Manakamana Temple
Manakamana is situated in the height of Gorkha district, is located 12 Km south of historic town Gorkha, and situated on a prominent ridge (1302 mt. above sea level) overlooking the river valleys of Trishuli (south) and Marshyangdi (west). The unique location of the place is dramatized during winter when the ridge appears as an island above the sea of morning mist. This place is famous for the temple of Manakamana, one of the manifestations of the Hindu goddess Bhagwati. Manakamana is the name of a Hindu Goddess. It is believed that the Goddess fulfills the wishes of the people. The term ‘Mana’ means the ‘heart’ or ‘soul’ and ‘Kamana’ means the ‘wish’. People believe Manakamana Devi fulfills the wishes of her devotees, thus called the wish-fulfilling Deity. The reward on reaching the shrine is both spiritual and physical exhilaration. Spectacular views include deep valleys, terraced fields, and the Manaslu – Himalchuli and Annapurna ranges. The adventure is to get your wishes fulfilled.
The most popular temple of Manakamana is in Gorkha District. The others are in various places like Manakamana. It is said that a King of Gorkha was blessed by the goddess to get victory over small kingdoms and make a big Gorkha. Manakamana of Gorkha is a popular place for a specific fair called Panchami. The temple was initially inaccessible and one had to ride on horseback for 2–3 days. Now it is easily accessible by Cable Car.
Manakamana is also very popular for its juicy and tasty oranges which are supposed to be one of the best in the country. The Manakamana region also holds great potential for trekking, paragliding, cycling, sunrise and sunset, and spectacular views of the Himalayas. Manakamana also known as a model village development committee has hotels, resorts, cottages, and other well-equipped settings and services suitable for every kind of tourist. The Betini village situated in the Manakamana VDC also has homestays for tourists providing a firsthand experience of village life and lifestyles.
An hour's walk from the Manakamana temple leads past the Bakeshwar Mahadev Mandir Shiva temple to the Lakhan Thapa Gupha sacred cave, which is named after the founder of the Manakamana temple.