The Super Natural Beings: Gandharva, Yaksha, Kinnara,
Naga
Except the ordinary living beings
on earth there are also some super natural beings. In Nepal we believe on god,
demon and their magical powers. We believe that magical world is hiding
somewhere inside this land or connected to another world. In ancient time this
land used to be residing place of gods. May be this is the reason that here are
many religious sites and still believed as a powerful place.
In Nepal all super natural beings are classified into
eight or nine types. Those are in the following serial.
1.
Gods:
Gods are celestial
beings who look after all creatures in universe. Gods are fortunate they get
all glory and fame.
2.
Demigods or Demons:
Demigods or Demons are
hell dwellers who do hard work, get pain and stay in misery. Demons are
misfortunate because they do not get equal feedback from their good work.
3.
Gandharvas:
Gandharvas are also
celestial beings who look after the arts, music, creative works and protection
of gods. In this group females are called “Apsara” who are divine beauties.
Their work is to support male Gandharvas for singing, dancing, decorating and
serving as per need.
4.
Type 1 Yakshas / Yachhyas of natural beauties:
Yakshas are super
natural beings that are able to transfer into nature and human. who are created by gods, demi-gods and also made by tantrism.
They are made for protecting natural beauty and property. So, they are fierce,
wild. Female of Yakshas are said as Yakshis. Yakshis looks after on developing and
decorating nature. Some divine natural beauties such as mountains, glacier, lake,
trees, forest, flower gardens, house etc. are unseeingly protected and owned by
yaksha and yakshis. These are incredibly beautiful.
5.
Type 2 Yakshas/ Yachhyas of creatures:
These are super
natural beings that are able to transfer into creatures and human. They have
god gifted powers to protect their groups and can interact with god. Some
tantric people also practice for disguising into many forms by the grace of
gods and demigods. There are many creatures such as fish, horse, wolf, lion,
monkey, boar etc. There is a legend in Tibet and Nepal that mythical animals
used to reside in Tibet. Yetis are still believed to be in High Mountains.
6.
Garudas:
These are super
natural beings that are able to transfer into eagle or vulture and human. They
have god gifted powers to see all the activities of universe from far above the
sky. They protect from potential harm by eliminating poisonous snakes and can
interact with god and humans being a messenger.
7.
Kinnaras:
These are super
natural beings that are able to transfer into birds and human. They have god
gifted powers to chatter fluently as birds and sing fluently as humans. Not
only that but also they are skillful to create their house, help people by
knitting and weaving. There is a legend in Tibet that mythical cranes used to
make precious cloths.
8.
Nagas:
These are super
natural beings that are able to transfer into snakes and human. They reside
inside the earth and know the hidden water source inside
earth. They help people to bring water pipes from water resource to the required
or summoned place.
They are also dancers
in a human form.
9.
Mahoraga:
These are huge
serpents that hold this land because they live for thousands of years and for
hundreds of years they sleep. In the meantime, there forms civilization above
them on the land. If they are disturbed or harmed, there cause a land
deformation. They are protector of land because they do not harm civilization
unless they are harmed.
Except these super natural beings there are also
some creatures that are created by fusion of multiple creatures’ qualities.
a.
Malah: Malah in Newari language that are
dragons. Those are also like the serpents of sky that have qualities of flying,
crawling, scratching, cutting, firing, thundering and grabbing. There are four
types of dragons classified by Newars in Nepal and those are Vajra Malah (Thunder),
Mi Malah (Fire), Pa Malah (Axe), Gonga Malah (Cock). Dragons have multi types
of heads, claws like of eagle or cocks and wings in their four limbs.
b. Kun-Sala:
Kun-Sala in Newari language that is tantric made dragons, made by tantrism. Those are used as armies in
battles and ride as a horse. This may be the reason to say it as a horse. There
are four types of them too. They have faces like sheep, eagle, lion and dragon
with horns and without horns too. Paws are like of lions. Wider and bigger
wings than of dragons. They are guarding temples in Nepal. Kun-Sala directly
means like a corner-horse in English but we also consider it as swift evil
eliminator.
c. Boh-Sala:
Boh-Sala in Newari language that are flying horse. This horse has large wings
like of eagles and vultures. This is symbolic vehicle of Ratna sambhava Buddha.
