Manakamana Temple and Its History

Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims queue up at Manakamana, ring the bell, present flowers, and go back home happily.

A majority of them leave without knowing whom they just prayed or why the hill was sanctified in the first place.

The cable car makes the journey easy. It takes time to get to know the place.

Manakamana isn't just a temple.

It is a tale that has been passed down for more than 300 years, a story that began in a king's court, and ends in a small hill village over the Trishuli River.

Without the story, it will just be an ordinary visit to the temple. But if you know the story, the bells, offerings and even the line are different experiences.

If you are a traveler looking for more than to look out the bus's back window as they pass through between Kathmandu and Pokhara, this is where planning counts.

Planning to enjoy the view from a leisurely climb, spending a night to enjoy the atmosphere, and some background information make the difference between a quick stop and a truly memorable experience.

Soaltee Hotels & Resorts is the backdrop to the journey, rather than the main attraction, allowing you to enjoy places such as Manakamana as they were meant to be.

Manakamana History: The Myth of the Divine Queen

Nepali folklore says that the Manakamana Temple was built in the 17th century by the Gorkha kings either Ram Shah or Prithvi Pati Shah.

The queen of Gorkha was believed to have the power of the goddess Manakamana and Lakhan Thapa, a priest of Magar origin, was the only person who knew of this.

On one occasion, the king saw his queen transformed into the goddess, and the priest into a lion. The king subsequently died, after revealing what he had seen.

The queen sacrificed her life following the Hindu tradition of Sati, spending her life on the funeral pyre of her husband.

Prior to her "sacrifice" she predicted to Lakhan Thapa Magar that she would return. Six months later, a farmer was digging in the field and hit upon a rock which emitted a fountain of blood and milk.

Lakhan Thapa, upon hearing this, visited the place where the blood and milk had flowed and performed tantric chants that eventually brought the flow to a halt.

He had a temple constructed there, believing that there was something special about this site and that it could grant the prayers of its followers.

It is also said that the temple priest should be the descendants of Lakhan Thapa Magar, who is considered a spiritual priest of King Ram Shah.

The priest of Manakamana temple to this day is required to be of Magar descent.

The Goddess Manakamana is the incarnation of Champawati.

The wife of King Ram Shah. Some stories recounts that she reappeared during the lifetime of his son, Dambar Shah, while others claim she was revealed in the reign of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the modern founder of Nepal.

The deity worshipped there is Goddess Bhagawati, an embodiment of Lakshmi, guarded by Garud.

The goddess's name, Manakamana, is derived from the words "mana" (heart) and "kamana" (wish), as she is believed to fulfil people's wishes.

Manakamana Architecture: Pagoda and the Sky Ride

Today, the pagoda-style temple stands two-storied with graceful symmetry, supported by beautifully carved wooden braces.

Following the 2015 earthquake, the temple was meticulously repaired. In 2018, it emerged once again, its roof now plated with approximately 14 kilograms of gold as part of a project that cost near-90 million NPR.

On a sunny morning, the roof glitters, just enough to lift your eyes.

As you walk around the temple, things are still coming into view. There is an ancient magnolia tree, older than most people know.

Bronze bells sing in your ears, each with a prayer hung, and a prayer answered. As they are blown about by the wind, they are disorganized, as if they are speaking.

Then there is the view. On clear days, you can see the high Himalayas, such as the Annapurna II, Himalchuli and Manaslu off in the distance, way on the farthest other side of river valleys.

Once long treks were taken to get there. You still can, on the traditional way from Anbu Khaireni, a three-hour walk.

But most people take the Manakamana Cable Car.

Opened on 24 November 1998 by the Late Crown Prince Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah and designed by Doppelmayr of Austria, the cable car spans 2.8 kilometers from Kurintar (elevation 258 meters) to the temple (elevation 1,302 meters).

It takes some 10 minutes. Cabins glide slowly and elegantly, transporting six people at a time, soaring above dense forest and twisting River Trishuli.

There are 31 cabins, which run from 9 AM to 5 PM every day, but with a break between noon and 1:30 PM.

The convenience has affected the frequency of visits.

Kurintar, the base station for the cable car, is a transit hub. It's at the junction of hills and roads, the perfect spot to take a break.

Soaltee Westend Resort Manakamana is a natural starting point, close to start early, but also a little removed to take a step back from the masses.

A Guide to the Best Time to Go to Manakamana

If you happen to visit when Dashain is on, the believers and the devotion will be unmistakable. People line up outside the temple, the crowd moves incessantly, and the air is heavy with incense.

