Mustang, Dec 31: Despite biting cold conditions, a large number of devotees continue to visit the revered Muktinath Temple in Mustang. The sacred site, regarded as a common shrine for both Hindu and Buddhist followers, is situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters above sea level.
Although the cold is severe, the number of visitors has not declined, according to Dinesh Bhusal, Manager of the Muktinath Development Committee Office. He noted that the temple has witnessed a usual flow of devotees this year, contrary to expectations given the harsh weather.
The falling temperatures have affected local residents, restricting their mobility. The temperature around the temple area drops below minus 15 degrees Celsius during the morning and evening hours.
On average, around 1,500 devotees visit the temple daily. It is widely believed that bathing in the 108 holy water spouts and ponds within the temple premises fulfills devotees’ wishes.
To address health issues arising from extreme cold, the Muktinath Development Committee has arranged health services at the site, deploying health workers to assist visitors in need.
Hotel entrepreneurs in the area have expressed satisfaction, as the steady influx of devotees has kept their businesses running smoothly despite the cold season. Both domestic and foreign tourists, particularly from India, continue to throng the temple.
Sundar Raut, a visitor from Humla, shared his happiness after visiting Muktinath, stating that he had come after learning about the religious significance of the shrine. Similarly, Dev Bahadur Rokaya from Jajarkot said that his faith in the belief that wishes are fulfilled at the temple motivated his visit.
The arrival of religious tourists has been greatly facilitated by the operation of the Beni–Jomsom–Korala Road, a national pride project connecting Nepal with China.
According to the District Police Office, Mustang, a total of 203,292 domestic tourists and 48,109 foreign tourists visited Mustang during the last five months of the current fiscal year. #nepal #mustang #muktinath
