Gadhimai Festival
Tue Nov 24, 2009 1:46 pm » by Sheeple
http://beta.thehindu.com/news/international/article53883.ece
Gadhimai festival begins despite protests in Nepal
Despite appeals to halt the centuries-old custom of animal sacrifice, Gadhimai festival on Tuesday started in southern Nepal with millions of devotees flocking from various parts of the country and India.
Despite appeals to halt the centuries-old custom of animal sacrifice, Gadhimai festival on Tuesday started in southern Nepal with millions of devotees flocking from various parts of the country and India.
People on Tuesday queued up for worshipping Gadhimai, known as the Goddess of Power, as early as 2.45 am, eye-witnesses said.
Amid tight security, Nepalese Health Minister Umakanta Chaudhari reached the 260-year-old temple at 2 am and took part in the worship, according to a local radio.
It is estimated that some 35,000 to 40,000 buffaloes, which are brought mostly from India, for the world’s largest ritual sacrifice at the temple.
French actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has sent a letter to President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, asking him to stop animal sacrifice at the festival.
“I personally find it hard to imagine that your heart can withstand such cruelty, knowing that you, being the head of the country, are ultimately responsible,” she wrote.
India’s noted animal right activist Maneka Gandhi had also written a letter to Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal appealing him to stop the sacrifice.
Meanwhile, Animal Welfare Network Nepal and Anti-Animal Sacrifice Alliance has written to head priest Mangal Chaudhary and organising committee chief Shiva Chandra Kushwaha to stop the mass sacrifice.
The government has, however, remained non-committal on its role in ending the custom.
We will not interfere in the centuries-old tradition of the people, an official said.
‘Buddha Boy’ Ram Bahadur Bomjan has been meditating near the temple premises to stop the sacrifices, while Tibetan Buddhist master Lama Zopa Rinpoche had requested all Buddhist centres and students to read the Golden Sutra and pray for halting the killing.
The local administration has mobilised some 1100 security personnel to maintain security and law and order in the area.
Around five million people, 80 per cent from India, will arrive to observe the festival this time. Some 3,00,000 to 5,00,000 animals will be sacrificed during the two-day festival.
Gadhimai festival begins despite protests in Nepal
Despite appeals to halt the centuries-old custom of animal sacrifice, Gadhimai festival on Tuesday started in southern Nepal with millions of devotees flocking from various parts of the country and India.
Despite appeals to halt the centuries-old custom of animal sacrifice, Gadhimai festival on Tuesday started in southern Nepal with millions of devotees flocking from various parts of the country and India.
People on Tuesday queued up for worshipping Gadhimai, known as the Goddess of Power, as early as 2.45 am, eye-witnesses said.
Amid tight security, Nepalese Health Minister Umakanta Chaudhari reached the 260-year-old temple at 2 am and took part in the worship, according to a local radio.
It is estimated that some 35,000 to 40,000 buffaloes, which are brought mostly from India, for the world’s largest ritual sacrifice at the temple.
French actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has sent a letter to President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, asking him to stop animal sacrifice at the festival.
“I personally find it hard to imagine that your heart can withstand such cruelty, knowing that you, being the head of the country, are ultimately responsible,” she wrote.
India’s noted animal right activist Maneka Gandhi had also written a letter to Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal appealing him to stop the sacrifice.
Meanwhile, Animal Welfare Network Nepal and Anti-Animal Sacrifice Alliance has written to head priest Mangal Chaudhary and organising committee chief Shiva Chandra Kushwaha to stop the mass sacrifice.
The government has, however, remained non-committal on its role in ending the custom.
We will not interfere in the centuries-old tradition of the people, an official said.
‘Buddha Boy’ Ram Bahadur Bomjan has been meditating near the temple premises to stop the sacrifices, while Tibetan Buddhist master Lama Zopa Rinpoche had requested all Buddhist centres and students to read the Golden Sutra and pray for halting the killing.
The local administration has mobilised some 1100 security personnel to maintain security and law and order in the area.
Around five million people, 80 per cent from India, will arrive to observe the festival this time. Some 3,00,000 to 5,00,000 animals will be sacrificed during the two-day festival.
Tue Nov 24, 2009 2:28 pm » by Sheeple
http://www.tarainews.com.np/MAI.HTM
Mother Goddess of Nepal - Terai
By Dr. R. D. Rakesh.
