In the area of Mana near Badrinath, you find a special cave. This cave is known as Muchukunda Gufa. Long ago, King Muchukunda practiced his devotions to Lord Narayana here. Afterward, he achieved moksha, a pure state of liberation and peace. Just a short distance away, under a kilometre, is Vyasa Gufa. This spot is in the Mana Village of the Chamoli district, in Uttarakhand. Both caves have a significance all their own. Muchukunda Gufa is a must-visit for those with deep faith. The lotus footprints of Lord Vishnu are present inside this cave. Lord Vishnu had once blessed King Muchukunda with his vision. These footprints have now become a significant draw for the faithful, making this cave even more holy. The location of the cave has its charm. It’s nestled in the untouched beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas. Getting there might be a bit hard for some. The journey is through rugged terrains with patches of lush greenery. But the hiking challenge is worth it for many devotees.
Lord Krishna‘s interactions with King Muchukunda are detailed in volume ten of the Srimad-Bhagavata Purana. Lord Ramachandra, of the Ikshvaku dynasty, is the lineage King Muchukunda hails from. He is the son of King Mandhata. His fame spread far and wide. Traditional Vedic values? He championed them, as was common in the Ikshvaku dynasty. Lord Indra himself sought King Muchukunda‘s assistance in the battle against the asuras, siding with the devatas. The king said yes, personal interests set aside, and engaged in years-long battles, mirroring the timescales of elevated planetary systems. Lord Karthikheya, the head of the devatas requested him, finally, to retire and rest.
Karthikeya acknowledged the king’s deeds and advised him that going home wasn’t sensible. Too much time had elapsed; loved ones and advisors were gone. He offered the king any blessing excluding ultimate liberation, as his mind only pondered rest. Feeling immense fatigue, the king simply craved sleep. He asked a unique favor – to turn into ashes anyone disturbing his sleep. Karthikeya granted King Muchukunda this wish along with his desired tranquility. At this point, King Muchukunda settled in a remote cave, straddling Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh’s boundaries. During Lord Krishna’s time on earth, the king experienced the Lord’s kindness.
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