Swasthani reading begins on the third week of Janaury (Poush Sukla Purnima) and Ends in the 2nd week of February (Magh Sukla Purnima) . Swasthani is regarded as the wish fulfilling goddess in hindu culture. This holy occassion goes uninterrupted for a complete one month. Every hindu households, particularly those of Chhetris and Brahmins even Newars gather in a room, amid chanting of a holy hymns from Shree Swasthani.
The Swasthani brata katha contains 31 episodes, are read loud and listened by others. Initially it was in Sanskrit version but now a days it is found in Nepali and English versions.
During this holy event, devotees, go to the bank of Shali River, 40 kilometers east of Kathmandu, to participate in the month-long fasting and prayers. It is believed that taking a dip in the river at Sankhu will wash all the sins and purify the souls of the devotees.
According to legend, when Queen Chandrawati was crossing the bridge over the Shali River at Sankhu, the river suddenly erupted in a flood and the bridge was swept away. Chandrawati fell from her palanquin into the river. This happened because Chandrawati, the queen of Nawaraj of Shankharapur, was a sinner. Amazingly, when the queen fell, the waters abruptly turned still and her life was saved. Later she passes through many different difficulties and after learning the Swasthani fasting from nymphs, she teaches the technique to humankind. Thus began the tradition of Swosthani.
The month-long Puja ends after the devotees perform a Yagya, in which they pass through the sacred-thread ceremony, marriage and other rituals required to be performed in a man’s life, from birth to death.
Photos below are of Pashupati Nath Temple. Where devotees are performing Yagya and offering lakh batti.
The Swasthani brata katha contains 31 episodes, are read loud and listened by others. Initially it was in Sanskrit version but now a days it is found in Nepali and English versions.
During this holy event, devotees, go to the bank of Shali River, 40 kilometers east of Kathmandu, to participate in the month-long fasting and prayers. It is believed that taking a dip in the river at Sankhu will wash all the sins and purify the souls of the devotees.
According to legend, when Queen Chandrawati was crossing the bridge over the Shali River at Sankhu, the river suddenly erupted in a flood and the bridge was swept away. Chandrawati fell from her palanquin into the river. This happened because Chandrawati, the queen of Nawaraj of Shankharapur, was a sinner. Amazingly, when the queen fell, the waters abruptly turned still and her life was saved. Later she passes through many different difficulties and after learning the Swasthani fasting from nymphs, she teaches the technique to humankind. Thus began the tradition of Swosthani.
The month-long Puja ends after the devotees perform a Yagya, in which they pass through the sacred-thread ceremony, marriage and other rituals required to be performed in a man’s life, from birth to death.
Photos below are of Pashupati Nath Temple. Where devotees are performing Yagya and offering lakh batti.