Mai is considered as goddess. It will be more correct to call Mai as folk deity. Taleju, Guheshwori, Bhadrakali, Shobha Bhagawati, Dakshinkali, Mankamana and Churia Mai are Classical deities whereas Shitala Mai and Sona Mai, Kanakali and Bankali are folk deities.
Nepal is the only Hindu Kingdom in the world.This country is the country of gods and goddesses. Mai is also considered as goddess. It will be more correct to call Mai as folk deity. Taleju, Guheshwori, Bhadrakali, Shobha Bhagawati, Dakshinkali, Manakamana and Churia Mai are classical deities whereas Shitala Mai and Sona Mai, Kanakali and Bankali are folk deities. Classical deities are located in famous places and folk deities are located in rural areas. Classical deities have been patronized by the kings and queens and other members of Royal family. As for example Manakamana Mai was the favourite and patron goddess of the late founder King of Nepal Prithvi Narayan Shah. Gadhi Mai was the favourite goddess of the Karnat Kings. Folk deities are not given proper attention and care because they are located in the rural areas but some of them is very famous and considered very generous and benevolent.
Mai is also one of the five god called Panchyan (Pantheon). The five gods are: Ganesh (elephant- headed god),Sun, Vishnu, Shiva and goddesses (Maha Durga, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Saraswati etc.). She is considered the perennial source of energy. She is an originator, so people have been bowing down before her immense power since the time immemorial. They worship her as mother goddess.
There has been a long tradition of worshipping symbol of energy to restore power, strength and stamina for human beings. To respect and regard folk deities has become customary since long time. To worship these deities has become part and parcel of daily life for the people of terai because they think that they do not only stand in the temples but they are very active and alive. The people of Terai are very religious minded. So whether they are Vaishnavas and Shaivas they have undying faith in them.
They offer fruits, flowers, red vermillion, scented incense and veautiful bangles to their favorite goddess. They also get prasad(blessings) after worshipping and offerings. They take ‘prasad’ as blessing of the goddess. Sometimes devotees ask their favorite goddess to fulfill their unfulfilled wishes.
Mother goddess Durga is also considered as Mai. She is considered very kind-hearted and is easily pleased. So she is very popular throughout Nepal. She is worshipped on the auspicious occasion of Dashain with reverence and gaiety every year. Animal sacrifice is the main ritual to be performed to please this blood thirsty goddess. She is highly pleased with the sacrifice of pigeons, ducks and roosters and goats. So her true devotees offer these sacrifices and receive red tika on the forehead, the symbol of energy. This way the blessing of the supreme goddess is also considered to be transmitted in the devotees. Vegetarian devotees do not sacrifice animals. They offer fruits, flowers, red vermillion, bangles mirrors and red threads.
Asta Matrika (eight mother goddesses) is the galaxy of eight goddesses such as Shri DeviMaha Devi, Mahamaya, Jagdamba or Brahmi Vaishnavi Maheshwari, Indrayani, Maha Lakshmi, Chamunda, Barahi and Kumari (the living goddess). The Whole Hindu community is loyal to Mai, mother goddess, from the very beginning of the very beginning of the creation.
Besides this, there are countless forms and figures of Mai, which are worshipped with supreme respect through out the country. They are Shaileshwari in Doti, Bangeshwari in Nepalganj, Rani Ujeshwari in Tansen, Vindyabasini in Pokhara, Chandeshwari in Banepa Nishan Devi in Dhankuta, Dantkali in Dharan, Mankamana and Gorakhkali in Gorkha, Rajdevi in Janakpur, Churia and Bhutan Devi in Hetauda, Sakhada Bhagwati and Chhinmasta in Saptari (Rajbiraj), Sundari Mai in Bhaise and Sona Mai in Mahottari, District.
Tulaja or Taleju was the favorite goddess of the Malla King. Jaya Prakash Malla used to play cards with this goddess. The temple of Taleju is situated in the Durbar Square of Kathmandu in the complex of Hanuman Dhoka. This temple opens only in a year on the auspicious occasion to have a glimpse of her. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of this temple, which is known as “the bell of barking dogs”. This bell is rung every morning while worshipping goddess Taleju in Lalitpur.
