Jaya Prakash Malla was the last but a brave king of Kathmandu city state. He ruled Katmandu from 1736 A.D. to 1767 when he was defeated by the king of Gorkha, Prithvi Narayana Shah, the founder of united Nepal, though patriotic, strict, bold and intriguing in nature, he was also a victim of his own suspicious character. He intrigued against his own brother and killed his own commander Kashi Ram Thapa who was deputed at Nuwakot for suspicion of treachery and naturally that weakened his having to fight with many self made enemies who helped Prithivi Narayan Shah of Gorkha. However, inspite of all adversaries during his reign he fought bravely till the end of his life. His bravery was open heartedly appreciated by Prithivi Narayan Shah himself.
MALLA PERIOD (1200 - 1769 AD)
Though the people from the Malla dynasty were active in power also in some other areas, they didn’t come to Kathmandu valley until 1200 AD when King Ari Deva assumed the title and founded a new, highly accomplished dynasty. The Malla Period is a glorious era in the history of Nepal. Mallas developed trade and commerce, industry, religion and culture. They reached a high level of perfection in the fields of art and architecture.
The early Malla monarchs held absolute power by divine right: they were considered to be incarnations of Vishnu, as are the present Shah rulers. Although the Mallas were Hindu Shaivites following strict Brahmin rituals, they were tolerant of Buddhism, which was widespread at the court and among the people - especially in its Tantric form, the cult of Vajrayana.
A feudal administrative structure was imposed, dominated by an aristocratic elite whose powers at times overshadowed those of the sovereign. Below them, Brahmins and Chhetris monopolized all offices of profit around the palace. Next on the social ladder were the traders and farmers, divided into 64 strictly enforced occupational castes.
Some of the most popular kings of this period and their accomplishments are briefly described elsewhere. See Malla Jayasthiti, Malla Pratap, Malla Jaya Prakash, Malla Ranjit and Malla Siddhi Narsingh.
MAKWANPUR
It is an important historic district of Narayani zone. This district is marked by historically interesting places, the relics and monuments of ancient rulers and other relevant traits of important socio-cultural aspects of old days in various parts of the district. Hetaunda municipality is the headquarters of the district which is one of the important industrial towns of the country as well. Famous area for timber, Makawanpur district is developing rapidly in all fields including trade, tourism, industry and socioal-cultural development.
MAKAR SANKRANTI
Sankranti is the first day of a month and makar means capricornus. Makar Sankranti, thus, signify the period when the sun enters the part of the Zodiac which is symbolized by Capricounus. For Newars, it is the special day for taking ghee and a kind of refined molasses. People bask in the sunshine and massage their bodies with mustard oil. The newly wed brides as well as women without issues usually do not take ghee and molasses that day in their husbands’ residences and instead they go to their maternal houses.
MAJHI
Majhis are the known as the fisherman tribe. They are found in the districts of Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok, Ramechhap, Sindhuli, Dhankuta and Okhaldhunga. They are found living along large riverbanks. Majhi’s speak in their own native language which is a mixture of Tibeto-Burman strains as well as Bhojpuri and Maithili. They are engaged for their livelihood as boatsmen on top of fishing for survival. They also are good in filtering out gold from the sands of the river. The river is their benevolent deity. When somebody dies in their communities, they dance for three days in the memory of the dead one. MAKALU, MT.- Mt. Makalu, the 5th highest peak of the world is the topmost and dominant peak of Kumbhakarna Himal. The altitude of its peak is 27,807 ft. from sea level.
MAITHILI
Maithili is a big community spread over in the districts of southern Nepal and parts of India. Historically they were from the kingdom of Mithila which is still known as Mithila Pradesh as parts of Nepal and India. It is believed that Janakpur zone of Nepal where famous Janaki temple is situated was once the kingdom of King Janak, father of Sita of Ramayan. Maithili community are originally the inhabitants of Mithila. There are more than two million Maithili people in Nepal comprising 12 percent of the total population. Most of Maithili’s live in the districts of Rautahat, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Dhanusa, Sirha , Saptari and Sunsari .Maithili is the name of their language also which is rich in culture and literature.
MAHOTTARI
This district lies in Janakpur zone. Maithili language, culture and population is predominant in this district with agriculture as the main economic base. The temple of Mahadev who is staying on top of the water pool is the famous temple of this district. Having seated on top of water, This particular Mahadev himself is known as Jaleswar. Jaleswar is also the name of the town which is the headquaters of this district. Population of this district is approximately...
MAHISASURAMARDINI
Mahisasuramardini is one of the most popular forms of Devi or Durga. One can see plenty of stone statues of Devi in Mahisasuramardini form, scattered in and around Kathmandu valley. Some of them are so beautifully carved that they just seem to be breathtaking. The oldest and most lively piece is that of Palnachokey Bhagawati which is said to be built around early 6th century A. D. It is in Mahisasruamardini form that she is worshipped during the entire celebration of Dasain. There is a very interesting story about how Devi was invoked for killing Mahisasura, the most powerful buffalo headed demon king.
Once there broke out a big battle between gods and demons. The battle continued for 100 long years until the demon king Mahisasura vanquished all the gods and became himself the overlord of all the three worlds. The defeated gods grew jealous of his power and position. They all went to the Trinity and asked for help to dethrone the demon king. They were assured help. Goddesses Durga was immediately created out of the trinity powers. She challenged Mahisasura to face her in the battle-field. The result was a big war. Many demons were killed. Mahisasura became furious. He stormed himself across Devi and destroyed many of her weapons. She could not bear this insult any longer. She roared out like a lioness and jumped quickly upon the demon and cut off his head. But it is said that another head peeped out from the same trunk. She beheaded that one too. Anguishing thus the entire devil forces, Devi brought about delight for all gods and ensured peace in heaven and earth alike. Since then Devi was given the name “Mahisasruamardini” meaning the killer of the demon King Mahisasura.
It was on the Dasami Day (10th day of the Dasain festival) that Devi killed Mahisasura. The day is, therefore, called a day of Victory or Vijayadasmi, a perfect day for seeking blessings from Devi and of course from senior members of the family too.
The whole episode of dasain celebration centers round Shakti worship or the respect of women power which also demonstrates core culture of Nepal. Shakti denotes a woman, a wife and a mother, all three in one. A divine mother is shakti in herself. We, therefore call Mahisasuramardini a great shakti or a great goddess Durga, the supreme power or universal mother.
MAHISASURA
Mahisasura is the name of the demon king who once became so powerful that he ruled all three worlds and caused maximum trouble to all living beings including gods. This all all powerful demon king was finally defeated and killed by Goddess Durga and thus saved the world from the tryranny of Mahisasura in the days of yore. See Mahisasuramardini
MAHAYUGA
In Hindu mythology, there are four Yugas or aeons namely Satya, Treta, Dwapar and Kali. Completion of one circle of four Yugas makes one Mahayuga or the great yuga.