PADT move threatens Mrigeshwar, Virupakshe value

ANKIT ADHIKARI & PRAGATI SHAHI

KATHMANDU, SEP 23

Two important idols inside Pashupati area—Mrigeshwar Mahadev and Virupakshe (also known as Kali)—are gradually losing their charm after Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) closed the eastern entrance of Pashupatinath Temple citing security reasons.

Locals and priests say a huge crowd used to visit the “small” temple of the two idols situated in the east side of the main temple. “After Pashupati Area Development Trust closed the eastern entrance last year, the number of people coming to worship these idols is on the decline,” said Badri Adhikari, a priest who has been stationed inside the Pashupati area for the last 15 years.

Earlier, people used to worship Mrigeshwar Mahadev before offering prayers at the main temple, added Adhikari. Around a year ago, the eastern gate of the main temple was closed for a day after the Indian priest (the main priest of Pashupatinath Temple) was beaten up by a group of people demanding appointment of Nepali origin priest.

Priests say the idol of Mrigeshwar Mahadev carries the meaning of Pashupati. “Pashupati actually means the incarnation of lord Mahadev as an animal,” said Adhikari. “The idol of Mrigeshwar Mahadev is the only idol which depicts Mahadev’s incarnation as mirga (deer).”

According to Hindu mythology, Mahadev had chosen the Pashupati area as a hideout to trick his wife, goddess Parvati. It is said that once upon a time when Mahadev was on bad terms with Parvati, he came to live in Mrigasthali in the form of a mirga. Later, when Parvati came to know she also came there in the form of a female mirga to placate her husband and take him back to Kailash Parbat, the house of Mahadev and Parvati.

There is another interesting belief associated with the idol of Virupakshe (Kali). The idol, half of which is already underground, is believed to be gradually sinking underneath the earth. Some Hindus believe that when the idol totally disappears underground, the universe will collapse, marking the beginning of a new era after Kaliyug.  “The idol is not sinking. It is exactly in the same state as it was 15 years ago,” said Adhikari. “However, what is important is the belief and sentiments of people associated with these idols.”

“Pashupati Area Development Trust’s decision to close the eastern entrance has, in a way, played with the sentiments of people who want to worship Mrigeshwar Mahadev and Virupakshe.”  “This place, which once used to be a major attraction of Pashupati, seems overshadowed by the PADT’s irresponsible step. If it was closed on the ground of security, more police personnel should have be deployed instead of closing the gate.”

When asked, PADT treasurer Narottam Vaidhya said the gate will be opened as early as possible.


Published in The Kathmandu Post -- September 24