visitors.

How to Reach Manakamana Temple

To reach Manakamana Temple, travelers typically start from Kathmandu or Pokhara. By road, the journey takes around 3-4 hours from Kathmandu, following the Prithvi Highway to Kurintar, where the Manakamana Cable Car station is located. From Kurintar, visitors can take the cable car, which operates daily, except during major festivals or maintenance days. Alternatively, for those preferring a more adventurous route, there are hiking trails from Kurintar leading up to the temple. However, the hike has been challenging and less prevalent since the advent of the cable car.

If you are going to Manakamana from the Terai district of Nepal or India, you have to go through Narayan Ghat, which is located in the Chitwan district. This city is situated on the banks of the Narayani River on the east-west Mahendra Highway in Nepal. It is also the main route to Kathmandu from the Terai district of Nepal. Buses and taxis are available from here, and they can take you to Kurintar in two or three hours. After reaching Kurintar, you go to Manakamana Temple by cable car.

If you are unfamiliar with visiting these tourist places, including Manakamana, or are going there for the first time, you can go through any travel agency for convenience. Nowadays, there are so many travel agencies or package tour providers in Nepal that they can easily arrange any tour at a cost less than your personal tour cost and reach you back home.

Summary

Manakamana Temple is not just a religious site but a place of deep cultural heritage, natural beauty, and spiritual satisfaction. With its rich history, sacred legends, and breathtaking natural surroundings, a visit to Manakamana Temple offers a unique experience that appeals to devotees, adventure seekers, and travelers alike. Whether seeking blessings, exploring Nepal’s culture, or enjoying a scenic ride by cable car, Manakamana Temple offers a memorable experience and a glimpse into the soul of Nepal’s spiritual heritage.

Thank you for spending time to read this content.

Best wishes for your enjoyable and fruitful visit.