In my earlier post, Pilgrimage to Muktinath , I focussed only on Muktinath temple. Apart from the Vishnu temple, there are many places of interest and sanctity. This place has a spiritual aura so I would definitely advise everyone on visiting these places.
I shall start my journey from the entrance gate.
Samba Gomba or Sarwa Sangdo Gompa:
As soon as you enter through the main entrance, on the left is a brightly painted prayer wheel.
Soon after on the same side, is a sign board indicating Samba Gompa.
Turn to the left of screen and enter the main hall.
There are images of Sakhyamuni Buddha in the center with Avalokiteshwar or Chenresig on his right and Guru Rinpoche on left.
Avalokiteshwara is the bodhisattva of compassion. Dalai Lama is the human manifestation of Avalokiteshwara.
Padmasambhava brought the Vajrayana form of Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century.
Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava meditated in Muktinath before going to Tibet. He flew on the back of a flaming Dakini-tigress to land at Paro Tatsang, Bhutan in the form of Guru Dorji Drolo. After many years in Bhutan, he came back to Nepal.
Clay walls on sides are decorated with frescos.
Shiv temple:
A small Shiva temple lies to the left of entrance when going towards Muktinath. A very small Nandi sits outside the temple.
Shree Muktinath Yagyashala:
Again on the right is Muktinath Yagyashaala (यज्ञशाला)
Yagyashala is a place where rituals and prayers are performed around the holy fire.
Dholamebar Gompa or Jwalamai temple:
Just before you climb the final steps to temple, on the right side is a sign for Jwalamai temple.
When you see the above picture, straight ahead is a flight of steps. They lead to the Vishnu temple.
For Jwalaimai, follow the paved path and it would lead to an open area with a monument in the center and three stupa or chorten on side. The monument is Swaminarayan monument.
Keep walking and in front you would see few houses. Proceed towards that and you would see the entrance to the temple.
Enter through the door and you would be a room.
In this room, look down and you see two small windows. You might have to kneel and crane your neck to see tiny blue colored flames. In the second one, on hearing carefully you would hear the gurgle of water.
It is a religious belief that all five elements exist here at Muktinath, earth, air, water, ether and fire.
Swaminarayan monument:
Swaminarayan came from India to meditate in the 18th century. He attained enlightenment at this place.
The above monument very close to Jwala mai temple has been made in his honor.
The snow capped mountains of Dhaulagiri form a beautiful background for three small chortens.
The whole area has piles of stones piled on top of each other. I have tried asking many people the reason but they don't have an answer. They say it is a religious belief but for every belief there is a reason.
I shall update once I know the reason for this ritual.
Mharme Lha Khang Gompa or Narsimha Gompa (नरसिंह गोम्पा):
On the left side near the muktidhaara towards the changing room, is a sign to the Gompa. Keep following the trail going up and you reach Mharme Lha Khang Gomba meaing "the temple of lamps".
The gompa door remains closed so just open and go inside.
The place has recently been renovated in 2014. The flooring still remains to be done. Right in front you see Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhav in the center.
It is said that he sculpted himself in clay when he stopped here to meditate before proceeding to Tibet.
On left side is a red deity, Guru Dragpo who is a wrathful form of Guru Rinpoche. He is the protector of Dharma and remover of obstacles in the path to enlightenment.
This finishes my respects to the holy places of Muktinath. I trace my steps back to the gate and towards Jomsom.
On my way back, I see many people buying Shaligrams (Ammonite which were squid like creatures and lived millions of years back). Shaligrams are worshipped as a form of Vishnu.
Passing through Ranipauwa, we reach our jeep terminus.
As we are about to reach our destination, I see a red roofed building and on enquiry, I am told it is a dharmashaala or resting place for pilgrims or travellers which has been made under India Nepal Economic Co-operation.
There is a small very basic tea/coffee shop where you can wait till the passengers turn up. The shop also serves some snacks.
Technology has cast its spell on everyone including this small boy who was busy listening to songs whilst his mother was serving us.
Flora and fauna in Mustang region:
Hardly anything grows in the wild, dry and arid Mustang region. Coupled with that are the strong gusty winds which start blowing by afternoon.
Though the trip to Muktinath was strenuous but it was a wonderful experience. I hope God gives me another chance to visit this place again.
I shall start my journey from the entrance gate.
entrance gate to temple complex
As soon as you enter through the main entrance, on the left is a brightly painted prayer wheel.
