Looking down at Siddha Lakhan Thapa cave, where he disappeared into. Photo by Nikki Thapa

Centuries ago, in the kingdom of Gorkha, a remarkable tale unfolded within the mystical realm of Manakamana, a temple of a wish-fulfilling goddess sitting atop 1302 meters. It was during the reign of King Ram Shah, legend has it that the king beheld a divine spectacle, witnessing his beloved Queen embodying the incarnation of Goddess Durga herself. Beside her, stood a devotee Siddha Lakhan Thapa, transformed into the fierce lion, the Goddess's chosen mount. Unfortunately, the King met an unfortunate death upon this sighting. The bereaved Queen offered herself into the funeral pyre with King Ram Shah following Sati Pratha, a Hindu custom of self-immolation. Six months after the event, when a humble farmer set forth to till his field, in the process his plow stroke a stone, and to his horror that stone bled. Siddha Lakhan Thapa (Siddha meaning one who is accomplished in Sanskrit) upon discovering the situation performed his intricate Tantric rituals, consecrated the stone at the site, and established what would come to be known as the Manakamana Temple. Before the self-immolation, Queen had promised her devotee that she would reincarnate and she reincarnated thusly, keeping her promise. Hence the temple was named Manakamana (Mana: Heart, Kamana: Desire), because she fulfilled her devotee’s desire of meeting Her again. It is believed that any prayers made at this temple are answered by the Goddess. According to tradition, the priest at the temple must be a descendant of Siddha Lakhan Thapa. Since then, the devout pilgrims throughout the nation, far and near flock to this hallowed sanctuary, seeking solace and blessings from the benevolent goddess. However, the intriguing tale of the Siddha did not end there. A temple housed over the Siddha Lakhan Thapa Cave, Kaphek Danda, Gorkha. Photo by Nikki Thapa An altar for the Siddha Lakhan Thapa Cave, Kaphek Danda, Gorkha. Photo by Nikki Thapa After fulfilling his sacred duty, the devoted soul, Siddha Lakhan Thapa vanished from the mortal realm, disappearing into the mists of time. Days turned into years and it was only upon his eventual return that Lakhan Thapa realized the heart-wrenching truth. In his absence, his family, believing him to be forever lost, had performed the solemn last rites, Shraddha, bidding him farewell in a ceremony of finality. Understanding that his resurrection would bring unwarranted distress and ill fortune upon his kin, he made a solemn decision. Siddha made up his mind and retreated to the solitude of a cave nestled high above Kaphek Danda/hill where he found solace in seclusion. Embracing a life of contemplation and introspection, he dedicated his existence to silent meditation and the pursuit of inner enlightenment. The secrets of his whereabouts and the mysteries concealed within the depths of the cave became the subject of beguiling folklore amongst the locals of the hills. Author at the Kaphek Danda enjoying the captivating view of Manasri Range rising above clouds. Photo by Nikki Thapa A view of Manaslu Himal rising above the blanket of clouds seen from Kaphek Danda, Gorkha. Photo by Nikki Thapa It is said that the towering "Bhimsen Pati" trees (Asian butterfly bush) that majestically grew outside the entrance of the cave were, in fact, remnants of the devoted Siddha's walking stick. The legend held that Siddha Lakhan Thapa, upon his departure, left behind a piece of his essence, forever intertwined with the earth and sky. These magnificent trees stood as silent sentinels, bearing witness to the mystical energy that permeated the sacred realm of Manakamana. And so, the story of Siddha Lakhan Thapa, the Lion Devotee, continued to fascinate and his tale served as a reminder of devotion's transformative power and enduring legacy. The Siddha Lakhan Thapa cave on Kaphek Danda is about an hour-long hike from the Manakamana Temple along the old walking trail from more than 100 years ago that connected districts Gorkha and Kathmandu with a stoppage in Dhading district.

