Seto Machindranath, also known as Jana Baha Dyo, Avalokitesvara, Karunamaya, is a deity worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists in Kathmandu, Nepal. The temple of Seto Machindranath is located in Jana Baha located at Keltole between Ason and IndraChowk in Central Kathmandu, the temple is believed to have been established around the 10th Century Seto Machindranath is worshipped as an aspect of Avalokiteshvara.
Every year, the deity’s image is placed in a Chariot and paraded around Kathmandu in a festival known as Jana Baha Dyo jatra. The deity is bathed and repainted every year as a ritual that symbolizes the changed occurring throughout one’s life.
It is believed that during the rule of King Yakshya Malla in a place called Kantipuri people used to bathe in the holy river and visit Swoyambhu this led them to heaven after death. One Yamraj came to know the power of Swoyambhunath and he visited the holy temple. During his return from the temple he was captured by King Yakshya Malla and his Tantric Guru and demanded immortality and wouldn’t let Yamraj leave. So Yamraj prayed to Arya Awalokiteshor (Seto Machindranath) to free him. The God heard his prayer and instantly appeared from the water. The God was white in color with eyes half closed. He them told the King to build a temple where Kalimati and Bagmati meet and to organize Chariot procession so that the God could visit the people and bless them with happiness and long life.
The Chariot procession festival of Seto Machindranath is celebrated during the month of Chariot. This is three days long festival. The Chariot of Seto Machindranath is pulled from place to place during these three days. Each day when the Chariot has reached its destination a group of soldiers fires their rifles into the air.
On the first day, the deity is brought to Jamal by the priest. Then it is pulled to Ason, Kathmandu, Ratnapark and Bhotahity. The next day it is pulled from Ason Kathmandu to Hanumandhoka. Finally it is pulled to Lagantole, Maruhity and Jaisideval. During all three days, people came and pay their respect to the God.
In the month of Poush every year, the deity is bathed and repainted. The ceremony is held on the 8th day of the bright fortnight of Pohela, the third month in the lunar Nepal Era calendar. In this event, the deity is brought into the country yard of the temple. All of the ornaments and clothes of the deity are taken off. Then the deity is bathed in several containers of water both cold and hot, milk, ghee, and honey. All of the actions are carried out by the priests of the temple. The main highlight of this event is that the living goddess Kumari attends these rituals.
Seto Machhindranath
Sama Buddhacharya
Primary Co-ordinator