Soon after on the same side, is a sign board indicating Samba Gompa.
This Tibetan origin monastery was earlier the residence of Lama. It collapsed and was later made into a monastery in 1981.
entrance to monastery
colorful wooden screen
Turn to the left of screen and enter the main hall.
Sakhyamuni Buddha
There are images of Sakhyamuni Buddha in the center with Avalokiteshwar or Chenresig on his right and Guru Rinpoche on left.
Avalokiteshwara or Chenresig in Tibetan
Avalokiteshwara is the bodhisattva of compassion. Dalai Lama is the human manifestation of Avalokiteshwara.
Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche
Padmasambhava brought the Vajrayana form of Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century.
Padmasambhava with tiger
Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava meditated in Muktinath before going to Tibet. He flew on the back of a flaming Dakini-tigress to land at Paro Tatsang, Bhutan in the form of Guru Dorji Drolo. After many years in Bhutan, he came back to Nepal.
Clay walls on sides are decorated with frescos.
a conch frescos on wall
more on clay wall
Shiv temple:
Shree Muktinath Yagyashala:
Again on the right is Muktinath Yagyashaala (यज्ञशाला)
Yagyashala is a place where rituals and prayers are performed around the holy fire.
entrance to Yagyashala
Outside the building you see a huge Aum made with powder
yagyashaala
Dholamebar Gompa or Jwalamai temple:
direction to the temple
bells hang at many places throughout the temple
For Jwalaimai, follow the paved path and it would lead to an open area with a monument in the center and three stupa or chorten on side. The monument is Swaminarayan monument.
Keep walking and in front you would see few houses. Proceed towards that and you would see the entrance to the temple.
Enter through the door and you would be a room.
In this room, look down and you see two small windows. You might have to kneel and crane your neck to see tiny blue colored flames. In the second one, on hearing carefully you would hear the gurgle of water.
It is a religious belief that all five elements exist here at Muktinath, earth, air, water, ether and fire.
Inside is Vajrapani and Avalokiteshwar with Manjushree on his left side.
The above monument very close to Jwala mai temple has been made in his honor.
The above video was taken by my husband. You can hear him breathing heavily. The air is rarified and makes you breathless.
The snow capped mountains of Dhaulagiri form a beautiful background for three small chortens.
I shall update once I know the reason for this ritual.
Mharme Lha Khang Gompa or Narsimha Gompa (नरसिंह गोम्पा):
On the left side near the muktidhaara towards the changing room, is a sign to the Gompa. Keep following the trail going up and you reach Mharme Lha Khang Gomba meaing "the temple of lamps".
sign for Gompa
keep going up
look on sides and you see inscription on stones
newly constructed gompa
The gompa door remains closed so just open and go inside.
wood work outside
main hall
The place has recently been renovated in 2014. The flooring still remains to be done. Right in front you see Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhav in the center.
Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhav
It is said that he sculpted himself in clay when he stopped here to meditate before proceeding to Tibet.
Guru Dragpo
close up of Padmasambhava
Sengdongma
Simhamukha or Sengdongma is a lion faced Dakini. It is a wrathful manifestation of Padmasambhava.
The blue colored lion faced Dakini removes all the obstacles
The deity is worshipped by the Hindus as Narsimha, the half man and half lion avatar of Vishnu. The gompa is therefore also called Narsimha gompa.
This finishes my respects to the holy places of Muktinath. I trace my steps back to the gate and towards Jomsom.
View of Ranipauwa from Muktinath
On my way back, I see many people buying Shaligrams (Ammonite which were squid like creatures and lived millions of years back). Shaligrams are worshipped as a form of Vishnu.
Passing through Ranipauwa, we reach our jeep terminus.
As we are about to reach our destination, I see a red roofed building and on enquiry, I am told it is a dharmashaala or resting place for pilgrims or travellers which has been made under India Nepal Economic Co-operation.
There is a small very basic tea/coffee shop where you can wait till the passengers turn up. The shop also serves some snacks.
a heavenly sip of hot coffee was very much welcome by my husband
Flora and fauna in Mustang region:
Hardly anything grows in the wild, dry and arid Mustang region. Coupled with that are the strong gusty winds which start blowing by afternoon.
small plants find their way through stones
shrubs grow in the rocky terrain of Mustang
Though the trip to Muktinath was strenuous but it was a wonderful experience. I hope God gives me another chance to visit this place again.
You are one of the lucky few to be able to visit one of the holiest places on earth. Bless you
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