100 Gaju Project Started - First Gaju Restored

-

Chiva Chaitya Organization has been working for preservation and promotion of Chiva and Chaityas of Kathmandu Valley.

Gaju is the top most part of a Chiva and it stays on top of the main dome of the Chiva. A Gaju consists of several parts. 



1) On top of the dome there is cube called Harmika. It has eyes denoting Pragya and Upaya while the midlle question mark like symbol denotes Dibya Rashmi. 2) On top of the Harmika there is so called Toran with symbols Chakra, Bajra, Ratna, Padma and Bishwo Bajra- symbols of five Dhyanai Budhhas. 3) Triyodahsa Bhuwana: On top of Toran, there will be 13 circles (or squares in some Chivas) denoting thirteen learning to enlightenment namely: Pramudita, Bimala, Pravakari, Archishmati, Sudurjaya, Durangama, Achala, Abhimukhi, Sadhumati, Dharmamegha, Samantaprabha, Nirupama and Gyanwati. 4) On top of the 13 steps, there will be lotus shaped- Padmawali 5) Padmawali is like base for top most part called Ushnish Chudamani with RatnaChhatra on top- symbolizing top most part of the Budhha.

As we can see Gaju itself carry lots of meaning and Budhhist teaching. And although the size seems to be of small size in comparison to the whole Chiva, without Gaju, Chiva is not complete

. And in Kathmandu valley there are many many Chivas with broken or missing Gaju.

100 Gaju Project सछी गजु अभियान

Because of this Chiva Chaitya Organization has started a project called 100 Gaju Project or सछि गजु अभियान. The aim is to put Gaju in as many as possible Chivas. Putting 100th Gaju in the Chiva with missing Gaju will mark the completion of this project. Here it is also to be mentioned that, Chiva Chaitya Organization has already been doing restoration of Chivas and also fitting Gaju in the missing sites, this 100 Gaju Project initiative is in complementary to the continued restoration and promotional efforts.

It is estimated that total cost will amount to Rs 500,000 for fitting 100 Gaju. The cost of each Gaju including making, fitting and site supervision is estimated to be in average 5000 as it can go upto eight or ten thousand while smaller ones could be three and half thousand also.  

The first Chiva, under this project, where Gaju is restored is at Bhindyo, Tabo(P1254).  (Completion Date: 2022 Jan 31)

After Gaju Fitting

Before Photo

You can always support this initiative to put Gaju in Chivas and other works of the Chiva Chaitya Organization. 

100 Gaju Project(Current Status):

Total Donation Received: Rs 6,500

Total Expense: Rs 3500

Balance: Rs 3,000

Credit Expense: Rs 0

Total Gaju Restored: 1

Remaining Gaju to be restored: 99

We want to thank all of you who have contributed for this 100 Gaju Project and other works of Chiva Chaitya Organization.

Please, follow us on our news and activities and facebook page for updates on this project.


Please, inform us about any Chiva requiring Gaju. Click.

You may want to inform about other Chiva which require maintenance or restoration.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Chiva Maintained at Talibi MasanGalli

-
Image
  There are two Chivas at Talibi MasanGalli which required maintenance. Recognizing Chivas as our important heritage community took interest to maintain and make the Chiva safe with fence. CCO(Chiva Chaitya Organization) is proud to be part of the process and help communities on their behalf to work in heritage preservation. After Restoration Chivas requiring maintenance Community Members Took Initiative to Save our Heritage Chiva secured with fence We would like to thank Rabindra Dai, Chetan Dai, Linod Dai etc from the tole and ward. Special appreciation to Maitri Man Kansakar Dai for taking the initiative and supporting the works. Chivas Maintained: P0016 and P0017 Gaju Count Record: Total Gaju restored till now since counting (to reach 100): 17 Previous Gaju installation includes: BhindyoTwa-1, LakhaTirtha-2,Chaga-1, Jhochhen-1, Chikamuga_1-1, Makhan-1, Chikamuga_2-1, KangaAjima-6, Chivakhyo-2 You can be part of the process and help Chiva Chaitya Organization in their works. Follow
Read more

Chiva Nyas Puja Done at Dhokatole

-
Image
Chiva Puja is a process which let us remind ourselves  that Chiva itself is not just a mere monument but a living shrine and carries lots of philosophical and spiritual values of Buddhist teachings. Chiva at Dhokatole, Ward 19, Kathmandu needed maintenance due to theft and wear and tear. Chiva Chaitya Organization took the initiative and with the help of community, ward restored the Chiva in 2021. Now a Chiva Puja is done to mark the completion of the restoration as well as to revive the intangible heritage in the form of elaborate puja to make the Chiva a living heritage. Establishing a Chiva passes through different phases namely 1) consecration of the ground upon which the Chaitya is to be erected. There Sūtrap ātana, where a thread makes a Maṇḍala with positions of total 121 deities 2) Pādasthāpana (laying of foundation) is done with specific rules using bricks, hollow spaces etc. 3) then bricklayers lay the foundation. At top of the foundation Āsana is formed with a stone plate
Read more

Heritage Awareness Program for Students

-
Image
Raising awareness about heritage among students is paramount as it instills a sense of cultural responsibility and identity. Heritage encompasses not only historical monuments and artifacts but also intangible elements like traditions, languages, and customs. By educating students about their heritage, we empower them to appreciate the rich tapestry of their own culture and that of others. This awareness fosters a sense of pride and connection to one's roots, promoting cultural diversity and understanding. Moreover, heritage education equips students with the knowledge to become responsible stewards of their cultural legacy, ensuring the preservation of tangible and intangible aspects for future generations. It contributes to a more informed and culturally sensitive global citizenry, fostering mutual respect and appreciation for the diversity that enriches our shared human experience. Chiva Chaitya Organization organized Heritage Awareness Program - Research Program for Students wi
Read more