Idea #759 – Visiting the Bungamati Temples in Nepal
Bungamati, also called Amarapur or Amaravatipur, is a historic city in Nepal, part of whose buildings date from the 16th century. During the Licchavi kingdom, the city was called Bugayumigrama. The toponym “Bugayumi” being derived from the Kiratian dialect, it would tend to prove that the colony had emerged in a contemporary period of this civilization, that is before the Christian era. During the Malla period, the city is referred to as Bungapattan.
Theologically, Bungamati is the birthplace of the god Machhindranath, considered the patron saint of the valley and god of agriculture. He is said to reside six months a year in the large shikhara-style temple in the center of the village square, which is dedicated to him. He would spend the remaining time in Patan. The process of movement between Patan and Bungamati is also the subject of one of the most important annual festivals in the valley.
Other sites are also worthy of interest: the temple of Hayangriva Bhairab, protective god, dating from the pre-medieval period; Manakamana Temple or Aju/Aji Bhairav Temple, also the home of Goddess Manakamana; the Shristikanta Lokeshvara temple, god associated with the creation of all living entities in the world; the Karyabinayak temple, built in 1661, around a natural block of stone in the shape of Ganesh. Affected by the 2015 earthquake, the village is in full reconstruction.
Some Pictures
Where is it ?
Bungamati, Nepal
