The valley of “Jatras(chariot fest)”, ‘Kathmandu valley’ today(Baisakh 27) of every year is celeberating most important and the longest Jatra(Chariot festival) of Patan, Bungadyo Rato Machindranath Ratharohan. The people of The Kathmandu valley are celeberating the breathtaking Jatra(chariot festival) for more than 1,600 years for the glory of Machindranath who was a yogi. From Baisakh Shukla pratipada to Shukla chauthi of Asar this Jatra is celeberated for some religious faith.
The Jatra, which is one of the most important of Patan and the longest Jatra of the valley has been carrying a symmetrical faith prehistorically. Today(Baisakh 27) is the beginning day of this Jatra.
According to pre-historic information Yogi Machindranath was not a normal person he was magical commonly known as Siddha (Sanskrit: सिद्ध siddha; “perfected one” and in Buddhism, “someone with magical powers”). He is worshipped as the god of rain in Nepal.Yogi Machendranath was a siddha who is known as the yogi who gave knowledge to Yogi Gorakhnath who is worshipped widely across Nepal.There is a belief that Machindranath ca control various forces of nature.He is also known as Matsenyandranath (the lord of fishes in Sanskrit). He is also known as Maha Savarupa and Matsya Savarupa.He is also known as the founder of Kaula tradition.
Kaula tradition
According to the pre-historic story Machindranath/Matsendranath spent 12 years in belly of fish in ocean which is called Kula. Kula was n illusion that was defeated by Matsenyandranath , Kaula is the origin of vajrayana for buddhism and kashmiri.
Yogi Gorakhnath
Gorakhnath (where Go means The earth and Rakh means rakhshya in Nepali and to protect in English) who was the man who protected the whole globe “The Earth” and everyone living on it.The surprising thing about him that he was not only the disciple of Yogi Machindranath but his son too.
How this Jatra got it’s name Bungadyo Rato Machindranath Ratharohan?
Yogi machindranath is known as Bunga Dyah by local Newari people.He is recognized by both Hinduism and Buddhism. Where Hinduism, people see him as the avatar of lord Shiva, whereas in Buddhism, people see him as the avatar of Avalokiteśvara.
How the Jatra celebrated?
The Jatra begins from Red Machindranath in Lalitpur, the statue karunamayi is made from soil found in Mahepi hill ,after that the soul of Karunamayi is established in the statue.By involving the locals of the community in the rituals happening the statue is bathed today.That chariot is rode to various subh(auspicious) places in Lalitpur in these two months.At last the jatra ends after showing the propitious “Bhoto” at Jwalakhel then to a ancient village of Bungmati where the lord Yogi Matsyandranath was born.The Statue of Karunamayi is placed for around 6 months after that Jatra.
Conclusion
The Bungadyo Rato Machindranath Ratharohan Jatra is an ancient and significant chariot festival celebrated annually in the Kathmandu Valley, particularly in Patan. It honors Yogi Machindranath, revered as the god of rain and a figure of both Hindu and Buddhist faiths. The festival marks the beginning of a two-month-long procession where a statue of Karunamayi, representing Yogi Machindranath, is carried on a chariot to various auspicious locations in Lalitpur. The involvement of local communities in the rituals emphasizes its communal aspect. The Jatra concludes with the display of the Bhoto at Jwalakhel and a visit to Bungmati, Yogi Matsyandranath’s birthplace. It is a vibrant celebration of religious devotion and cultural heritage in the Kathmandu Valley.
This is a very scared fest in the Kathmandu valley. If you can visit this fest we advice you to visit this fest once you will find much more information.
Thank you! 😉
Sabin Pokherel
