Bajramuni Bajracharya, PhD
Central Department of Nepal Bhasha
Abstract
Jagatpal Mahavihar is a traditional Buddhist monastery of Kirtipur, situated at ChilancvoVihar, Kirtipur Municipality, Ward 10. There stands a complex area covered by five main Caityas in the central part of the monastery. The main aim of this study is to explore the cultural activities of the monastery, to assess the previous trend of renovation culture, and to find out the devotees the past renovation about the Caitya. There live 160 male members Vajracharyas among whom I selected fifteen as Ajus in the monastery as data for my study. I have applied the ethnographic method and entertained observation, and open interviews with the concerned members of the Guthi during the course of data collection. Photographies, inscriptions, books, and artifacts have been used for description. I started my research during Nepal earthquake 2015 and completed it in two years. My study revealed the series of events as the renovation acts. During renovation of the Caitya, the Ajus completed the amnesty worship; pulled the pinnacle by using a
cow; removed nyasa and kept it in a secret place; installed the soul of the god by Pranpratistha pooja; and during the renovation of the center, devotees kept religious valuable things for merit. While building and renovating the Caitya in past it was revealed that ancestors used crystal, Fudan, images of Buddha, copper plate, gold, and silver and other valuable ornaments. Some archaeological artifacts have also proved that the last renovation had been done during the period of late King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah Dev.
Keywords: monastery, cult house, Caitya, meditation, acharya Guthi, nhikan.
Introduction
Jagatpal monastery is the traditional Buddhists’ residence where Vajrachryas practice Buddhist cultural activities. The monastery is situated at Chilancvo Vihar. The term Vihar is derived from the Pali word Viharati meaning resting place. In the period of Shakyamuni Buddha, Monks travelled for delivering Buddhas teaching to lay people in A) bajracharya: Cultural Activities of Jagatpal Mahavihar the mid-day and then took rest in the place. The place in that sense Viharti word has been used. It became today Vihar (Dahal & Khatiwada, 2003, p. 283).Similarly, Jagatpal monastery is also the resting place of Vajracharyas. The monastery is believed to build in 635 NS (1515 AD.) by Jagatpal Verma. His name has been mentioned in the stone
inscription of the complex in front of the main Caitya. In the monastery, Vajracharyas of Kirtipur gather for the promotion of Buddhism and its culture. They worship Gods and goddesses, recite Mantras, practice yoga and meditation. They are household priests. They use their ritual activities in Jajamans’ (clients) houses as per jajaman’s necessity. This is one of the Vajracharyas direct cultural activities that impress devotees. The senior
Vajracharya teaches Buddhist philosophy and cultural activities to neophyte Vajracharya. The members of the monastery practice Buddhism, observe the culture and participate in every cultural function.
There is a big Caitya with four small Caityas in the cardinal point. It is the Buddhist heritage site of Kirtipur and a major shrine of the monastery. Its construction is still unknown; there is no evidence found yet. Local Vajracharyas and foreign scholars have the belief that Emperor Ashok had built it (Shrestha, 2000, p. 59). The Last renovation (after the earthquake of 2072, Baishakh (April, 2015 A.D.) of the Caitya was completed in 2018. with the support of the Department of Archaeology. According to the rule of the religious method, forgiveness (kshema) pooja is completed by the officiating priest. The nyasa (Pran or jiva) of the Caitya is transferred into a vessel (Nyasaghata) by using Mantras. After that the workers can dismantle as the Priest Aju, Puspa Ratna Vajracharya described. Likewise, in Chilancvo, Keshmuni Vajracharya and the other four Vajracharya priests perform forgiveness pooja and transfer the nyasa into the Nyasaghata (Kalasha). It is kept in the monastery until it is completed. First of all, in renovation, the pinnacle, thirteen spares and central pool is safely removed. During the renovation period, some archaeological artifacts were found in the center of the dome which was replaced in dome and recorded. After completing the renovation, Vajracharyas reinstall the nyasa in the Caitya by Pranpratistha Pooja which I observed during my research work.
