1. Introduction to Muktinath Dham
Overview of Muktinath Dham
•Muktinath Dham is one of the religious and pilgrimage sites of Butwal. Millions of Devotee come here to worship god yearly. It is constructed in 1864 B C. This is the holy temple of Lord Shiva. Here, various types of worship are performed with faith.
•A big fair also held here on the day of Shivaratri. Here on the day of Shivaratri, various dishes are offered at the fair, like Vangh laddu etc are made. The special feature of this Muktinath Dham is that, No can get married here. There are one hundred and eight water streams and Shivlings which have greatly increased the importance of this place. There is also a large idol of Lord Shiva with a huge Tirsul.
•This Dham covers a very large area and there is an amazing cow with 3 eyes. Many people consider it as a symbol of Lord Shiva and worship it. According to many people, whoever goes to that cow and asks for his wish and it is said that his will be fulfilled. This Dham has recently become known as a tourist destination. It is said that if anyone comes and prays here with a pure heart, all their desires and aspirations will be fulfilled.
2. Location
It is located in the west part of Butwal-14, Nayagaun. It is about 500 meters far from East-West Highway (Mahendra Highway). It is roughly 3-4 km far from the main city Butwal. People from Butwal can also go there from Hospital line or from Purano Bus Park by any vehicles. Maximum Devotee from western side and butwal visit this temple. Some People come from hilly region like Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, etc for pilgrim.
3. Architectural Features
•This Muktinath Dham is bulid in the pagoda style of architecture features conspicuously in the structures. There are many tiers of roofs arranged in ascending order from top to bottom, supported by complicated sculp wooden struts.
• This design is appraised to have started somewhere around the starting of the 13th century. This Pagoda Style is the quite famous design used in many temples of Nepal like Pashupatinath, Changunarayan etc.
•The Muktinath Dham is full of sculptures and with beautifully carved out of wood and mude. Historical and cultural artworks related to ancient gods are also there in the temple.
4. Religious and Cultural Significance
•It is a kind of branch temple of Muktinath Temple, Mustang where, Resident from Terai region who cannot go in high altitude or are disabled for those people Muktinath Dham was Installation.
•Mainly, Lord Shiva is worship in this Dham but , Apart from idols of Lord Shiva, this temple also houses other deities. People mainly come here on the festival like Shivaratri, Naag puja, Shree Panchami and many more special dates.
•It provides a place for religious practices, Sermons, and worship that inspire spiritual growth and community unity. Regularly, it offers spiritual advising and guidance to individuals and groups, helping them steer personal and spiritual challenges.
•It also helps to preserve and promote local traditions, arts, through festivals and events. This Muktinath Dham is engaged in many charitable work like distributing food, or helping those in need. It gives the facility to hosts religious and cultural festivals that bring the community together and buildup social connection among them.
5. Current Status and Preservation
•Dham’s structures, artworks, statues and surrounding are preserved well. And needed to keep safe including cleaning, repairing, and protecting from weathering or any damage.
•Community members often play a vital role by joining in volunteer work, fundraising events, etc to support the Dham. Financial support like donations and sponsors from local visitor, businesses, and religious organizations are helping in fund conservation projects and maintenance.