This creature is the fastest deliverer and swift trouble shooter.
d. Makara:
Makara is a special creature with multiple qualities. It has a lion head with a
trunk and tusk of elephant. Horn of a sheep. Body of fish with scales on it. It
has two legs of lion. It is seen with eagle claws instead of lion legs in a
form of Thunder Dragon. Two wings attached on the legs. It has long and elegant
tail feathers as of a phoenix. This creature is also said as a crocodile in
astrology. This creature’s image is always carved as a water emitter on stone
taps of Kathmandu valley. This is the creature that vomits precious ornaments,
jewels, and provides water.
Justifying the balance in
universe:
This universe is supposed to
be a triangular machine or vehicle that delivers us to destinations. We divide this
triangle into three parts. At the bottom it has bigger space that is
controlled by sorrow where demons live. Middle part of the triangle is for
people and other creatures, where there is combination of sorrow and joy. Top
part is small in portion and that is for gods where is sour of fortune. For the
balance of pleasure and sorrow for everyone this triangle is spinning so that,
there comes a turn to each and every creature to be in their chosen place. For
spinning process demons do big or hard efforts. After doing all hard work they
get chance to be human or other creatures. Being human and other creatures they
have to help each other so that they become in god state. Demons are also said
demigods for their unequal contribution and effort to process the universal
activities. All creatures and all gods and demigods are important and have to
be respected equally. Though it looks unbalanced in the formation of heaven,
earth and hell we can still see some kind of balance and equality in it in the following
way or example. Gods are respectable in form of elderly people who have past
their whole life doing hard works and they need pleasurable time. Gods or
Angels are also soft, adorable, charming in form of young children. They also
need much of love and protection. Demons are independent strong and brave enough
by their nature so that they can work hard and also can bear intense suffer to
achieve their goals. Human beings are dependent but wise who can use their
knowledge and effort to achieve their goals. For easier example, a tall man
(symbolizing demon) do not need any help to climb up the wall. Even if he is not
tall he is capable of jumping and climbing. A normal man who is wise can use a
ladder to climb up the wall. Others like child, olds and disables (symbolizing
god) needs someone who carry them. In this way everyone can climb the wall.
Joy of Heaven:
Heaven is the place full of joy
and also the place of being in well manner, being compassionate to all and
being responsible for protecting and caring entire universe. Formation of
entire universe and its universal activities are experienced for joy and
pleasure. These joy and pleasures are offered to the gods in heaven. Those gods
are purified form of same demons and people. There are sixteen divine beauties (Apsaras)
that perform music, dance, singing and other offering activities in the heaven.
Those offerings and performances are sixteen joyful moments or results of
universal activities for which it is said as Sodasha Lasya. Those dancing
performances are still sacredly performed by Bajracharyas in Kathmandu valley.
It is still performed in a ceremonial way. All sixteen offering goddesses have
sixteen different mantras that are very meaningful. In the following ways they
do recitation of mantras in the melodious tone.
1.
Vajra veene hûm: All the ups and downs experience
in universal activities which affect our self-mind are in actually in the
harmonious way same like in playing Veena (Musical instrument like Sitar). It
is a process for convincing self.
2.
Vajra vamse trâm: One which affects others-mind
is in the harmonious way same like in playing flute (Musical instrument). It is a process for convincing others.
3.
Vajra mrdanga hrim: Efforts which are done for
valor is in the harmonious way same like in playing Mrdanga (Big Drum/Musical
instrument). It is for protection and
achievements.
4.
Vajra muruje âh: All the losing are also in the harmonious
way same like in playing Muruja (Small Drum Musical instrument). It is for healing lost feeling and gaining knowledge.
5.
Vajra lâsya hûm: All the strikes of efforts are
also in the harmonious way same like in playing Tinchhu (Musical
instrument). It is for pleasure and
peacefulness of mind.
6.
Vajra mâle trâm: All the practice or trying are
also in the continuous way same like in garland of flowers. It is for restless or steadfast efforts. Enjoying
being garland of flower.
7.
Vajra gite hrim: All the noble speech or sounds which
vibrate in universe is also like singing a song. It is for pleasure of listening. Enjoying in
sound.
8.
Vajra nrtya âh: All the wise and un-wise
activities in the turbulence of good time and bad time we do in universe for
living a life is also like dancing or performing act on the stage. It is for pleasure of performing and looking.
Enjoying in dance.
9.
