MATSYENDRANATH

 Matsyendranath, the god in the form of a fish is popularly believed as an aspect of Avalokiteswar or Lokeswar. This famous god is taken around the city of Patan in a huge chariot-car pulled by hundreds of men with one accord. 

A legend says that Lokeswar taught Shiva on Kamini mountains about how to meditate for enlightenment. Shiva told it to his consort Parvati who fell asleep, but Avalokiteswar was listening it in the form of a fish. As Shiva noticed somebody was listening to him, he threatened to curse if he did not reveal himself. Thus, Lokeswar revealed himself and, seeing him, Shiva apologised for his harsh words. Later, Gorakhnath, the disciple of Matsyendranth wanted to see him to this incarnation of a fish and planned to make him appear. He, therefore, caught hold of Nags, the serpent deities and imprisoned them which caused drought in the valley for twelve years. Matsyendranath, thus, appeared for the relief of the suffering humanity. The king of that time was worried about the drought an therefore, consulted Bandhudutta Acharya, a wise person who advised the king that only Lord Lokeswar could save the valley. The Acharya, by means of his tantric power saved Karkotak nag, the king of the nags. Then King Narendra Dev, Karkotak nag, a porter named Ratham Chakra and Bandhudatta himself went where Avalokiteswar was. There, with powerful spells or mantras, Bandhudutta compelled matsyendranath to enter into a jar in the form of a black and big bee-like creature. Inspite of much prevention by his mother, Avalokiteswar was taken to Patan with an agreement that he would be entrusted with the government and that his mother would be pacified by sacrificial offerings every year.