Sacred Wish-Fulfilling Shrine & Historic Pilgrimage Destination
Perched on a distinguished ridge 1,302 meters (4,272 ft) above sea level in the Gorkha district of Nepal, the Manakamana Temple (मनकामना मन्दिर) is one of the country’s most revered and spiritually significant Hindu pilgrimage sites. Dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati—an incarnation of Parvati—the shrine’s name translates from “mana” (heart) and “kamana” (wish), embodying the enduring belief that the deity fulfills the heartfelt desires of all true devotees. Overlooking the majestic Trisuli and Marsyangdi river valleys with distant views of the Manaslu, Himachali, and Annapurna ranges, this iconic landmark seamlessly connects centuries of royal Gorkha history, divine legends, and modern travel convenience via the famous Kurintar cable car.
Quick Facts and Key Information
Location Shaheed Lakhan Rural Municipality, Gorkha District, Nepal
Altitude 1,302 meters (4,272 ft) above sea level
Distance from Kathmandu ~105 km to 140 km west
Deity Goddess Bhagwati (Incarnation of Parvati / Wish-Fulfilling Goddess)
Primary Access Kurintar Cable Car Station (Chitwan side of Prithvi Highway)
Historical Era Established in the 17th century during King Ram Shah’s reign
Legend, History & Connection to the Shah Dynasty
The legend of Manakamana dates back to the 17th century during the reign of Gorkha King Ram Shah. According to folklore, the king’s queen possessed divine powers known only to her ardent devotee, Lakhan Thapa. One day, the king witnessed a profound revelation: his queen manifested as the Goddess, while Lakhan Thapa appeared in the form of a lion.
Upon the king mentioning this discovery, he suffered a mysterious death. Following the customs of the era, the queen committed Sati (ritual immolation) on his funeral pyre, though not before assuring Lakhan Thapa that she would soon reappear. Six months later, a farmer ploughing his fields accidentally struck a stone, causing a miraculous stream of blood and milk to flow. When Lakhan Thapa learned of this, he performed Hindu tantric rituals at the site, establishing the foundation of the present shrine. To this day, tradition dictates that the temple priest must be a direct descendant of Lakhan Thapa.
Furthermore, the region holds profound historical ties to the unified Kingdom of Nepal and King Prithvi Narayan Shah. As the ancestral home of the Gorkha royal house, the hills surrounding Manakamana resonate with the heritage of the Shah dynasty, who deeply revered the Goddess Bhagwati as their protective deity before embarking on campaigns of state unification.
Launched in November 1998 as Nepal’s first commercial cable car system, the Kurintar Cable Car (operated by Manakamana Darshan Pvt. Ltd. from Cheres/Kurintar on the banks of the Trishuli River) revolutionized travel to the shrine. Previously requiring a grueling uphill hike of several hours, the modern 3.02 km cable car ride transports pilgrims and tourists to the hilltop station in just 10 minutes.
The service attracts millions of visitors annually, including domestic Nepali pilgrims, international tourists, and a massive influx of travelers from India who frequent the Prithvi Highway corridor.
Kurintar Bottom Station & Booking Contact Details
- Bottom Station Address: Kurintar (Cheres), Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality, Chitwan District, Nepal
- Kurintar Station Phone Numbers: +977-056-410044, +977-056-410012
- Kathmandu Head Office: Manakamana Marg, Nagpokhari, Naxal, Kathmandu | Phone: +977-01-4534825, 4534648, 4534860
- Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Lunch break: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM; Gates open at 7:00 AM)
The Sacred Manakamana Shrine
Offer prayers to Goddess Bhagwati at the sacred sanctum where devotees have sought wish-fulfillment since the 17th century.
Scenic Cable Car Ride
Glide 3.02 kilometers across river gorges and lush green hills, enjoying bird’s-eye views of the Trishuli River basin.
Bakreshwor Mahadev Temple
Visit this peaceful nearby shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, adding a deeper spiritual dimension to your pilgrimage.
Panoramic Himalayan Vistas
Take in stunning viewpoints overlooking the deep river valleys with clear northern horizons framing the Annapurna and Manaslu peaks.
Routes and Transportation Options
From Kathmandu: Drive approximately 105 km to 140 km west along the Prithvi Highway toward Kurintar (Chitwan), which takes about 3 to 4 hours. From Kurintar, board the 10-minute cable car up to the temple ridge.
From Pokhara: Travel east along the Prithvi Highway toward Mugling and Kurintar (approx. 3 to 4 hours), then take the cable car across the Trishuli River up to the shrine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Manakamana mean?
The name originates from two words: “mana,” meaning heart, and “kamana,” meaning wish, signifying a shrine that grants the heart’s desires.
How do you get to Manakamana Temple from Kurintar?
Visitors take the Kurintar Cable Car from the base station across the Trishuli River, which reaches the top station in just 10 minutes.
What are the contact numbers for the Kurintar Cable Car station?
The bottom station in Kurintar, Chitwan can be reached at +977-056-410044 or +977-056-410012.