The study was carried out with a view whether the inhabitants of Kirtipur and the surrounding places be promoted the cultural activities of the monastery. Moreover, the study took a genuine ambition to inform and communicate Caitya renovation trend to the devotees. This study helps to a comparative study of the object kept inside the Caitya in the past and at present. It provides knowledge about the preservation of archeological objects following religious rituals and how history could be constructed based on the archeological objects. Those artifacts help to study in anthropology, sociology. It generates respect in religion and it makes devotees to inspire to do good deeds.
Methods
I have followed descriptive and analytical methods during my research study. All the Vajracharya male family members are members of the Jagatpal monastery. Nowadays there are around 160 Vihar members. Fifteen senior-most Ajus have been selected from the members as per the rule. All the cultural activities of the monastery have been undertaken under their guidance and supervision. Therefore, for the data collection, these fifteen Ajus have been selected as informants. I interviewed and conversed with them in their residence and Jagatpal monastery using interview guidelines, note books, mobile recorder for the collection of data. I talked with them about the cultural processes of the monastery and religious values in society, and afterall transcribed the informants’ views for analysis. I personally participated in the process, used the observation form to record their external and internal cultural activities of the monastery daily, monthly and yearly from 2015 to 2017. I engaged myself in the fieldwork during the Caitya renovation period. I took photography, made safe inscriptions, and consulted related books, photos and coins as secondary sources. I have described and analyzed the data following qualitative design.
Results and Discussion
The study revealed that there are two images of the secret Gods named Chakrasambara established on the 2″ floor and Akshyabya on the 1* floor, respectively where secret and open two types of pooja are held in the house. These cultural activities are completed by fifteen Ajus on a rotation basis, and open cultural activities are performed by all the members. Fifteen Ajus are the main cultural figures of the monastery.
In the Southward of the Caitya, there is a Vajracharyas’ agamchhen (i.e. cult house) named Jagatpal Mahavihar. They practice Buddhist culture in the cult house. It is believed to have been built by Jagatpal in JesthSukla Saptami (Astami) Sunday (Shrestha, 2059, p. 59). Jagatpal Verma was born in Lalitpur at Pimbahal. He married Rupa Laxmi of Kirtipur. Later, he stayed in Kirtipur in his in-law’s house with his family. He was killed on the battlefield by the people of Chapagaun in N.S. 647 (Shrestha, 2001, p. 8). During his stay in Kirtipur, he did many social and religious work over there. He built Jagatpal monastery and renovated the Caitya (Shrestha, 2001). He erected a wooden pillar (valansin) in the center of the main Caitya and added a plinth (circumambulation path) in the Caitya. It has been written in the inscription of the main stupa. He gave present style as a model of Pimbahal Caitya, Patan. There is no name of Jagatpal Verma as Caitya builder.
The monastery situated in Kirtipur is popular nowadays in the name of Jagatpal but in one invitation card which was sent from Bhaktapur on the occasion of Samyak mentions Rajgata Lokdharma Sanskarita Padhamha Kastha Giri Gun Vihara dated N.S 694 (1574 Bajracharya: Cultural Activities of Jagatpal Mahavihar
A.D.) (Vajracharya, 2005, p. 117). It proves that Jagatpal Mahavihar was not popular up to then as a monastery builder. The invitation card mentions that the public had the main role to build it. It is said that Jagatpal Verma had a minor role in its construction.
After Jagatpal Verma his descendants Pradhanas are supposed to be residing in Kirtipur, the premises of the palace since his time. They have still been worshipping the secret deity ChakrasambaraVajrabarahi in Agam of the monastery on the next day of their De pooja (linage worship day). That secret deity isn’t shown to other castes except to Vajracharya members who have taken initiation. This cultural practice is strong evidence of the monastery built by Jagatpal Verma; this is evident by the fact that Pradhans and Shresthas have been practicing Buddhism since then.