Vajra puspe hûm: Trying to be spotless, polite
and nice even in unfavorable conditions of life is also being adorable spotless
lotus flower. Enjoying being like flower.
10.
Vajra dhupe trâm: All the experiencing or using
our lifespan in burning like troubles in life is same like the burning
sacrifice of an incense to turn negative energy into positive energy in front
of god. Enjoying burning.
11.
Vajra lokite hrim: All the practices give back glorious
result which is just like glowing a light in the darkness from which others can
find the way of success too. Enjoying divine light.
12.
Vajra gandhe âh: All type popularity or fame
spreading after the results of self-sacrifice or devotion in practice is same
like a fragrant air spreading. Enjoying in perfumed smell.
13.
Vajra darpane hûm: Knowing self, being truthful
and being able to know that all we do for others gives returns to self is same
like looking mirror for keeping self-beauty. Enjoying in insight vision and self-appearance.
14.
Rasavajra trâm: Trying to forget, forgive or
being unaffected or detached from all universal activities; to accept everything
what happens in this world; enjoying even in unfavorable time instead of being
depression is same like being little drunk by drinking little alcohol (which is
nectar). Enjoying in taste.
15.
Sparsavajra hrim: This world is very hard to
understand because it is mysterious but still very attractive. Space the nature
father and earth the nature mother; they are attracted of each other. To know
each other they took male and female form, their love became passion. Since
then feeling of touch is being continued for love, passion and for continuing
generation. It became the reason of diverse species in the earth. Though it is
hard in the terms of experiencing our life, we are always trying to make it
easier. Enjoying in the feelings of touch which is for passion, love.
16.
Dharmadhâtugarbhe âh: Keeping alive and saving the
Dharma (Law of humanity) always inside our mind is only goal of all activities.
Enjoying in keeping balance in law and considering that all the positive and
negative activities are the root of this universe or the fuel to run the
vehicle of universe.
Sacred dances of Bajracharyas:
Sacred dances are said as Charya-nrtya
which means well-manner practiced dance. In this dance balance of mindfulness,
skilled movement in steps and graceful position of body figure is considered. They
consider for flexibility, kindliness, calmness in pleasant dances; stiffness,
anger feelings in unpleasant dances. While standing or sitting they use three-bending
angle position for which they say Tri-Banga. This position has special meaning
and reason. This position gives nourishment to our body which gives balanced
flowing of positive energy and working power to three zones of body. These three
zones are feet to hip joints; hip to shoulder joint; neck base to the head. Bending
these joints looks unusual but it gives relax and nourishment to the internal
organs. Bottom zone is hell where thick strong blood is active that bear the
weight of whole body. Middle zone is earth which process food, gives
nourishment to body and separate manure. Top zone is heaven where positive
energy stores and this positive energy keep us well-mannered.
Newari Architectures
of temples and houses in Nepal:
Newari Arts and crafts are
richly used in architectures of Nepal in spiritual way for making place more comfortable
and peaceful. Their science and art of constructing the temples is eco-friendly
and they have used their skill for balancing five elements too. They are conscious
for peacefulness and prosperous of living people. They have built the temples
such a way that it stays for generations. They use special plasters mixing fine
under earth clay (Kan-cha), sharp fine sand and black lentil for strong bond;
rice and wheat husk for keeping warm and balancing wet and dry; cow-dung and
red soil to keep disinfect house from insect and germs. They also use special
oil fortified bricks for water proofing. There are many types of bricks which
they make in different technics. Mostly temples are constructed of wood for the
framework.
To make a specific temple,
Bajracharyas do study of the related gods or goddesses. They decide for
specific floors for the specific god’s power which is based on stories or past
events. They also use chakra system of body to make floors of temples. They use
all the artistic, religious and super natural beings in a balanced way while
making doors, windows, pillars, struts, roofs etc. Temples are building form of
mandalas of deities. Use of meaningful symbols, incense, enchanting mantras,
doing holy ceremonies give positive and peaceful energy to our place and can
help to make our mind positive.