Shova Bhagawati
The temple of Shova Bhagawati is situated on the bank of the river Vishnumati. She is very famous and is also a favorites goddess of the Kathmandu Valley. She is also considered very powerful and fulfills all wishes of her devotees. The temple is very small but very impressive. Devotees can be seen in long queue every year during Dashain festival.
Guheshwari
The Temple of Guheswari is situated next to the world famous temple of Pashupatinath. She is considered the consort of Pashuptinath. She is in the form of female part which is worshipped by her countless devotees.
Dakshinkali
The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about 13 kms. south of Kathmandu. She is a very powerful goddess and fulfills all the wishes of her devotees. The temple is very small but every Tuesday and Saturday pilgrims visit this temple to offer prayers. They also sacrifice animals to please the goddess.
Manakamana
The temple of Manakamana Mai stands in the district of Gorkha, the royal seat of the Gorkha kings. She was worshipped by the late king Prithve Narayan Shah after Conquering the Kathmandu Valley. She is the royal deity of the Gorkha kings.
Hundreds of thousands people throng to worship her during the national festival Dashain. She is very popular among her devotees because she fulfills all their wishes. So she is rightly called Manakamana. The temples of Mai are largely found in the Terai region. Some of them are famous whereas some of them are lesser known. Some folk deities don’t have temples. They are situated on the elevated mount of land and some of them rest under the shadow of big trees.
Churia Mai
The temple of Churia Mai is situated in the midst of the Shivalik range and beside the Tribhuvan Rajpath (High way). People travelling by this Highway bow down in respect and throw coins and offerings from the window of the buses by which they are traveling for pleasing the goddess. They also pray for their safe journey.
The temple of Churia Mai is situated in the midst of the Shivalik range and beside the Tribhuvan Rajpath (High way). People travelling by this Highway bow down in respect and throw coins and offerings from the window of the buses by which they are traveling for pleasing the goddess. They also pray for their safe journey.
Gadhi Mai
The temple of Gadhi Mai in the village of Bariarpur in the district of Bara is the most popular and famous in the whole Terai Belt. This goddess was the favorite goddess of the Karnat kings. The temple of Taleju in Katmandu is considered to be the replica of the temple of Gadhi Mai. The Karnat kings brought this goddess from Simraun Gardh to Kathmandu Valley when they compromised with the Malla kings of the Valley. So she is called Rajgadhi Mai because she was the real royal goddess. She is worshipped in a grand manner after every five years by devotees from the whole of Nepal and also from India. Thousands of water buffalos are sacrificed at the alter of this deity. A colorful grand fair is held to mark this auspicious occasion. It is considered one of the biggest folk fair in South Asia.
The goddess of Gadhi Mai is understood to have seven sisters namely Gadhi Mai, Virta Mai (Biranj), Boudhi Mai (Madhuwan Bara), Sansari Mai (Shiva Nagar, Pothiyahi), Kanhar Mai, (Sameera bagadh) and Ghodaahi Mai (Dharampur, Rautahat district). These seven sisters assemble in one place on the auspicious occasion of Gadhi Mai fair after five years. Bariarpur village becomes the marvellous scenic spot for animal sacrifice after every five years. This fair provides national and international forum for fraternity, brotherhood and mutual understanding among the devotees visiting it. This fair lasts for twenty days.
Gahawa Mai
The temple of Mai located in the heart of Birganj at Maisthan is called Gahawa Mai. Pilgrims come to worship her from distant villages during the Dashain festival. A big fair also takes place on this occasion. There are many temples of folk – deities Mai in Birganj. To name few of them are Gahawa Mai, Birta Mai, Radhe Mai, Boudhi Mai, Bhutan Devi Mai, Shree Dwardevi Mai Bindhyabasini Mai etc.
Temples of Mai are situated in almost every village and town of Terai. Before marriage ceremony the brides worship the goddess Mai of their respective villages. They are also supposed to worship the Mango tree which is considered sacred before worshipping the temple of Mai
Sona Mai
Sona Mai is famous in the village of Sona Mai in the district of Mahottari near Janakpur. This village is named after this Mai. Raj Mai is famous in the district of Sarlahi.
Singhabahini
Likewise the temple of Singhabahini located at Ilam and surrounded by the trees of Rudraksha is also worth visiting. There is also Mai Pokhari (pond) in this district. This pond is named after this Mai.