Misra, Brahman, Verma, Gupta along with the Hindu castes Shrestha, Pradhans are found to have contributed to Buddhism in the past. They have been involved in Buddhism activities. Even today, in the Vikramsila monastery of Thanhiti, Kathmandu, the Pradhans have been conducting Buddhism activities and Vajracharyas (have been) performing poojaas with pradhans as their family priests. Similarly, the Yampi Vihar, Yashodhara Mahavihar and other many Mahavihars of Lalitpur were built by non-Buddhists, as depicted in the inscriptions of a festooned archway (Vajracharya, 2000, p. 120).
Courtyard of the monastery
The main entrance of the monastery is to the east where two lions made of stone stand on either side of the gateway. On the right side of the main gate, we find idols of Ganesh, and Mahankala and on the left side, the idols of Ram Laxman and Hanuman. The interview with the priest Aju, Puspa RatnaVajracharya, revealed that the idols on the left were established in 1977 by Bhai Maharjan.There is a stone stair that leads to the first tier
of the courtyard where two Falchds (rest place) stand on either side of the gateway. From there, one can see two more Falchas and five main Stupas in the upper courtyard. The enclosed courtyard has been measured about 70 by 70 meters area. On the first tier, there are idols of Kwoyand Ganesh, Saraswoti, Vajrasattva and a traditional water tank (Jahdhun). On the second tier there is a small Stupa on the stairway. The upper (top) tier of the courtyard is measured about 50 by 50 meters (Shrestha, 2001). There are five main stupas, a big one in the center and four smaller but identical ones in the ordinal directions to the center. There is a Mandala with Vajra on the top in front of the main Stupa and a Civa on the right side. On the top tier, there are two Falchds on either side where Buddhism activities are performed in the morning. One is used for reciting Namasangiti and the other is used for playing devotional music (Bhajan and Dafa) during Caturmdasa. There are many images on the upper courtyard that include idol of Buddha, Dharma, Sangh, Aksbhya, Prajnaparamita, Sadaksari, Padhampani, Vajrapani, Vishowpani, Ratnapani Lokesvara, Mamaki, Locani, Pandura, Arya Tara, Ratnasambhava, Amitav, Amoghsidhi, Vasundhara, a pair feet of Svayambhu, Maitri Bodhisatva, Asti Dhatu Caitya and so on enshrined all around the courtyard. Kirtipur and out of Kirtipur’s devotees come to worship deities and also participate in the cultural programme of the monastery. They participate in renovation pooja. But, during the renovation period, it was observed that devotees were prohibited to circumambulate the main Stupa. That indirectly affected the devotees.
Cultural activities
Vajracharya is a household monk and a protector of Buddhism. A Vajracharya delivers Buddhist philosophy to the lay people. He takes care of the Buddhist deities of the monastery. The monastery is used for multi-purposes where Vajracharyas and their families learn Buddhism and practice Buddhist culture. According to the rules and regulations of the monastery, they observe various cultural activities.The cultural practices of Jagatpal monastery are connected with the monastic system of Patan. The Dipankar Buddha and Shakyamuni Buddha of the monasteries are invited at the time of Samyak Parva in Patan which is organized every five years by the Guthi and guest gods and goddesses are kept in a row the list of which is given (Shakya, 1995, pp. 84-85). Similarly, According to Aju, Dyapala and Chatradhari Aajus (umbrella wearing Ajus) are invited for BahaPooja, Panchdana, Chatranku feast in Patan.
“The Sangh (i.e committee) of this Baha consists of 128 Vajracharyas. Though until the recent time all the members of the Sangh served as dya-pala (i.e. guards of God) in the shrine of the Avapa-dya by turn for one month at a time” (Locke, 1985, p. 178). According to Aju, there were 107 Vajracharyas in 2011 B.S (Vajracharya, 2011, p. 34). But now there are around 160 members and the turn goes fifteen days at a time for daily Nitya Pooja of Kiwapadyo. Among the members, fifteen are appointed as 4jus. They have come from three different places to stay in the monastery. They are believed to have come from Hiranyavarna Mahavihar, Patan, Vajrayogini, Sankhu and old Guhyasvari, Kathmandu. The selection process is unique compared to other monasteries. In other monasteries, as per rules and regulations ten, fifteen, twenty, thirty Ajus are appointed from their senior-most members.
