Manakamana Temple, Nepal – Story, History, Timings, Cable Car Details
Visit Manakamana Temple Nepal Story History Timings Cable Car Details
One of the major pilgrimage destinations among the Indian Hindus and Nepali people, Manakamana Temple is situated in the small hill town of Mankamana in Gorkha District, Nepal.
The highly sacred place is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati, an incarnation of Parvati. It is a belief of the people that the Goddess fulfills all the wishes who worship her with a pure heart.
Most travelers find the place more interesting as it is surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Manakamana Temple Facts
| Deity | Goddess Bhagwati |
| Country | Nepal |
| Province/State | Gandaki |
| District | Gorkha |
| Nearest Airport | Bharatpur |
| Temple Timings | 6 AM to 12 PM & 2 PM to 9 PM |
| Popular Festivals | Durga Ashtami, Dashain, Navratri, Nagpanchami |
| Cable Car Timings | 8 AM to 6:30 PM |
Temple Timings
| Timings | From | To |
| Morning | 6 AM | 12 PM |
| Evening | 2 PM | 6:30 PM |
*During Saturdays and festival days temple timings may vary.
Manakamana Temple History & Story
The history of the Manakamana Temple is curiously explained by the legend. The story says that the Queen of the Gorkha King Ram Shah possessed divine powers.
Everyone was unaware of the powers except Lakhan Thapa, a true devotee of her. One day the King came to know about her powers when he saw her in the form of a Goddess.
As the King passed away as the custom of the day, the Queen committed Sati (ritual immolation) upon her husband’s funeral.
The Queen promised Lakhan that he would see her again soon. After some days when a farmer plowing the field, discovered a stone from which blood and milk poured.
Lakhan Thapa thought it was a sign from the dead Queen and he constructed a temple in her honor where the stone was found. The site became the foundation of the present-day shrine Manakamana Devi temple.
Architecture & Features
The Manakamana Temple is situated on a distinguished ridge of 1,302 meters above sea level and overlooks the Trisuli river valleys in the south and Marsyangdi in the west.
It overlooks a huge Magnolia tree. The temple is four-storied with tiered roofs in pagoda style, and it stands on a square footprint.
In 1996 the brass plates were mounted on the roofs. The entry of the temple is in the southwest direction and is identified by one stone which is the sacrificial pillar.
Shrines & Why Worship the Goddess?
It is a belief that the Goddess will grant the desires of all those who make the pilgrimage to her shrine and adore her.
There was a tradition in the temple, of offering goats, pigeons, roosters, ducks, etc. to the Goddess. However, this custom is no longer in practice as sacrificing the animals is not permitted.
Poojas & Daily Events
Devi is worshiped with all five cosmic elements in the universe. Abhir (kumkum), flowers, leaves, diya, dhup, kesar, cloth, fruit, mirror, bell, betel nut, rice is offered as pooja thali to the Goddess.
The daily ritual starts at 6 AM in the morning and Goddess darshan for devotees will be started from 7 AM onwards. On Saturdays, temple will remain open up to 8 PM or 9 PM.
Most Celebrated Festivals
The most celebrated festivals at Manakamana Temple are Dashin i.e Navratri or Durga Puja. It is celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil.
Nag Panchami is another festival celebrated grandly at the temple. It is the day for the traditional worship of snakes in Hinduism.
How to Reach Manakamana Temple?
Mankamana Temple is located between the two most popular cities of Nepal, Pokhara, and Khatmandu. It is around 140 Kms and 4:30 hours journey by road from Head Quarters and 105 Kms from Pokhara.
By Air
Bharatpur Airport is the nearest airport (65 Kms) but there are no frequent international air transport services. You can fly to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and from there regular flights are available to Bharatpur.
By Train
Raxaul Railway station in Bihar, India is the nearest railway junction, and then avail a bus to Brigunj and then Kathmandu.
By Road
Many Bus services are available from Khatmandu and Pokhara.
Manakamana Temple Cable Car
We can reach the temple by two options either by Cable car or by Foot. One of the easiest ways is by cable car.
Cable Car station is a 2:30 Hrs drive from Kathmandu, 2 Hrs from Pokhara, and, 1 Hour from Narayanghat by road.
Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Lunch Break:12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
*The cable car takes a break for 2-3 days in four-month intervals.
Cable Car Price
| Rates | One Way | Two Way |
| Nepali | Rs. 410 | Rs. 700 |
| Child (Above 3ft – Upto 4ft) | Rs. 245 | Rs. 420 |
| Student | Rs. 305 | Rs. 525 |
| Senior Citizen (Above 60 years) | Rs. 285 | Rs. 490 |
| Differently Abled | Rs. 205 | Rs. 350 |
| Indian Adult | Rs. 520 | Rs. 880 |
| Indian Child | Rs. 336 | Rs. 576 |
| SAARC/ Chinese | USD 6 | USD 10 |
| SAARC/ Chinese Child | USD 4 | USD 7 |
| Foreigner | USD 11 | USD 20 |
| Child Foreigner | USD 8 | USD 15 |
Nearby Temples
- Muktinath temple
- Pashupatinath Temple