PASHUPATINATH AND MUKTINATH FROM GORAKHPUR
Pashupatinath and Muktinath are two of the most revered Hindu temples in Nepal. Every year, millions of pilgrims make the journey to these holy sites to offer their prayers and worship the deity. Gorakhpur is one of the best places to start your pilgrimage, as it is home to two of the most important temples in Nepal - Pashupatinath and Muktinath. In this blog post, we will explore these two temples and what makes them so special.
The Significance of Pashupatinath and Muktinath
Pashupatinath and Muktinath are two of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in Nepal. They are situated in the Kathmandu Valley and attract pilgrims from all over the world. Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer god in Hinduism. The temple complex is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River and is a popular site for Hindus to perform cremation rites. Muktinath is another important Hindu pilgrimage site, which is situated in the Mustang region of Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver god in Hinduism. It is believed that a visit to Muktinath can help one attain mukti (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
Both Pashupatinath and Muktinath are significant pilgrimage sites for Hindus due to their religious importance. However, they also hold great cultural and historical value. The temples at both sites are architecturally unique and are excellent examples of Nepalese temple architecture. In addition, both temples have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their outstanding universal value.
Gorakhpur to Pashupatinath and Muktinath
Gorakhpur to Pashupatinath and Muktinath is one of the most popular pilgrim routes in Nepal. The journey takes devotees through some of the country's most beautiful landscapes, including the snow-capped Himalayas, green hillsides and rushing rivers. The route also passes through many important Hindu and Buddhist holy sites, making it a truly spiritual experience.The first stop on the route is Gorakhpur, home to the famed Gorakhnath Temple. This temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, and is said to be the place where the great sage Gorakhnath attained enlightenment. From Gorakhpur, pilgrims head north to Kathmandu, passing through the picturesque town of Pokhara en route. In Kathmandu, they visit the Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal's most important Hindu temples, before continuing on to Muktinath. Muktinath is a holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists, and is said to be where the great sage Siddhartha Gautama attained Nirvana. The journey ends with a visit to Jomsom, a beautiful town in Nepal's Mustang region.
How to Reach Pashupatinath and Muktinath from Gorakhpur
Pashupatinath and Muktinath are two of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal. They are located in the Kathmandu Valley, about 10km apart. Gorakhpur is the nearest city to both temples, and is connected to Kathmandu by a direct flight. The best way to reach Pashupatinath and Muktinath from Gorakhpur is to take a taxi or bus to Kathmandu, and then take another taxi or bus to either temple.
If you're taking a taxi, the journey from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu will take around six hours. The fare should be around Rs 4500-5000 (US$60-70). From Kathmandu, it's a further two hours by taxi or bus to Pashupatinath Temple, and another hour to Muktinath Temple. Alternatively, you can fly from Gorakhpur to Pokhara, which is much closer to both temples. The flight takes just over an hour, and tickets cost around Rs 3500-4000 (US$50-55).