Shree Muktinath Temple - Nepal

The temple is a Vishnu temple sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists .

It is located in the Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass in Mustang, Nepal. It is one of the highest temples in the world (3,800 m altitude).

The significance of the Muktinath temple is that one who visits this temple is believed to attain salvation or moksha . Moksha means freedom from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. It helps one get rid of all one's sins in that place.

In the outer courtyard is a wall with 108 water-spouting bull heads. The number 108 is not arbitrary: Hindu astrology has 12 zodiac signs and 9 planets, making a total of 108 combinations. There are 27 lunar paths divided into four quarters, each featuring a combination of a total of 108 padas.

A ritual is to go through the 2 pools and then under the 108 ox heads and then cleanse yourself again in the 2 pools.

Hindu and Buddhist traditions claim that this place is the only place on earth where the five elements (fire, water, air, earth and sky) that make up all material things in the universe are present. Along with the surrounding earth, sky, and sky is a water fountain with a flame powered by a natural gas vent that makes it appear as if the water itself is on fire. No other source of water with burning gas is known.

Willem Vandenameele