Manakamana Temple

Manakamana Temple 

Manakamana Temple is located in Gorkha District of Nepal.Manakamana is temple of Durga Bhawani (Hindu Goddess).The name Manakamana originates from two words, “mana” meaning heart and “kamana” meaning wish.It is believed that Goddess Manakamana  fulfills the wishes of ones who worship her with pure heart. It is very true when someone wish something from the heart; it is fulfilled by the God.Manakamana temple is situated at about 1300 meters at a top of a hill surround by a small village community. It is about 9 Km north-east of the town of Mugling and at about 90 Km West from Kathmandu and East from Pokhara.The Manakamana temple overlooks the Trisuli and Marshyang-di river valleys, and offers breathtaking views of the Manaslu, Himalchuli and Annapurna mountains to the north. The temple is set in a square, which is overlooked by an enormous sacred magnolia tree. Two popular festivals, Dasain (in September-October) and Nag Panchami (July – August), draw large numbers of pilgrims from throughout the country.There is a tradition of sacrificing animals at the temple. Some pilgrims sacrifice a goat or pigeon in a pavilion behind the temple.The cable car in Nepal takes you up on a spiritual adventure to the abode of Mankamana.

History of  Manakamana Temple

 The history and location of the Manakamana temple are explained by a curious legend. The Queen of the 17th century Gorkha King, Rama Shah, was said to have magical powers that only her devotee, Lakhan Thapa, knew about. One day the Queen’s husband became aware of her secret when he saw her in the form of a goddess and Lakhan Thapa in the form of a Lion. Soon thereafter the King mysteriously died and the Queen, as was the custom of the day, committed sati (ritual immolation) upon her husband’s funeral pyre. Prior to her death, the Queen had promised her devotee Lakhan Thapa that he would soon again see her. Some time later while plowing a field, a farmer discovered a stone from which blood and milk were pouring. When Lakhan Thapa learned of this he was convinced it was a sign from the dead queen, and at the site where the stone had been discovered he constructed a temple in her honor. The present 19th century temple is a replacement of the one built by Lakhan Thapa. Tradition has it that the temple priest must be a descendent of Lakhan Thapa.

how to reach Manakamana Temple?

Transportation to Manakamana : Bus takes three to four hours from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Generally micro buses and mini buses run to Kurintar. One can take bus in transit from east/west (Janakpur, Kakadbhitta, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj) to Kathmandu or Kathmandu to east/west. There was transportation to Abu Khaireni until the cable car was installed. And people walk uphill for 3 hours to reach Manakamana temple. Now, the cable car operates from Kurintar. Cable car takes 10-12 minutes to reach the top.The cable car generally operates during the day time (9 a.m. to 5 p.m). It stops for a lunch break from 12.00 to 13.30. In festive occasions and on Saturdays and holidays it starts operations an hour before schedule time.