This monastery has Shakyas and Vajracharyas as members; they involve in Si Guthi that is used to observe once a year. Vajracharya members, according to the rule of the monastery, observe daily, monthly and yearly rites and rituals on a rotation basis. De khechayke (i.e. wash face to the god) is performed by Guthi members (not necessarily to be the 4ju) to the Kwapadyo (Akshyabya) of the monastery every morning. They perform San-yaygu (i.e. evening worship to the god), Majhan-yaygu (i.e. middle day worship), which are performed daily, three times a day on the 1* floor of the monastery. Similarly, one of the 4jus among fifteen performs Nityapooja to Chakrasambara and Vajrabarahi Bajracharya: Cultural Activities of Jagatpal Mahavihar
deities in the morning. On particular days, Dashamipija is observed on every 10° day at night in the secret room of the monastery on the 2″! floor. Similarly, San/hu Pa: pooja is performed on the 1* day of every month in front of the main Caitya in the morning along with the fifteen 4jus.
The Vashundhara Vrata is performed in the month of BhadraKysan Tritiya. Similarly, Buddha Jayanti is performed on the full moon day of Baishakha. Panch Dana is observed on Bhadra Krishna Triyodasi, and Lukumadyapija is observed on Panhacarhe 14° day of Chaitra. Si Guthi is celebrated on the 10th day of Jestha and Acharya Guthi is organized on the 10″ day of Chaitra. The Acharya Guthi is a kind of mini Buddhist council. Except for these cultural functions, the monastery organizes Pravajya rite. In that rite, the neophytes offer Kisali (i.e. an earthen pot filled with rice, bettle nut, and money) to Ajus to be a Pravajit monk. After acceptance of their request, on the main day, the main Aju hands over the yellow dress to the neophyte.The main priest makes him offer Guru mandal. The maternal uncle shaves the top-nut of his head and his aunt receives his hair on a plate. After completing shaving, the five senior-most Ajus pour pure water from a vessel on his head. The Ajus make monks to male vajracharya family members. They provide neophytes to initiation and Buddhist teaching. At last, the relatives of the neophytes provide them with a full bowl of rice and money. At that time, the neophytes hold an alms bowl and Khikhirika (i.e. a kind of ritual tool, armour) with a yellow ritual dress. After four days of initiation rite, they request jus let them get back to a householder. After completing four days of rites, the next five additional initiations are provided to the neophytes members by the senior 4ju and make them ligible to become Vajracharya priests. The researcher himself is a member of the monastery who practiced these annual cultural activities, observed, and recorded.
Caitya renovation culture
Caitya word was derived from ChitiyaVastu. It means things of cremation. Citi and ana suffix make Caitya (Vajracharya, 2007, p. 9). It is a memorable place, concealed a monument where precious phenomena exceptional relics have been deposited (Vishnu, 2018, p. 162). Caitya establishment practice was very popular in Shakyamuni Buddha’s lifetime.
There are many inscriptions related to renovation, the establishment of Caityas and images dated of 635 NS., 790 NS., 791 NS., 790 NS and 789 NS. According to available inscriptions, it could be said that the main Stupa had been renovated several times. Before the last renovation that took place in 2018 the main Caitya was used to have thirteen circles topped with a pinnacle and a square Chhatra supported independently by four iron poles set around the base of the dome (Shokoohy, 1994).
During the last renovation after the earthquake, some precious artifacts were found. For a proper recording of those artifacts, an agreement was made between representatives of the Archaeology Department and Jagatpala monastery on Saturday, 31 Ashar, 2018 the list of the recovered artifacts is given in the appendix 1.
