The historic Narasimha Jatra of Lalitpur, which has been running since the time of the Malla king Siddhinar Singh Malla, has been completed with grandeur this year as well.

This Jatra, which is celebrated every year on the day of Bhadra Krishna Panchami, was duly completed on Tuesday, wishing for world peace and prevention of divine calamities.

This festival is celebrated to commemorate the mythological story of Lord Vishnu taking the form of Narasimha and slaying the demon Hiranyakashipu.

It is a tradition that one of the priests, sons-in-law or nephews of the families taking their turn in the Jatra takes the form of Narasimha and circumambulates the Saya (Saparu) route of the ancient city of Lalitpur.

The Rajopadhyay community of six clans of Lalitpur have been managing the entire Jatra in turn based on their seniority. This year the responsibility of organizing the Jatra was held by the family of Bhupati Rajananda Rajopadhyay of Agnishala Vahlimha.

The most interesting and special aspect of the Jatra is the performance of the person in the role of devotee Prahlad. There is a tradition that he turned towards Narasimha and bowed with incense in his hand and walked around the city.

Lakshmi and Saraswati are placed on the right and left of Narasimha in the parikrama with bajagaza and bhajankirtan, while six pairs of maidens also participate.

Another unique tradition is that Narasimha carries a cloth doll on his back during the Nagar Parikrama. The doll is offered to children on the way. There is a deep religious and cultural belief in the society that by pretending like this, children will be protected and they will get good results.

Narsingh Devgan's team circumambulates places in Patan including Gabhal, Pimbahal, Bangalamukhi, Kobhal, Mangalbazar, Sundhara, Ikubhal, Mahabuddha, Tangal, Tichchu Galli, Hougal, Ikhalkhu and Purnachandi. During the circumambulation, there is a custom of worshiping the deities including Nrisimha at various places.

According to historical documents, this Jatra has been going on continuously since Vikram Samvat 1688 (Nepal Samvat 751). In Lalitpur, there are two different forms of Narasimha, the Narasimha presented in the Kattik dance is of a fierce nature, while the Narasimha of this Jatra (Upalakam Sayah) is considered to be of a calm nature.

As a living heritage, this Jatra has preserved the original cultural tradition of Lalitpur till date.

Published: 17 Bhadra 2083 19:17 Wednesday