PM Narendra Modi visits highly venerated Muktinath temple

An auspicious start to day 2 in Nepal! Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited the highly venerated Muktinath temple, located at 12,172 ft, to reinforce the strong cultural connect between India and Nepal.

The Prime Minister was greeted with a warm welcome by temple officials and locals. Prime Minister reciprocated to the love and affection in his own style. The Prime Minister offered prayers at the human-size golden statue of Lord Vishnu as Shri Mukti Narayan as per the tradition.

Special arrangements were made in Mustang in view of Prime Minister’s visit. The Temple is regarded as sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists located in Muktinath Valley. The Pagoda Style Muktinath Temple is also one of 108 Vaishnava shrines. In early 19th century the Hindus consecrated a Vishnu temple and named is Muktinath – Lord of Liberation.

The Prime Minister then proceeded to sanctum sanctorum of the temple where he offered special prayers. The place is a living testimony to the ancient and strong cultural and religious ties between the people of India and Nepal.

After offering prayers at the temple, the prime minister walked around the chamber of the shrine housing the temple. The temple attracts a large number of pilgrims every year from India.

The holy shrine, which is said to have arisen on its own, is one of eight such shrines including Badrinath. Against a backdrop of incredible starkness, one can sit and stare at the south the snow-covered Annapurna range, or to the north the Tibetan plateau.

The Locals who were very excited and enthusiastic for Prime Minister’s visit took selfies with him. PM Modi welcomed everyone with open arms and got pictures clicked with them.

PM Modi will reach Kathmandu a short while from now. In Kathmandu, he will visit the Pashupatinath Temple and will also hold a meeting with Nepali Congress, former PM of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and leaders of Rashtriya Janta Party besides participating in other engagements.