Lokha (Door):
Doors are fully decorated with
many symbols and gods. Guarding gods such as Ganesh, Kumar, super natural
beings or other wrathful gods can be seen at the sides of the main gate frame
mostly at the bottom part. Top and bottom frames are wider in which multiple
symbols, Apsaras, creatures are carved. Gate is decorated with additional frame
made of two pillars or six pillars. These pillars supposed to be earth which is
transaction point for heaven and earth. Top panel of additional door frame is decorated
with chambers stepping up design, at the middle of this panel can be god figure
of the main god or can be symbol used for that god or just a jewel and flower
design. Top panel is compared as heaven section. Bottom panel of additional
door frame is decorated with flower, lion or chubby demon design who is
supposed to be holding the pillar at two sides. Middle part of this panel is
sloppy form designed with floral items or a folding carpet design for welcoming
purpose. Bottom panel is compared as a section of hell where demi gods holds
the foundation pillar to reach above the heaven.
Torana:
Torana
is used just as a sign board for informing about the main god and his associates
of temple. This is used as a quick shrine. Persons who do not have time to
visit inside the temple may fulfil their wish just worshipping here too which
is the main objective of Torana or Toranga. There can
be a symbol used for this main god. Those are seen at the center of the Torana.
It is also possible to see founder god of this main god and temple at the
center or at the top of Torana. Toranas are decorated with Garuda grabbing legs
of Naginis or biting Nagas in flying posture and alternatively Chhepu is seen
in a grabbing and eating snake position. Lord Vishnu or Vajrasattva is seen at
the top of Garuda. Chhepu and Garuda are supposed to be removing negativity of
our mind while entering inside the temple. So, that our mind gets empty or
cleared. There are multiple stories behind the Garuda and Chhepu. Makara is
seen at the bottom sides of Torana. Makara is vomiting precious jewels through
water flow from the mouth. Makara is purifying our mind with water and filling
precious thoughts in our mind which gives positive energy. There are many
designs of Toranas and that are used at the top of windows too. Dragons,
Apsaras, Monks, Kinnaris and many other related images can be seen in Torana.
Thaan (Pillar):
Pillars are designed with Kalasha,
lotus, god face and figure, dragons, flowers, Chhepu, snakes, section steps. Art
on pillar supporting temples shows formation of universe. It can be started
with a plain section from the base which symbols as a solid mountain rock. Or
it can be started with a higher seat design which symbols as a chair. Then made
a small seat for a lotus, a Kalasha is kept above the lotus. Floral can be
grown from the Kalasha or another lotus can be topped on the Kalasha. There can
be many compartments of different designs topping one another. Sections for god
images can be in the middle and the top of pillar. Four different types of
images including gods and demigods or Krodha Bhairab are carved. Or there can
be four guardian kings or gods which represents varieties of thoughts we take. Pillar
is topped by next floor holders. In which flower or jewel or Chhepu is carved
in the middle and dragons or Makara or floral designs can be carved. Pillars
are the foundation of whole temple or house. Its full meaning is that our rock
solid thought from the base and practice can fill the nectar in Kalasha from
which all types of our thoughts can grow to achieve the purification and
enlightenment. This purified form of wisdom of success is decorated with
flowers or protected with dragons. In another term all the negativity that came
during the process is eliminated by Chhepu at the top.
Floor partition holders:
These are beautifully carved with varieties of designs
including floral; teeth; faces of human, god, demon, animals and birds; skull; rock;
good luck symbols, relief art of historical or religious event, large varieties
of designs.
Jhya (Window):
Windows are
also carved very beautifully using all types of images previously mentioned. There
are many types of windows according to floor plan of house and temple or
purpose of the use. Below are the list of windows and their purpose and meaning:
Tiki-Jhya or Mikha-Jhya (Eye-Window):
It is window with several
holes. Tiki-Jhya in ground floor is for light taking purpose in secured way. It
has no shutters and therefore cannot open this window. This window can be luxuriously carved with
holes in substitute designs such as Peacock window, Sun-Moon window or with numerous
symbols and gods. It can be carved in circular, oval, angles, diamond,
hexagonal, octagonal shapes. These windows are kept for peeping out from the
holes for security. These windows are kept in store room.
Chhapa-Jhya (Single-Window):
It is open able window with a
shutter or two. It can also have a holed shutter design. This type of windows
can be seen from the first to top floors. These windows are kept in single room
or in bed room.
Nipa-Jhya (Double-Window), Swopa-Jhya (Triple-Window) and
Pancha-Jhya (Five-Window):
These are similar version as
above with double, triple and five divisions.