Mother Goddess of Nepal - Terai
By Dr. R. D. Rakesh.
Mai is considered as goddess. It will be more correct to call Mai as folk deity. Taleju, Guheshwori, Bhadrakali, Shobha Bhagawati, Dakshinkali, Mankamana and Churia Mai are Classical deities whereas Shitala Mai and Sona Mai, Kanakali and Bankali are folk deities.
Nepal is the only Hindu Kingdom in the world.This country is the country of gods and goddesses. Mai is also considered as goddess. It will be more correct to call Mai as folk deity. Taleju, Guheshwori, Bhadrakali, Shobha Bhagawati, Dakshinkali, Manakamana and Churia Mai are classical deities whereas Shitala Mai and Sona Mai, Kanakali and Bankali are folk deities. Classical deities are located in famous places and folk deities are located in rural areas. Classical deities have been patronized by the kings and queens and other members of Royal family. As for example Manakamana Mai was the favourite and patron goddess of the late founder King of Nepal Prithvi Narayan Shah. Gadhi Mai was the favourite goddess of the Karnat Kings. Folk deities are not given proper attention and care because they are located in the rural areas but some of them is very famous and considered very generous and benevolent.
Mai is also one of the five god called Panchyan (Pantheon). The five gods are: Ganesh (elephant- headed god),Sun, Vishnu, Shiva and goddesses (Maha Durga, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Saraswati etc.). She is considered the perennial source of energy. She is an originator, so people have been bowing down before her immense power since the time immemorial. They worship her as mother goddess.
There has been a long tradition of worshipping symbol of energy to restore power, strength and stamina for human beings. To respect and regard folk deities has become customary since long time. To worship these deities has become part and parcel of daily life for the people of terai because they think that they do not only stand in the temples but they are very active and alive. The people of Terai are very religious minded. So whether they are Vaishnavas and Shaivas they have undying faith in them.
They offer fruits, flowers, red vermillion, scented incense and veautiful bangles to their favorite goddess. They also get prasad(blessings) after worshipping and offerings. They take ‘prasad’ as blessing of the goddess. Sometimes devotees ask their favorite goddess to fulfill their unfulfilled wishes.
Mother goddess Durga is also considered as Mai. She is considered very kind-hearted and is easily pleased. So she is very popular throughout Nepal. She is worshipped on the auspicious occasion of Dashain with reverence and gaiety every year. Animal sacrifice is the main ritual to be performed to please this blood thirsty goddess. She is highly pleased with the sacrifice of pigeons, ducks and roosters and goats. So her true devotees offer these sacrifices and receive red tika on the forehead, the symbol of energy. This way the blessing of the supreme goddess is also considered to be transmitted in the devotees. Vegetarian devotees do not sacrifice animals. They offer fruits, flowers, red vermillion, bangles mirrors and red threads.
Asta Matrika (eight mother goddesses) is the galaxy of eight goddesses such as Shri DeviMaha Devi, Mahamaya, Jagdamba or Brahmi Vaishnavi Maheshwari, Indrayani, Maha Lakshmi, Chamunda, Barahi and Kumari (the living goddess). The Whole Hindu community is loyal to Mai, mother goddess, from the very beginning of the very beginning of the creation.
Besides this, there are countless forms and figures of Mai, which are worshipped with supreme respect through out the country. They are Shaileshwari in Doti, Bangeshwari in Nepalganj, Rani Ujeshwari in Tansen, Vindyabasini in Pokhara, Chandeshwari in Banepa Nishan Devi in Dhankuta, Dantkali in Dharan, Mankamana and Gorakhkali in Gorkha, Rajdevi in Janakpur, Churia and Bhutan Devi in Hetauda, Sakhada Bhagwati and Chhinmasta in Saptari (Rajbiraj), Sundari Mai in Bhaise and Sona Mai in Mahottari, District.
Tulaja or Taleju was the favorite goddess of the Malla King. Jaya Prakash Malla used to play cards with this goddess. The temple of Taleju is situated in the Durbar Square of Kathmandu in the complex of Hanuman Dhoka. This temple opens only in a year on the auspicious occasion to have a glimpse of her. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of this temple, which is known as “the bell of barking dogs”. This bell is rung every morning while worshipping goddess Taleju in Lalitpur.
