Muktinath Temple, in the Himalayas of Nepal, is one of the great pilgrimage sites for both Hindu and Buddhists from all over the world. The temple is the epitome of the spiritual and emotional cleansing site for the devotees of Muktinath. This holy temple stands on the lap of the remote Muktinath Valley at an elevation of 3,710 meters above sea level. It lies in the Mustang district of Nepal and at the base of Thorung La Pass – Annapurna range.. The term Muktinath is derived from the Sanskrit word “Mukti” and “Nath” where Mukti refers to “Salvation or Moksha” while Nath stands for “God”. Hence, it holds great significance for all spiritual people in south Asian countries. There is a belief that after completing the pilgrimage of four special religious sites, ChardhamYatra of India, the pilgrims must visit Muktinath Temple once. The main temple of Muktinath is a pagoda-style dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Whereas, Buddhists worship Vishnu as Avalokiteshvara. The temple consists of a metal statue of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, Janaki, Garuda, Lava-Kush, and Sapta Rishis. While the temple in itself is rather small, the site houses a life-size gold statue of Shri Mukti Narayan (a form of Lord Vishnu). On a semi-circular wall behind the temple, are 108 stone faucets that lie at a height of 7 feet. The faucets lie at a distance of 1 foot apart from each other, each in the shape of the bull’s head. Water from the Kali Gandaki flows through the mouth of these taps and pilgrims stand beneath each tap to wash away their sins.