San-Jhya (Hair-Window or Beauty Make-up Window):
These windows are carved more
nicely with many ornamental designs so that it becomes an icon to observe. This
window is compared with the richness of the owner. This type of windows
slightly comes outside from the wall. There is a sitting place inside the
window. In the past time females used to do San-ma (Beauty make-ups) in this place. So,
from San-ma Jhya it may have become San-Jhya in short form. San-jhya has bigger
window space to take light. There are three or five divisions in this type. These
windows are usually kept at second floor (Cho-tan) or first floor (Ma-tan)
especially at living room.
Biman-Jhya (Aeroplane-Window):
These windows are carved
beautiful as San-Jhya but these are smaller in size of window with less open
area. These windows come more outside from the wall than in San-Jhya. In the
space coming outside the wall have two more Tiki-Jhyas at the sides of it. This
window is for taking more air so it has several holes in the shutter. These
windows are kept at top floor or second floor (Cho-tan) especially at living
room.
Gaa-Jhya (Valley-Window):
These windows come out in an
angular V form from the wall and its sides are also designed in V shape. Its
top panel is wider than the bottom panel. So, it looks like a formation of
valley. These windows have bigger space and its sides have angular windows.
These windows are kept at top floor of house especially at Kitchen (Vai-Ga) or
dining room.
Bidhi-Jhya (Ceremonial-Window):
These are kept in Vihar and
Digu-Bahal (Ceremonial house) that have courtyard at the center. These are kept
at the top floor of ceremonial section of the house. This place is used as a
hall. Big family gatherings and ritual functions are done in this floor. These
are longest windows of the house which may cover whole house.
Thi-Thi Jhya ta (Various Windows):
There are many other windows used in houses and temples,
those are Kun-Jhya (Corner-Window), Baku-Jhya (Half-Window), Ga-Jhya (small place
or nest-Window), Pasukha-Jhya (Five fundamental-Windows) and god engraved symbolic
window etc.
Tuna-Shin (Strut):
Multiple god figures carved in
struts symbolize that they are supporting the main god of the temple whereas in
some temples main god is showing his diverse forms of emanations. Specific gods
must be kept on the proper places just as in Mandala. Gods are seen sometime
single or with their consorts. Base of struts can have figures of their
supporters like Sadhakas, saints or can have erotic figures and also flower
designs. Kun-Sala carved struts are always kept at the corner of the roof. In
some temples sixteen divine beauties in offering postures are carved. Apsara, Yakshi,
Kinnari and Nagini figures are also carved as struts. Apsaras can be seen in
multiple ways of postures, including dancing, singing and other graceful activities.
One of their postures is, grabbing a yak tail in a dancing position. Yak tail
symbolizes pleasurable and also service. Yakshis are seen in grabbing tree leaf
posture. Kinnaris are seen in singing symbolic gesture of hand and have
Tri-banga posture. Naginis are seen grabbing a snake in dancing postures. It
can be made easier to figure out them by carving their main symbols and supporters.
Apsara can have a small figure of Gandharva carved at the side of strut. Nude
lady with long hair can be seen at the bottom as a supporter. Yakshi can have a
symbol of tree leaf or
any related nature at the side. Chubby Yaksha at the bottom as a supporter is
lifting Yakshi. Kinnari can have a symbol of a singing bird at the side. Chubby
Yaksha in a lifting position up can be seen at the bottom as a supporter.
Nagini can have a symbol of a snake at the side. A dancing drummer can be seen
at the bottom as a supporter. There are numerous different designs we can do in
a meaningful ways and as a story behind it.
Pau (Roof):
Roofs are designed in steep
slopes in temples and houses. These are made of special designed bricks or
metal sheets. Figure of Singing birds and crows are kept at the corners of top
roof and that is kept for good news and good luck. Jhallar (Narrow Furebelow)
made of wood or metal is kept below the roof edge. Numerous bells with leaf
pendants are hanged in the roof edges or
in Jhallar that are kept for cutting negative energies in the air by vibrating
positive energy of bell sound.
Gaju (Divine light of the place):
This is the topmost cap or the head of a temple that represents the light or
soul of main god or temple. Gaju is respected as a whole temple. Ga-Ju means Place-Respected.
Gaju is divided into five steps symbolizing five elements. Five steps starting
from the bottom are Dome or a bell type of design, Lotus flower, Kalasha, Lid
and a Light at the top. There are one, three and five Gajurs seen in a single
temple that symbolize elements.
