Seto
Machendranath Snan - White Maccendranath is one of the most popular
deities of Kathmandu Valley. Newari Buddhists worship him as Karunamaya
Lokeshvara, the Boddhisattva of Compassion, Hindus worship him as a
historical yogi-saint of that name, and also as Janmaraja/Yamaraja, the
Lord(s) of Birth and Death. He bestows the priceless gift of longevity,
especially on children, and removes the cause of sterility in women.
Every year, during the coldest time, his temple in Ason Tole is
scrupulously cleaned.
The image is de-consecrated, removed from his shrine and put on a platform in the temple courtyard. Priests throw pots of water over it and wash it down. Since this bath coincides with the brief spell of winter rains in the valley, it is believed that these rains are caused by Macchendranath's spiteful step-mother, the cloud-goddess, who covers the sun and sends a cold drizzle as an added penance for her step-son.
The Kumari also visits the event. Over the next week, the deity is oiled, perfumed, painted, re-clothed, and re-installed in his sanctum. If Seto Macchendranath is pleased by by the music, offerings, and attentions paid to him by his devotees, the farmers of Kathmandu Valley can look forward to good rainfal during the rice planting season...
Well, so far we haven't had any winter rains, although the cold season is supposed to be here. Could this be global warming? Pray for raim. pray for rain...
The image is de-consecrated, removed from his shrine and put on a platform in the temple courtyard. Priests throw pots of water over it and wash it down. Since this bath coincides with the brief spell of winter rains in the valley, it is believed that these rains are caused by Macchendranath's spiteful step-mother, the cloud-goddess, who covers the sun and sends a cold drizzle as an added penance for her step-son.
The Kumari also visits the event. Over the next week, the deity is oiled, perfumed, painted, re-clothed, and re-installed in his sanctum. If Seto Macchendranath is pleased by by the music, offerings, and attentions paid to him by his devotees, the farmers of Kathmandu Valley can look forward to good rainfal during the rice planting season...
Well, so far we haven't had any winter rains, although the cold season is supposed to be here. Could this be global warming? Pray for raim. pray for rain...
Love
and Pranams,
Billy
Billy