Source::Rss
A month-long fair has commenced at the Aadinath temple, situated on Chovar Hill in Kathmandu. This annual event begins on Ashwin Shukla (Kojagrat) Purnima and extends until Kartik Shukla Purnima, drawing devotees from the Kathmandu Valley and its environs. It is believed that visiting the temple during the fair brings family happiness and prosperity and wards off fear, ailments, and troubles.
The temple, founded by Lichchhabi King Amshuberma, holds historical and archaeological significance. It houses an idol representing the combined form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parbati, known as Ardhanareshwor (Aadinath). Both Hindu and Buddhist followers hold the temple in high esteem.
Hindus revere Aadinath as Shiva Shakti, while Buddhists worship Aadinath as Aanandadi Lokeshwor, regarding the deity as a symbol of compassion. Buddhist devotees believe that meditation on Lokeshwor bestows longevity, wealth, and protection from untimely death.
Local residents of Kirtipur emphasize the inseparable bond between Hindu and Buddhist devotees and the temple, considering it a shared cultural heritage. During the fair, devotees offer flags, various utensils, and ornaments after conducting a Sapta Satwo puja in the temple. Each day of the fair, people visit the temple with a variety of offerings, engage in puja rituals, and incorporate musical instruments, bhajan kirtan (hymns), and religious dances into their worship, as noted by local resident Kanhaiya Kunwar._Rss
photo credit: Wikipedia
Also Read
