Text on Arts and artifacts of Newari Temples in Nepal

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.