Legend has it that Queen of Gorkha King Ram Shah (A. D. 1614-1636) possessed divine powers known only to her devotee LakhanThapa. One day, the King found his Queen disguised as a Goddess. Following the revelation, he mentioned it to his Queen and suddenly died. He was cremated and his Queen committed sati by jumping into his funeral pyre, as per the custom. Before she jumped into the funeral pyre, she consoled her lamenting devotee Lakhan saying she would reappear near his home. Six months later, a farmer ploughing his field hit a stone, cleaved it and blood and milk flowed from it which ceased only when Lakhan worshipped it with his tantric knowledge.

The site became foundation of the present shrine.
The present pujari is the 17th generation descendent of Lakhan Thapa.

The Shrine of Manakamana renovated many times over the centuries has four story pagoda style roofs with entrance from the South-West. The pujari performs daily prayers and ritual in the temple behind closed doors by offering eggs, oranges, rice, red powder and strips of cloth to the deities. On completion of the pooja of the shrine by the priest, the turn of the public begins.

Manakamana temple lies 12 Km south of historic town Gorkha and located on a prominent ridge (1302 MT. above sea level) overlooking the river valleys of Trisuli (south) and Marsyangdi (west). The unique location of the place is dramatized during winter when the ridge appears as an island above the sea of morning mist. People believe Manakamana Devi fulfills the wishes of her devotees, thus called the wish fulfilling deity.

Spectacular views include deep valleys, terraced fields and the Manaslu-Himalchuli and Annapurna ranges. In the past, the only access to the region was by arduous climb of over five hours but one can now visit the shrine in comfort by Manakamana cable car. The reward on reaching the shrine is spiritually satisfying.