Machhendranath (or Bunga Dyah in Newari) is a god of rain worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal. Hindus regard him as an incarnation of Shiva while Buddhists regard him as an incarnation of Avalokiteśvara.

How the Rato Machhendranathcame to Lalitpur.

The story of Rato Machhendranath starts with the Gorakshanath, visiting the Kathmandu Valley long time back. The Gorakshanath knocked many doors in the Kathmandu Valley but no one helped him. He became angry with the citizens and he decided to meditate. He made a seat of serpents where he sat on. While he was meditating on the serpents, the Kathmandu Valley dried out.
The people were desperate. No rain, no rice. What to do? Ke garne?

One day the king of Bhakthpur, the priest of Kantipur and a farmer of Patan were succeed to bring the Machhendranath in Kathmandu Valley. Gorakhnath knew that his teacher arrived, he wake up from Meditations and went to see his master. Then all serpents are released. The Kathmandu Valley got plenty of rainfall again. After that day, the locals worshiped Machhendranath as the god of rain.

The Rato Machhendranath has a Temple in Patan, dating back from 16th century. The deity spends six months of the year in this temple.
Another temple is located in Bungamati, a village about 7 km south of Patan. This is known as his second home. After the chariot festival, Rato Machhendranath spends the next six month in this temple.

The Chariot Festival

Is the longest Festival of this kind in Asia. Generally it starts in April, with begin of the rainy season. The Chariot is pulled through different parts of Patan. It unites all the people. Every 12 years the chariot is pulled from Bungamati to Patan and back to Bungamati.

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[slide image_url=”https://lalitheritagehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Machhendranath-DSCF2035.jpg” caption=”Rato Machhentranath”]
[slide image_url=”https://lalitheritagehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Machhendranath-DSCF1781.jpg” caption=”The Chariot, seen from our house”]
[slide image_url=”https://lalitheritagehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Machhendranath-DSCF1808.jpg” caption=”The Chariot in front of Lalit Heritage Home”]
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