Tourism Info Nepal

350-Year-Old Tradition of Chandra Binayak Rath Yatra Celebrated with Devotion in Kathmandu

350-Year-Old Tradition of Chandra Binayak Rath Yatra Celebrated with Devotion in Kathmandu

The sacred procession of Chandra Binayak and Bhairabnath Rath was recently held within the premises of the Pashupatinath Temple, a significant event in Kathmandu’s religious calendar. Chandra Binayak is traditionally believed to be the son of Lord Pashupatinath, and this belief forms the basis of the custom of bringing Chandra Binayak’s chariot to the Pashupatinath Temple area during the annual festival.

The procession, which is considered a vital ritual, took place under the guidance of Bimal Kumar Hoda, the chairman of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-7. As per the religious custom, after the idol of Chandra Binayak received blessings from the Pashupatinath Temple, the procession continued through the main junction leading to Chuchepati. Raju Bharti, a member of the festival coordination committee, shared details about the route and the significance of this journey, marking the importance of this ancient tradition.

The Chandra Binayak Rath Yatra, which began with special rituals at the Chandra Binayak Temple, has been celebrated for over 350 years. The ritual commenced with a special pooja performed by Ramkrishna Dangol from the Pashupatinath Amal Kot Court on the day of Kartik Shukla Purnima. In the evening, the temple courtyard witnessed the lighting of the Dhuni (sacred fire), a tradition for which the Amal Kot Court provides firewood.

The procession followed a traditional route, with the chariots of Chandra Binayak and Bhairabnath paraded around the temple and later moved to Ganga Hiti for a ceremonial bath. After the bath, the chariots were taken to Charumati Bihar for the evening rituals. This historic event, believed to have been initiated by King Bhupalendra Malla in Nepal Sambat 801, draws local devotees from across the valley.

The first day of the procession featured the ‘Malja Nkega’ ritual, where Kumar Kumari, the deity, was worshipped, and the blessings of Vinayak were distributed among devotees. Chandra Binayak is one of the four Vinayaks of the Kathmandu Valley, and its significance continues to be honored by locals. The festivities conclude on the day of the Margashirsha Krishna Tritiya when the chariot procession is completed with the application of tika and abir (colored powder) on the idols of Chandra Binayak and Bhairabnath.

This vibrant festival not only honors centuries-old religious practices but also highlights the community’s deep connection to the Pashupatinath Temple and the cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. The celebrations, which span from Kartik Shukla Purnima to Margashirsha Krishna Tritiya, are a testament to the enduring legacy of King Bhupalendra Malla’s reign, with devotees joyously participating in the procession through areas such as Pashupati, Jayabageshwari, Mitrapark, Chabahil, and Chuchepati.

The successful completion of the festival culminates in the Sinndoor Jatra (Vermilion procession) held in the Chabahil area, signifying the end of the joyous occasion, and reaffirming the cultural and religious significance of the Chandra Binayak Rath Yatra, a tradition cherished for centuries in the heart of Kathmandu.

Source: RSS

Press + K to search