Manakamana Mandir, a temple of a wish-fulfilling Goddess of Nepal

The Manakamana Mandir lies approximately 140km from Kathmandu and sits 12km south of Gorkha town, at an elevation of 1302m above sea level. To the north of the temple, one can behold the magnificent Manaslu-Himachali and Annapurna mountain ranges. On the southern side, the river valleys of Trisuli flow, while the Marsyangdi river valley stretches to the west. The Manakamana Mandir lies approximately 140km from Kathmandu and sits 12km south of Gorkha town, at an elevation of 1302m above sea level. Photo by Nikki Thapa Over the years, the Manakamana Temple has undergone several renovations, especially after the massive 2015 earthquake.  It features a four-tiered pagoda-style roof, with its entrance facing southwest. Behind closed doors, the priest conducts daily prayers and rituals before opening the temple to the public. Devotees believe that Manakamana Devi blesses them, granting their heartfelt wishes. Reaching the Manakamana Temple offers two options: by cable car or on foot. The cable car is approximately a 10-minute ride from the Kurintar base and covers a distance of 2.8 kilometers. Operating from 9 AM to 5 PM, the Austrian-built Manakamana Cable Car has been in service since November 1998.  Before that, all pilgrims hiked for three to four hours depending upon individual speed, strength, and fellow company.  With 34 cable cars, including 31 for passengers and 3 for cargo, each car can accommodate up to 6 people. The system can handle up to 600 persons per hour. The introduction of cable car technology has dramatically benefited visitors. Breaking coconut and offering it to God is a symbolic act of offering oneself to God. The act of breaking a coconut has been a part of Hindu tradition for ages now. Manakamana Temple, Gorkha. Photo by Nikki Thapa After breaking the coconut, the devotee cup hand to collect the water, sprinkle some of it on the head, and then sip the rest. Manakamana Temple, Gorkha. Photo by Nikki Thapa Every year, a large number of visitors flock to the temple. People come for various reasons, including married couples seeking blessings for their enduring bond, students praying for academic success, and businessmen seeking prosperity in their endeavors. Additionally, it has become a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts. Many visitors also come to experience the thrilling Cable Car ride, which offers breathtaking views. As a result, the Manakamana Temple has gained recognition as one of Nepal's top tourist spots. While the cable car provides convenient access, the hiking route to the Manakamana Temple offers its own allure. The approximately 4-hour hike showcases scenic orange fields, forests, local villages, and glimpses of the Trisuli River. The journey presents spellbinding views of lush green hills, valleys, and terraced fields, along with the awe-inspiring Manaslu-Himachali and Annapurna ranges. A souvenir shop vendor sells framed Manakamana Mandir photo. Photo by Nikki Thapa A framed photo of Manakamana Mandir, one of the most sought-after gifts from the temple for home. Gorkha. Photo by Nikki Thapa A visit to the Manakamana Temple is an opportunity to explore the religious significance of Nepal, attracting both domestic and international tourists. Surrounding the temple, numerous local restaurants offer authentic Nepali food, the famous Dal-Bhat-Tarkari, a combination of steamed rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetables, and meat, that many Nepalis swear by. While eateries at the base of the cable car serve Western cuisines too. Visitors can also find a variety of gift shops, offering typical souvenirs. Indeed, a visit to the Manakamana Temple promises a remarkable and worthwhile experience, immersing visitors in the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.

Cable Cars from Kurintaar to Manakamana Mandir

Bottom Station Altitude at Kurintar: 258 M. Temple Station Altitude at Kurintar: 1302 M. No.of Carriers: 31 Passengers, 3-Freight NO. of Persons/Carrier: 6 Persons Max. Capacity: 600 Passengers/hour Length of Cable Car: 0-6 meter per second Avg. One-way trip: 10 minute No. of Towers: 20 Tallest tower: Tower no.11 (40 M.) Cable Car Technology: Doppelmayr, Austria Devotees love 10 minutes long cable car ride from Kurintar to Manakamana Temple over Trishuli River. Gorkha. Photo by Nikki Thapa

