Manakamana Temple
One of the most reknowned temples in Nepal, Manakamana is situated atop a hill, accessible from Kurintar (between Ktm and Narayanghat) by a Swiss-technology operated cable car. The view from the car is a wide expanse of beautiful mountains spreading to the horizon. The best part is that from below the ride seems to end atop a mountain, but as soon as you reach that spot, you realise there is a similar more distance to cover further up!
The legend behind the temple: Queen of Gorkha King Ram Shah (1614-1636) possessed divine powers known only to her devotee Lakhan Thapa. One day the King found his Queen as Goddess. Following the revelation he mentioned this to her and suddenly died. He was cremated and his Queen committed sati on his funeral pyre, as per the custom. She consoled her lamenting devotee Lakhan saying she would reappear near his home. Six months later, a farmer ploughing his field hit a stone, cleaved it and blood and milk flowed which ceased when Lakhan worshipped it with his tantric knowledge. The site became foundation of the present shrine. The present pujari is the 17th generation descendent of Lakhan Thapa.
The Shrine of Manakamana renovated many times over the centuries has four story pagoda style roofs with entrance from the South-west. The pujari performs daily prayers and ritual in the temple behind closed doors by offering eggs, oranges, rice, red powder and strips of cloth to the deities. On completion of the pooja of the shrine by the priest, the turn of the public begins.>
Manakamana temple lies 12 Km south of historic town Gorkha and located on a prominent ridge (1302 mt. above sea level) overlooking the river valleys of Trisuli (south) and Marshyangdi (west). The unique location of the place is dramatized during winter when the ridge appears as an island above the sea of morning mist. People believe Manakamana Devi fulfills the wishes of her devotees, thus called the wish fulfilling deity. The reward on reaching the shrine is both spiritual and physical exhilaration. Spectacular views include deep valleys, terraced fields and the Manaslu-Himalchuli and Annapurna ranges. In the past, the only access to the region was by arduous climb of over five hours but one can now visit the shrine in comfort by Manakamana cable car.( All information taken from http://www.visitnepal.com/heritagetravel/manakamana.htm)
Due to the cable car operational since 1998, the trekking route has fallen by the side, with many lodges and guesthouses losing business. However, the car has made reaching there otherwise easy and quick. The township is like any other Indian temple-town, consisting largely of hotels and restaurants at affordable rates. The view of the peaks from atop is eye-candy; unfortunately my mobile-camera was not able to capture it.
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