Manakamana Temple

Manakamana Temple is an important Shakti Peetha dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati (an incarnation of Parvati). It is located at an altitude of 1,302 meters above sea level in Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality of Gorkha district. 'Manakamana' means 'wish of the heart' (will), therefore there is a popular belief that wishes are fulfilled by having a darshan here.

History and Legend

The establishment of Manakamana Temple is believed to have taken place in the 17th century during the time of King Ram Shah of Gorkha. Its history is connected with King Ram Shah and his queen:

• Avatar of Goddess: According to popular belief, the queen was an incarnation of the Goddess herself, a fact known only to her devotee Lakhan Thapa. One day, after the king saw the queen as the Goddess and Lakhan Thapa as a lion, he died mysteriously.
• Sati and Promise: When the queen was preparing to go Sati, Lakhan Thapa was distressed. The queen assured him saying "I will reappear".
• Origin: A short time after the queen's death, while a farmer was digging a field, blood and milk came out when a stone was struck. Lakhan Thapa, thinking that the queen was reborn in that very place, established the temple by worshiping with tantric methods.

Priest and Tradition

One main feature of Manakamana Temple is that the priests here are from the Magar community. Since the 17th century, descendants of Lakhan Thapa have been performing worship as the main priests. Although there are usually Brahmin priests in other Hindu temples, this tradition here is considered unique.

Travel Guide: How to Reach

The gateway to Manakamana is Kurintar, located on the Prithvi Highway between Kathmandu and Pokhara:

• By Road:
  • From Kathmandu: Approximately 105 km (3–4 hours drive). Any bus heading to Pokhara or Chitwan can drop you at the Kurintar Cable Car station.
  • From Pokhara: Approximately 100 km (3 hours drive).
• Manakamana Cable Car:
  • This is the most popular way to reach the temple. The ride takes about 10 minutes and offers stunning views of the Trishuli River and the Himalayas.
  • Operating Hours: Generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM).
• By Trekking: For those seeking a traditional pilgrimage experience, a steep hiking trail starts from Anbu Khaireni or Kurintar, taking about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top.

Best Time to Visit

• Seasons: Autumn (Sept–Nov) and Spring (March–May) offer the clearest mountain views, including Manaslu and Annapurna.
• Avoid Crowds: Saturdays and Tuesdays are the busiest days. Visit on weekdays to avoid long queues at the cable car station.
• Festivals: The temple is extremely vibrant but crowded during Dashain and Kartik Ekadashi.

Visitor Information & Tips

• Early Arrival: Try to reach the Kurintar base station by 7:30 AM to beat the long cable car queues, which can sometimes exceed 2-3 hours on busy days.
• Dress Code: Modest clothing is recommended as it is a religious site.
• Nearby Attractions: Visit the Bakreshwar Mahadev Temple, located about a 20-minute walk from the main Manakamana temple.