Shova Bhagawati
The temple of Shova Bhagawati is situated on the bank of the river Vishnumati. She is very famous and is also a favorites goddess of the Kathmandu Valley. She is also considered very powerful and fulfills all wishes of her devotees. The temple is very small but very impressive. Devotees can be seen in long queue every year during Dashain festival.
Guheshwari
The Temple of Guheswari is situated next to the world famous temple of Pashupatinath. She is considered the consort of Pashuptinath. She is in the form of female part which is worshipped by her countless devotees.
Dakshinkali
The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about 13 kms. south of Kathmandu. She is a very powerful goddess and fulfills all the wishes of her devotees. The temple is very small but every Tuesday and Saturday pilgrims visit this temple to offer prayers. They also sacrifice animals to please the goddess.
Manakamana
The temple of Manakamana Mai stands in the district of Gorkha, the royal seat of the Gorkha kings. She was worshipped by the late king Prithve Narayan Shah after Conquering the Kathmandu Valley. She is the royal deity of the Gorkha kings.
Hundreds of thousands people throng to worship her during the national festival Dashain. She is very popular among her devotees because she fulfills all their wishes. So she is rightly called Manakamana. The temples of Mai are largely found in the Terai region. Some of them are famous whereas some of them are lesser known. Some folk deities don’t have temples. They are situated on the elevated mount of land and some of them rest under the shadow of big trees.
Churia Mai
The temple of Churia Mai is situated in the midst of the Shivalik range and beside the Tribhuvan Rajpath (High way). People travelling by this Highway bow down in respect and throw coins and offerings from the window of the buses by which they are traveling for pleasing the goddess. They also pray for their safe journey.
The temple of Churia Mai is situated in the midst of the Shivalik range and beside the Tribhuvan Rajpath (High way). People travelling by this Highway bow down in respect and throw coins and offerings from the window of the buses by which they are traveling for pleasing the goddess. They also pray for their safe journey.
Gadhi Mai
The temple of Gadhi Mai in the village of Bariarpur in the district of Bara is the most popular and famous in the whole Terai Belt. This goddess was the favorite goddess of the Karnat kings. The temple of Taleju in Katmandu is considered to be the replica of the temple of Gadhi Mai. The Karnat kings brought this goddess from Simraun Gardh to Kathmandu Valley when they compromised with the Malla kings of the Valley. So she is called Rajgadhi Mai because she was the real royal goddess. She is worshipped in a grand manner after every five years by devotees from the whole of Nepal and also from India. Thousands of water buffalos are sacrificed at the alter of this deity. A colorful grand fair is held to mark this auspicious occasion. It is considered one of the biggest folk fair in South Asia.
The goddess of Gadhi Mai is understood to have seven sisters namely Gadhi Mai, Virta Mai (Biranj), Boudhi Mai (Madhuwan Bara), Sansari Mai (Shiva Nagar, Pothiyahi), Kanhar Mai, (Sameera bagadh) and Ghodaahi Mai (Dharampur, Rautahat district). These seven sisters assemble in one place on the auspicious occasion of Gadhi Mai fair after five years. Bariarpur village becomes the marvellous scenic spot for animal sacrifice after every five years. This fair provides national and international forum for fraternity, brotherhood and mutual understanding among the devotees visiting it. This fair lasts for twenty days.
Gahawa Mai
The temple of Mai located in the heart of Birganj at Maisthan is called Gahawa Mai. Pilgrims come to worship her from distant villages during the Dashain festival. A big fair also takes place on this occasion. There are many temples of folk – deities Mai in Birganj. To name few of them are Gahawa Mai, Birta Mai, Radhe Mai, Boudhi Mai, Bhutan Devi Mai, Shree Dwardevi Mai Bindhyabasini Mai etc.
Temples of Mai are situated in almost every village and town of Terai. Before marriage ceremony the brides worship the goddess Mai of their respective villages. They are also supposed to worship the Mango tree which is considered sacred before worshipping the temple of Mai
Sona Mai
Sona Mai is famous in the village of Sona Mai in the district of Mahottari near Janakpur. This village is named after this Mai. Raj Mai is famous in the district of Sarlahi.
Singhabahini
Likewise the temple of Singhabahini located at Ilam and surrounded by the trees of Rudraksha is also worth visiting. There is also Mai Pokhari (pond) in this district. This pond is named after this Mai.
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