Among the artifacts, the dated coins of Shidhinar Singh Malla, Rajendra Laxmi Devi, Prithvi Narayan Shah, were found. The 751 N.S. dated coin of King Shiddhinar Singh Malla were found who ruled from 739 N.S. to 772 (1676 B.S. —1698 B.S) in Patan (Tamot, 1132, P. 44). Similarly, the coins dated 1698 B.S., 1700 B.S. of Rajendra Laxmi Devi, dated 1796 B.S. of Prithvi Narayan Shah and Tribhuvan Vir Bikram Shah’s copper coins were found. Likewise, Fukka Dam (i.e. the smallest denomination of Nepalese coin) Crystals, gold-coated metals, precious stones, rings were found (see appendix 2).
The renovation began from forgiveness amnesty pooja on the 1″ of Ashar. According to the ritual, the priest summons the Caitya god by using mantra and thread and apologies for dismantling. Then the Nyasa (soul of the god) is transferred to Kalash by the officiating priests. While the Caitya is being renovated, the myasaghata, the aforementioned vessel with the divine life, is kept in the pure place. Daily worship is performed until the Caitya’s reconsecration (Rospatt, 1999, p.127-128). Similarly, the nyasaghata is kept in cult house (i.e. Digi) and worshipped by the Ajus. When the nyasa
is transferred back to the Caitya, the five senior Ajus performed Pranpratistha (i.e. God’s soul back to the Caitya) pooja in front of the Caitya. In the middle when the Caitya is completely dismantled, the priest resumed Pooja. At that time, devotees kept golden earring, coins, golden rings, and a small image of Buddha made of silver. On the full moon day of Ashoj, the Caitya establishment day, the nyasa was transferred back to the Caitya by performing Pranpratistha Pooja.
This study helps to a comparative study of the object kept inside the Caitya in the past and at present. It provides knowledge about the preservation of archeological objects following religious rituals and how history could be constructed based on the archeological objects. Those artifacts help to study in anthropology and sociology. It generates respect in religion and it makes devotees inspire to do good deeds.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Jagatpal Mahavihar was named by Jagatpal Verma who built the monastery, not Caitya. The Vajracharyas of the area practice Buddhism activities daily, monthly and yearly. Three types of cultural activities are observed by members as per the rules and regulations of the monastery.
The Caitya’s last renovation was held after the devastating earthquake of 2072. During renovation, many coins and artifacts were found and it is known that the past renovation was completed in the period of late King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah. The Fukka coin, go
Bajracharya: Cultural Activities of Jagatpal Mahavihar
round coin, copper coin, crystal, gold plate, precious stones, small images of Buddha and silver rings have been found which inform that in the past renovation, valuable objects were deposited into the womb of the Caitya. The devotees seem to use gold earrings, gold rings, coins, images of silver and gold Caitya, images of Buddha and so on the precious things for merit. These ritual practices make devotees increase regard toward the Caitya.
Regarding the Chilancvo Caitya and the monastery, these edifices are more respectable for the surrounding clients (i.e. Jajamans). The monastery and Caitya cultural activities relate with the direct and indirect impacts on the devotees. The physical Caitya is a tangible part of the culture. All the tangible culture arranges on the basis of intangible culture. This study recommends the further researchers to study the intangible part of the
monastery and Caitya renovation culture. Likewise, physical edifices are not only religious monuments but also archaeological repositories, so one should preserve it.
Many cultural activities have been discontinued due to the passiveness of Guthi members and the paucity of its’ resources. The tangible and intangible culture is the identity of Newar. Archaeological artifacts are historical objects which relate to the lifestyle of the past. The cultural heritage should be preserved by the Local Government and Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the entire Vajracharyas of Jagatpala monastery and fifteen 4jus who helped me giving information of culture and rituals of the monastery. I would also like to thank Rajendra Vajracharya, Pusparatna Vajracharya, Suresh Vajracharya, Omprakash Shakya and Ramesh Maharjan for providing me photos and necessary documents during my research study.
MANGAL RESEARCH JOURNAL
ISSN: 2773-7802 Vol. 2, December 2021 | A PEER REVIEWED JOURNAL