Families come from all over, sometimes to fulfil a long-standing desire. Naag Panchami is a different shade of life, but the crowds are just as intense.

Patience is a part of the ritual. The queues for darshan can be long. People move at a slow pace, guided by temple attendants, slowly making their way forward, each taking a tiny step into the presence of the goddess.

Beyond the festivals, it's different. Weekdays are quieter. The mornings are calmer.

There are, however, more visitors on Friday and Saturday, particularly Saturday mornings, which are often associated with ritual sacrifice.

The typical ritual is as follows. Certain devotees take a purifying bath. Next, a ride on the cable car, followed by the pilgrimage to see the shrine (darshan).

The offerings are coconuts, flowers, incense, and sweets. Finally, there's prasad, circumambulation, and the lighting of lamps.

For the adventurous, the nearby area is worth exploring. There's a route to the Lakhan Thapa Gupha (cave) linked with the attendant who discovered the goddess.

The Bakeshwar Mahadev Mandir, is also nearby. Days like these can be long.

And it's good to end them on a note of balance. Many people feel there is merit slowing down in the evening.

Even if you are not a tea drinker at Soaltee's Heritage Hour, a quiet Hi-Tea from 5:30 to 6:30 PM makes a good ending to the busyness of the temple.

Best Hotels Near Manakamana: Soaltee Westend Manakamana and Soaltee Westend Chitwan

A typical mistake is to take Manakamana as a visit. Turn up at mid-morning, access the hill via the cable car, visit the temple and turn back by mid afternoon.

The hill has a different feeling at different times of day. In the early morning, the quietness is undisturbed.

The forest receives a gentle light from the afternoon sun. As the day winds down, the crowds decrease in volume, and the temple will begin to quiet down. This all takes time.

Accommodating ends up changing the landscape. It enables you to explore the temple at various times and in less crowded areas and allows you to take things slowly.

Here, Soaltee Westend Resort Manakamana is the best choice for proximity, comfort, and tranquility that will enhance the spiritual experience.

For those opting for this type of stay, the Soaltee Heritage Club makes sense. It is a free-loyalty programme for stays and events organized by Soaltee resorts in Nepal.

It rewards the traveler for hotels stays and other transactions with points that can be sustained for future stays, food, or exclusive experiences

As a member, you receive benefits such as expedited check-in, the possibility of an upgrade, complimentary amenities, and dining credits.

The crucial part is that the cost of becoming a Heritage Club member is free, with the rewards starting from the first booking. If you wish to extend your trip, Manakamana can have you head downhill.

The next destination could be Chitwan, and Soaltee Westend Resorts Chitwan is a great place to start, taking the journey from a temple on top of a mountain to nights in the jungle with elephants, tigers, rhinos and all the jungle magic.

Manakamana: A Spiritual Getaway

The majority of travelers visit Manakamana and remember the temple, the line, the bells and the few moments in front of the god and goddesses. Not many leave with the story.

It's a story that started with a queen who had a secret, made its way through loss and faith, and ultimately lands on a hillside where companionship and faith is sought out all through the year.

When you know it, the visit is different. The temple is no longer a site but has become an extension of something that's always been there.

It takes a bit longer, and a bit more effort. It leaves you with something that is more meaningful than the journey.

If you are preparing for the journey, you should do it right. You can contact the Soaltee team to plan the holiday that gives Manakamana the time it demands and the peace it quietly provides in return.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Manakamana mean?

The name Manakamana is derived from the Nepali words mana (heart) and kamana (wish). It means the goddess who grants the sincere prayers of her devotees.

2. What time of the year is best to visit Manakamana?

The quietest time is on weekdays, away from major festivals. Dashain and Naag Panchami are important festivals, but very busy when it comes to waiting for darshan.

3. How do I get to Manakamana from Kathmandu?

It's a 3-4-hour drive via the Prithvi Highway to Kurintar. Then ride the cable car to the temple.

4. What are the cable car timings and fares?

The cable car runs from 9 AM to 5 PM every day and is closed from noon to 1:30 PM. There are different prices for Nepalese and foreigners, which may be subject to change.

5. What are the amenities of Soaltee Westend Resort Manakamana?

Soaltee Westend Resort Manakamana provides comfortable accommodation, food and drink, views, and proximity to the Manakamana Cable Car, which makes it a great place for guests to unwind.

6. How close is Soaltee Westend Resort Manakamana to the cable car?

Soaltee Westend Resort Manakamana is conveniently situated near Kurintar, close to the Manakamana Cable Car station, making it easy for guests to access the temple.