One of the highly regarded places of pilgrimage for passing souls in both Hinduism and Buddhism is Muktinath Temple. Set in location amidst Itsulu district of Mustang, an area considered largely sacred by the Pitru Puja, a ritual for appeasing and remotely liberating souls of departed forefathers. Muktinath has thousands of devotees from around the world who congregate to pray and to liberate their own souls and those of their forefathers. The whole experience is very spiritually invigorating. Hence, knowing the intricacies of practicing the Pitru Puja at this holy place will surely add to the memoir of one’s paying homage.
What is Pitru Puja about?
Pitru Puja is a very important Hindu ritual that is performed for honoring the departed souls of the ancestors so that the spirit of the departed family may get the much-required peace and proceed with its spiritual journey.
Customarily performing the Pitru Puja is during the fortnight called Pitru Paksha, which is for remembering the departed meaning-the memories of bereft ones. It can be done, however, anytime in case an occasion pops up, such as in spiritually holy places like Muktinath.
Why is Muktinath the place for the Pitru Puja?
It means “a place of salvation.” It indicates that it is considered one of the very ancient holy shrines in Nepal. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which Hindus believe to be very venerable places and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Considered are the laws of Pitru Puja and of moksha for the souls of the ancestors in Muktinath and considered from their cycle of birth and death.
The place Muktinath is not merely a temple; it is a kind of confluence of spiritual energies. The 108 sacred water spouts and the natural eternal flame in the temple are symbols of purification and divine presence. The power of Muktinath to perform soul liberation is harnessed through these elements.
Preparations Before Performing Pitru Puja
Here are a few preparations that need to be done by the devotees before traveling to Muktinath: –
- Consult a Priest: It is good to find a local priest to perform Pitru Puja in Muktinath. There are many travel services that offer this assistance in their Muktinath tour package from Gorakhpur and other cities.
- Carry Essential Items: Though they vary from region to region, items generally needed during puja might be black sesame seeds (til), white cloth, sacred threads, fruits, incense sticks, and pictures of the departed souls (if available). The local priests might arrange some of these things too.
- Preparing for Mental and Physical Readiness: Being about 3800 m above sea level, Muktinath demands physical fitness. Likewise, one must train oneself in mental preparation and practice traits of peace, patience, and devotion.
Steps to Perform Pitru Puja at Muktinath
Here is the general overview of how the Pitru Puja is carried out at the temple:
- The Purification Bath
The holy bath taken under the 108 water spouts situated behind the main temple marks the beginning of the ritual. Hence, while taking this bath, devotees consider their bodies and souls to be cleansed. Some bathe themselves in the nearby sacred ponds as well.
- Ancestor Offerings
At this point, they sit beside the priest to perform another ceremony. One offers pind daan (balls of rice mingled with sesame seeds and ghee) to the departed souls. These offerings are generally placed on a sacred leaf or carried in flowing water as a symbol towards their passage into the spiritual domain.
- Mantra Chanting
The priests make the chanting of certain Vedic mantras that invoke the presence of the ancestors. These mantras are to assist the ancestor’s souls toward peace and release.
- Lighting of the Lamp
The lamp is lit as a symbol of divine light and knowledge. The eternal lamp at the temple naturally lit with natural gas is one of the lamps in this ritual.
- Final Prayers and Blessings
Some concluding prayers are said and blessings are pronounced for the living and the dead. It is customary for devotees to give some offerings to the temple or to the priest.
Best Time to Perform the Puja
Though Pitru Paksha is an ideal period for this particular activity, one can do Pitru Puja at any time of the year. Still, weather conditions ought to be assessed, given that Muktinath lies in the Himalayas.
From March to June and then September to November is when nature is most stable and the road remains open. These are the best times to travel.
How to Plan Your Trip to Muktinath
More convening is being given to spiritual tours while planning a journey to Muktinath; when arranged through a Muktinath tour package from Gorakhpur, the trips include transport, accommodation, permits, and engagement of priests on local grounds for rituals. Such packages provide utmost convenience, more-so for senior citizens and first-time travelers.
While comparing tour packages, Nepal tour package price should be kept in mind to have a general idea of costs. Prices vary with respect to the duration, facilities, and seasons, but mostly you can get accidental packages that include transportation to Muktinath, local guides, meals, and accommodation in Pokhara or Jomsom.
Cultural and Spiritual Experience
Besides the religious aspect, visiting Muktinath lets one admire Nepal’s scenic beauty, mingle with the Tibetan and Nepali cultures, and find peace within the wilderness. Performing Pitru Puja in such serene and sacred environs has an enormously spiritual effect.
Final Thoughts
Pitra Puja or Pitru-pooja is an act of love and respect for the departed souls. The performance of it at Muktinath Temple further imbues with spiritual value because of the divine history of this temple and the natural holiness bestowed upon it by the Devas. A Muktinath tour package from Gorakhpur may be explored by you if planning such a trip, ensuring a stress-free and well-planned journey. Also, be sure to compare the Nepal tour package price offered by different tour operators to ensure the best choice for your requirement.
In the right spirit and with appropriate guidance, your journey to Muktinath and Pitra Puja can be an experience of total transformation.
