Sri Saligrama Moorthy Perumal Temple , Thiru Salagramam (Muktinath, Nepal)
✓
📍 Thiru Salagramam (Mukthinath), Mustang, Gandaki Province
International SignificanceThe 106th Divya Desam at Muktinath in the Mustang Himalayas of Nepal (12,172 ft) is the final earthly Divya Desam and the absolute cosmic birthplace of all sacred Shaligram stones from the holy Gandaki River.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Moorthy Perumal / Sri Salagramam (Nindra Kolam at 12,172 ft)
Moolavar: Sri Moorthy Perumal / Sri Salagramam (Nindra Kolam / Standing gold-cast posture facing North holding Shanka, Chakra, Gada, and Padma, situated in the high Trans-Himalayan plateau at 12,172 feet); Utsavar: Moorthy Perumal; Thayar: Sridevi & Bhoodevi (also hailed as Vimala Thayar); Vimanam: Kanaka Vimanam; Theertham: Gandaki River (Chakra Nadhi), 108 Sacred Stone Water Spouts (Muktidhara); Pratyaksham: Gandaki Devi, Brahma, Shiva, Sage Salankayana.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Moorthy Perumal / Sri Salagramam (Nindra Kolam at 12,172 ft)
Thiru Salagramam (Mukthinath), Mustang, Gandaki Province
Muktinath, Gandaki Province 33100, Nepal
Spiritual Highlights
UNVERIFIED
Natural methane gas vents burn as continuous eternal blue flames over natural spring water (Jwala Mai flame) within a few meters of snow.
Running beneath all 108 stone bull-headed water spouts (Mukti Dhara) in freezing alpine waters, bathing in the two sacred Kunda pools, collecting natural Salagramam stones along the Kali Gandaki River bed.
UNVERIFIED
About Sri Saligrama Moorthy Perumal Temple , Thiru Salagramam (Muktinath, Nepal)
Sri Moorthy Perumal Temple in Thiru Salagramam (Muktinath, Mustang district, Nepal) is the 106th Divya Desam and the final earthly shrine in the 108 Divya Desam canon (as #107 Thirupparkadal and #108 Thirupparamapadham are celestial). Celebrated in 12 pasurams by Periyalvar and Thirumangai Alvar, it is the only Divya Desam situated outside the borders of India.
Perched in the trans-Himalayan desert at an astonishing altitude of 12,172 feet (3,710 meters) at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass in the Annapurna range, this holy site is universally revered as Mukti Kshetra (the place of total spiritual liberation). It is the sacred birthplace of all Shaligram Shilas—the naturally occurring sacred black ammonite fossils bearing coiled Vishnu chakra impressions formed in the bed of the Holy Kali Gandaki River.
Surrounding the temple in a semicircular outer wall are the famous 106+2 = 108 Sacred Brass Waterspouts (Muktidhara) shaped like bull heads, spouting freezing glacial water from the mountains. Pilgrims run beneath all 108 spouts to cleanse all past lifetimes of karma. Within the sacred precinct is also the ancient Jwala Mai Temple, where a natural subterranean flame of burning natural gas burns perpetually above water, rock, and earth—symbolizing the unified presence of the five cosmic elements (Pancha Bhootas) and bridging Hindu and Buddhist devotion in sacred harmony.
Architecture & Heritage
Traditional Himalayan Buddhist-Hindu Pagoda Architecture (Ancient Vedic tapobhoomi; worshipped harmoniously by Hindu Vaishnavas and Tibetan Buddhists (Chumig )
Pagoda-style tier roofed sanctum, 108 stone gargoyle bull-head water spouts encircling the rear perimeter, Jwala Mai temple housing perpetual natural flame, Thorong La mountain backdrop.
Natural ammonite fossil Salagramam stones containing self-manifested wheel impressions gathered from the Kali Gandaki River bed.
Rituals & Traditions
Worship conducted harmoniously: Buddhist Tibetan Buddhist nuns (Jhuma) manage daily shrine operations alongside Hindu Brahmin and Srivaishnava priests.
Maha Shivaratri, Janmashtami, and the Tibetan Buddhist Yartung festival (horse-racing celebration).
Tibetan butter tea, Khapse, Dry fruits, Gandaki theertham.
Visitor Guidelines
Heavy cold-weather mountain gear and thermal layers required. Modest traditional attire inside the main sanctum.
Located on a mountain slope with paved stone walkways; horse riding, motorized jeep transport from Ranipauwa, and palanquin (doli) services available for senior pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Moorthy Perumal / Sri Salagramam (Nindra Kolam at 12,172 ft)
Sridevi & Bhoodevi (Vimala Thayar) Sannidhis, 108 Sacred Brass Waterspouts (Muktidhara), Jwala Mai Temple (Eternal Miraculous Flame on Water), Kali Gandaki River (Sacred Bed of Shaligram Shilas), Shiva & Ganesha Mountain Shrines, Buddhist Monastery of Chumig Gyatsa
Thiru Salagramam (Mukthinath), Mustang, Gandaki Province
Muktinath, Gandaki Province 33100, Nepal
How to Reach
Jomsom Airport (JMO) (approx 20 km)
Gorakhpur Junction (GKP, India) (approx 340 km)
Muktinath Jeep & Bus Station (approx 0.8 km)
