Manakamana Temple, perched atop a hill in the Gorkha District of Nepal, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. The name “Manakamana” derives from two Nepali words: “Mana” (heart) and “Kamana” (wish), meaning “the goddess who fulfills desires.”

Thousands of devotees visit this temple every day to pray for their wishes to be granted, especially during festivals and auspicious times. Known for its cultural significance, stunning hilltop views, and aerial cable car access, Manakamana Temple is both a spiritual haven and a major tourist attraction in Nepal.

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🛕 Quick Facts

• Deity: Goddess Manakamana (form of Bhagwati or Parvati)

• Location: Kurintar, Gorkha District, central Nepal

• Altitude: ~1,302 meters (4,272 feet)

• Main Attraction: Belief in wish fulfillment

• Access: By cable car (Manakamana Cable Car) or trekking

• Best Time to Visit: September to April, and during Dashain and other Hindu festivals

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📍 Location & Accessibility

Manakamana Temple is located ~100 km west of Kathmandu and about 12 km south of Gorkha town.

How to Get There:

• By Cable Car: The most popular method. The Manakamana Cable Car starts from Kurintar (on the Prithvi Highway) and takes about 10 minutes to reach the temple station.

• By Road & Trekking: Pilgrims can also choose to trek uphill for several hours, following a traditional route used before the cable car system was introduced in 1998.

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🕉 Religious Significance

1. Wish-Fulfilling Goddess

• Devotees believe that sincere prayers made at Manakamana Temple are answered by the goddess.

• People visit to pray for health, wealth, children, marriage, and success.

2. Shakti Peetha

• Manakamana is considered a powerful Shakti Peetha, representing the divine feminine energy (Shakti).

• The goddess is worshipped in her fierce yet benevolent form, often associated with power and protection.

3. Animal Sacrifice

• Traditional animal offerings (especially goats) are made during major festivals like Dashain, although this practice is optional and based on personal beliefs.

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📜 Mythological Background

According to legend, the Manakamana goddess was the queen of Gorkha King Ram Shah (17th century). The queen possessed divine powers, which only her devout priest knew about. Upon her death, the priest also died mysteriously.

Later, the king’s successor reportedly had a dream in which the goddess appeared, leading to the discovery of the current temple site, marked by the priest’s cremation pyre. The temple was built there, and the tradition continues to this day.

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🏛 Temple Architecture

• Style: Traditional Nepali pagoda-style architecture

• Structure: A two-tiered roof with intricate wood carvings

• Main Idol: The goddess is represented as a natural stone (symbolic yoni), as per tantric traditions

• Offerings: Flowers, red powder (abir), incense, and sometimes animals

The temple complex includes shrines to other deities such as Shiva, Ganesh, and Lakshmi, enhancing the site’s spiritual diversity.

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🌅 Festivals and Major Events

1. Dashain (Sept–Oct)

• The most important annual festival in Nepal.

• Thousands of goats and chickens are sacrificed as offerings to the goddess.

• The temple remains packed for days, with pilgrims lining up from early morning.

2. Nag Panchami, Teej, and Janai Purnima

• Women often visit during Teej to pray for marital bliss.

• Nag Panchami is celebrated with serpent worship.

• Janai Purnima is another auspicious day when devotees offer prayers for prosperity and protection.

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🚡 Manakamana Cable Car

• Opened: 1998

• Route: Kurintar to Manakamana Temple (approx. 3 km)

• Duration: ~10 minutes

• Cabins: Each cable car holds 6 passengers

• Operating Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (subject to change during festivals)

• Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Trishuli River, terraced hills, and Himalayan peaks like Annapurna and Manaslu on clear days.

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🧘 Spiritual Practices

• Devotees fast before visiting to purify themselves.

• Women seeking fertility, students praying for academic success, and families making vows (mannat) often visit as a tradition.

• Many return once their wishes are fulfilled to offer thanksgiving rituals.

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🌿 Nearby Attractions

• Gorkha Palace: Historic royal palace and home of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of Nepal.

• Trishuli River: Popular for rafting and scenic beauty.

• Kurintar Area: A growing tourist stop with restaurants, shops, and lodges for pilgrims.

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🧠 Did You Know?

• The cable car was built in collaboration with Austria, using cutting-edge alpine technology.

• Locals believe that no one leaves the temple empty-handed—faith is key.

• Even today, priests from the original lineage of the Gorkha king’s palace continue the rituals.