A QuickPhoto Exploration of Manakamana Temple and its Scenic Environs

1. Statue of Laxman Babu Shrestha (1935-2014) from Chaubis Kothi Family of Gorkha, The fourth son of Prem Narayan and Devi Kumari Shrestha. He built the Manakamana Cable Car from Kurintar to the temple under the Dopplemayr, Austria's technology. Cable cars eliminated long strenuous three hours trek which was the only way to reach the temple in earlier years. Late Crown Prince Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev inaugurated the cable car on November 24, 1998. Photo by Nikki Thapa
2. Cable car or Gandola is a 10-minute ride that covers the distance of 2.8 kilometers from Kurintar to Manakamana Temple over the Trishuli River. Gorkha. Photo by Nikki Thapa
3. Souvenir Shops lined up on either side of a walkway to Manakamana Temple, Gorkha. Photo by Nikki Thapa
4. Pilgrims buying Potey, bead necklaces at one of the many souvenir shops lined up on either side of a walkway to Manakamana Temple, Gorkha. Photo by Nikki Thapa
5. An array of colorful bangles made of metals, glasses, and plastics at souvenir shops in the Manakamana Temple area, Gorkha. Photo by Nikki Thapa
6. A basket of Puja Items has flowers, rudraksha mala, incense, threads, and vermillion powder, at souvenir shops lined up on either side of a walkway to Manakamana Temple, Gorkha. Photo by Nikki Thapa
7. Various types of wooden souvenirs, meticulously crafted by artisans using either traditional hand techniques or modern machine methods, can be found at the shops located around Manakamana Temple. These exquisite wooden artifacts are highly sought after by visitors. Photo by Nikki Thapa
8. Sacrificial goats and roosters at the Manakamana Temple area. Photo by Nikki Thapa
9. The renovation of the Manakamana temple began in June 2015, just a few months after the massive earthquake that struck in April 2015. The temple that suffered significant damage during the earthquake was restored and the project aimed to bring it back to its former glory while preserving its original pagoda model. During the renovation process, 18.2 kilograms of gold were utilized to enhance various aspects of the temple; roofs, doors, finials, etc. Once all the necessary work related to the renovation was completed, the temple proudly opened its doors to the public. Visitors were once again able to experience the spiritual and cultural significance of the Manakamana temple in its renewed splendor. Photo by Nikki Thapa
10. The temple features 24-karat gold-plated doors and Torana. The wooden columns, lattice windows, and stone lion guardians are meticulously hand-carved, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Photo by Nikki Thapa
11. The gold-plated temple roof details with "pataka" snaking down from its Gajur (pinnacle). Gorkha. Photo by Nikki Thapa
12. Manakamana (urban) village seen from an abandoned resort. There are more than 100 houses around the temple, built solely for business purposes and they stand as tall as 8 storeys. Each house is a hotel, literally. The hill behind, enveloped in clouds is Kaphek Danda, where Siddha Lakhan Thapa disappeared 400 years ago. Kaphek is also an ancient name for Manakamana. Photo by Nikki Thapa
13. Looking towards the rolling hills of Tanahu and River Trishuli snaking through the lush green landscape of the district. Photo by Nikki Thapa
14. The Hill of Godess Chimkeshwari floats in clouds in the Tanahu district. Chimkeshwari is one of the three sisters of Goddess Manakamana other being Icchyakamana in Chitwan. All three sisters are Shaktipeeth and have Mahima (glory) of their own. Photo by Nikki Thapa
15. Stairway to Kaphek Danda/Hill towards the Siddha Lakhan Thapa’s cave. This is an old walking trail from 100 years that connected Gorkha and Kathmandu districts with a stoppage in Dhading. Photo by Nikki Thapa

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17. Bakreshwar Mahadev Temple is a 1-hour walk north of the Manakamana Temple. Apparently, this temple is older than Pashupatinath of Kathmandu. According to the holy book Swasthani, this is the place where Satidevi’s tongue fell off when enraged Mahadev wandered around the universe carrying Her corpse on His trident. Originally this Shakti Peeth (sacred site) was called “Bakyeshwari” relating to speech and is still believed that a child suffering from delayed speech is cured when parents offer worship at this temple. Photo by Nikki Thapa
18. The altar of the Bakreshwar Mahadev temple has self-emanated stone structures and they are worshiped as Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and their son Ganesh. Photo by Nikki Thapa
19. A Damai playing Naagbeli Baja, or Naafphani baja at Bakreshwar Mahadev temple during Nitya Puja. Naagbeli is a traditional folk trumpet resembling a serpent with an intricately coiled body. This trumpet is an integral component of the "Naumati Baja" ensemble, where the mouthpiece is located at the snake's tail and the bell is formed by its mouth. Measuring approximately 63 cm in length, this instrument is commonly played by musicians during fanfares and temple ensembles. It is referred to as Bijuli bana, owing to its resemblance to a bolt of lightning. Photo by Nikki Thapa
20. A Musicians Duo plays Karnal (left) and Sehenai (right). Both are the major folk trumpets of the Panche Baja ensemble and are seen here played during Nitya Puja at Bakreshwar Mahadev Temple in Gorkha. Photo by Nikki Thapa
21. This archeological site near Bakreshwar Mahadev Temple is a nascent discovery and has not been named yet. Locals propitiate these phallic structures as Shiva Lingam and have taken initiatives in promoting this place along with the trekking routes while there has been no attention from the Nepal Government, as usual. Photo by Nikki Thapa