MATSYENDRA NATH TEMPLE, KATHMANDU

 This temple is located at Matsyendranath Bahal in Kathmandu. Matsyendra Nath is mainly as the God of rain, but in the implied sense people take him as the God who gives food and, thus, the God of mercy. Every year in eh month of Poush (Jan). He is taken in a chariot in some main streets of Kathmandu projecting a great show to thousands of spectators. Local people of Kathmandu observe this festival occasion by taking feasts along with friends and relatives. 

MATSYA

 Literally meaning Fish, it is the first incarnation of Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is known to have taken the form of fish for his first appearance in this mortal world. Fish is therefore intimately associated with him. Survarna matsya meaning golden fish is also a term used for the two gold fishes recovered by gods to symbolize the sources of human sufferings as well. They are known to have been rescued from the ocean of miseries from worldly existence. In another connotation, fish one of the eight auspicious signs popularly known as Astamangalas. 

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. 

MATAYA

Matya is a typical Buddhist festival of Nepal which in Newari means the festival of lights. It is, however, quite different from Deepawali which is celebrated every year in the month of November. Mataya is a festival in the form of a procession that begins early in the morning on the third day of the dark fortnight of Shrawan (August). One of the most fascinating features of this festival is a long parade of enthusiastic shrine walkers who go around all the Buddhist shrines scattered in and around the city of Lalitpur or Patan. It must be remembered here that Patan alone has more than 1300 Buddhist shrines. The shrine-walkers visit all those shrines in a colourful procession walking through the traditionally prescribed routes. Thousands and thousands of devotees participate in this parade and walk the whole day to cover all the shrines. The rest of the people just watch the procession by staying at suitable locations and places. They carry a variety of exciting gifts to make offerings to Lord Buddha in all the shrines. The offering of oil or butter lamps to lord Buddha is a dominant feature of this auspicious day. According to popular belief, Lord Buddha attained enlightenment on this day by overcoming the Maras or the evils personified. 

Legends say that when Shakyamuni Gautam was in deep penance to attain Nirvana, all the Mara’s, came down to detract him by disguising themselves into different disturbing and ferocious forms as well as attractive damsels or nymphs to disturb his meditation. Finally, the Buddha Shakya Muni overcame Maras and became the enlightened one. Later, all the Mara’s came to confess their sins and surrendered to Lord Buddha and worshipped Him with great honor. Ever since this festival is believed to have come into existence to mark this great day. 

This parade is accordingly comprised of devotees of all kinds including various forms of Mara’s and groups of musicians and artists demonstrating Nepalese musical and cultural traditions. It takes about twelve hours to complete the round to the entire Buddhist shrines.

This occasion is celebrated with lavish feasts and fun. Management and organization of the parade are handled by the people of various areas of Patan in rotation of ten years.  

MATRI AUNSI

 Literal meaning of Matri is mother and Aunsi means the fifteenth or the darkest night according to Lunar calendar. Matri Aunsi particularly falls in the month of Baisakh. This being specially observed as mother’s day, those whose mothers have expired go to Mata Teertha (a holy place consecrated to mothers which is in the outskirts of Kathmandu) to take bath and make offerings, in the name of their mothers, to the Brahmins and priests. Surviving mothers are served with sweets and delicious dishes with reverence by their sons an daughters and in return mothers bless them. 

The legendary background of this festival is based upon the belief that once in this particular day it had so happened that the breads thrown by cowherds whose mothers have expired, disappeared at that place which is called ‘Mata Teertha’ where as those thrown by the cowherds whose mothers were still surviving did not. A pond was created later, and from them on the practice of bathing in the pond and offering edibles to the Brahmins and the priests came into practice. 

MARTYRS’ MEMORIAL GATE

 At the parade ground, central place of Kathmandu, this big gate dedicated to the martyrs of Nepal stands prominently where important guests lay wreath of flowers to honour the martyrs. Statues of King Tribhuvan, Sukra Raj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta, Dasarath Chand and Ganga Lall are installed in it. 

MARSYANGDI RIVER

 Originated from Peri Himal north of manang Bhot, Marsyangdi river passed through deep gorges at various places and en route, joins with Chepe river at Chepeghat and Daraundi Khola at Majhuwaghat before falling into Trisuli River at Tribenighat. 

MANUFACTURING

 Manufacturing of all kinds of products is still at the developmental stage in Nepal. In spite of the fact that many kinds of consumer goods are produced in Nepal, it represents less than 15 percent of the GDP. Major sectors of production and industries are carpets, garments, textiles, leather products, paper, cement and many kinds of handicrafts and art-crafts. Other important products of Nepal are steel utensils and other products, cigarettes, sugar, liquors and beverages. Although many national and multinational large-scale factories have been established in the recent years, yet majority of the industries are still the cottage and small scale operations. Most of Nepal’s industries are based in the Kathmandu Valley and the prominent cities in the southern plain areas of Nepal. 

MANU

A learned Brahmin of ancient time who is known as the profounder of Hindu caste system. In fact, he gave a philosophy of his own regarding creation of man, his relative virtues and vice of his various births and their impact in present life etc.

MANTRA

 Mantra is a kind of magic spell. However, the term Mantra is mostly used in the religious text as sacred and secret magic expression in words often in the form of rhymes. People believe that by spelling such a Mantra with due concentration and faith, the desired results may be achieved.