Chariot procession of Muktinath enters Mustang

By Hari Krishna Sharma,Muktinath, Apr. 5: The Shree Gajendra Moksha Narayan-Muktinath Chariot Procession has entered Mustang to advocate for the conservation of the rare and invaluable Shaligram stones, found exclusively in the Kali Gandaki River. The procession, which commenced on March 31, aims to generate awareness among relevant authorities regarding the threats posed to Shaligram due to natural and human encroachments. On April 3, the chariot procession entered Mustang via the neighbouring district of Myagdi.

According to Jagannath Acharya, President of Savishandham Panchakot, the procession, led by Swami Kamalnayanacharya and accompanied by over 300 devotees, was grandly welcomed at various locations along the way. “The religious festival is expected to attract around 500,000 religious tourists from Nepal, India, and other countries,” said Acharya. The chariot procession will conclude April 6, marking the commencement of a religious festival in Muktinath, which will continue until the grand festival of Dashain in October 2025.

A special discourse on Shaligram, the sacred, smooth, black, round fossils found only in the Kali Gandaki River, is also being planned at Muktinath. Swami Kamalnayanacharya highlighted the issue of Shaligram smuggling and the impact of developmental activities, warning that these stones could become extinct if immediate attention is not given. 

Mustang hosts Damodar Kunda, the source of the Kali Gandaki River, making it a fitting location for this long-term religious festival.

“Shaligram, which is used in religious rituals such as worship and fire sacrifices, is currently being exploited without regulation,” Swami Kamalnayanacharya stated. Under his leadership, a subterranean Shaligram Museum, named after Swami Shridharacharya, has been established on the premises of Shree Rang Venkatesh Mukti Narayan Temple in Ward No. 4 of Baglung Municipality. This museum has become a major attraction for tourists and devotees alike.

Vaishnavites and other followers of Sanatan Dharma worship Shaligram as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. However, activities such as theft of Shaligram stones by visitors to Muktinath and Kagbeni, illegal mining of sand and gravel from the river, and breaking Shaligram stones to alter their shape have placed these sacred fossils at risk of extinction.