MATSYENDRANATH TEMPLE OF PATAN

 The pagoda styled temple of Matsyendranath temple of Patan is the abode of Avalokiteswar or Red Matsyendranath. A fine idol of Matsyendranath is placed here for six months every year. This temple was built in 1408 A.D. Numerous bronze images and art works of the past scattered around add to the attraction of the temple precincts. Matsyendranath is placed at Bungmati, a village few miles away from Patan, for another six months from where it is brought to Patan every year amidst great reception and celeberation. During April-May, Matsyendranath is installed in a huge car-chariot with four big wheels to be taken around the city of Paten to the great enjoyment of huge crowds of onlookers. It generally lasts for the whole month. 

Popularly known as the the God of rain & food grains, it is an extremely popular deity of Nepal. This deity has many names such as Karuanmaya, Bodhisattwa, Padmapani, Awalokiteswara, Lokeswara, Lok Nath, Bunga Dyo, etc.  One of the strong elements of his popularity is thatof the long tradition of worshipping him as the all-compassionate god of rain and food grain.

There are many legends and descriptions associated with Rato Matyendranath which could attract any researcher easily. One anecdote is depicted here just to show his popular image.  Once Adi Nath, the lord of the universe who was also the presiding deity of Kathmandu called a meeting of all the deities under him. As per his invitation every body except Rato Matsendranath turned up. This made Adinath furious and considered it as an insult to him. Adinath got the message from him that he was too busy growing food and taking care of his subjects. This angered him enough to stop the rain in Patan City of Rato Matsendra. Time for the rice plantation came but there was no rain. People apprehended famine.  But Rato Machhendra did not loose his patience and immediately started a campaign for rice plantation even without the rain. Before he set himself to this most challenging task he assumed the form of an elderly farmer so as to win support from all. He walked out on his staff to the farms  far and wide where the people were helplessly sitting idle and started advising one and all that they should plant the rice even if there was no rain and wait for the result. The farmers followed his advice and set themselves at work. To the surprise of all, the result of their work was just tremendous. Although the rice plants did not grow tall enough yet the rice grains on them were unusually big. On the other hand, in Kantipur where Adinath lived, the rice plants grew tall enough but did not have any rice grain in them. This event soon convinced Adinath that Rato Matsyendra really had a great spirit  to serve his subjects most sincerely. Since then Adinath treated him with great respect.