Chiva Chaitya Organization Contribution in Investigations

-

 Chiva Chaitya Organization conducted study on iconography and identification of deities on a Chiva at Yankuli Bahar, Kathamandu.

At Yankuli Bahar, a Chiva features intricate carvings of various deities, including the Panca Buddha, Caturmaharajas, and Bodhisattvas. Additionally, at each of the four corners of the Chiva, there are idols of four distinct deities, each characterized by multiple heads and hands. This study aims to identify these deities by analyzing details such as the objects they hold (Ayudhas), their number of heads and hands, and their specific placements. The insights gained are being applied to the restoration of another Chiva at Wonema Chuka, where similar deities were stolen and now require replacement.

Our thanks to community of Wonema Chuka and Yankuli Bahar. Our special appreciation to Dr Naresh Man Bajracharya and Yogendra Ratna Tuladhar for their support in this study.


Chiva at Yankuli Bahar 



One of the deities requiring identification



One of the deities requiring identification

Findings and recommendations of the study:

Conclusion


  1. There are muliple implemendations of the PancaRakshya deities.

  2. We can conclude as following for the :


Picture

Name of Deity

Pic#1 (SW Corner)

Mantranusarini

Pic#2(NW Corner)

Shitavati

Pic#3 (NE Corner)

SaharshPramarddini

Pic#4(SE Corner)

Mayuri

  1. The deities on the Chiva Follows Ayudhs corresponding to the Nispanna Yogavali but the the position of the deities corresponds to the SadhanaMala

  2. The ayudhs of the damaged deity (Pic#4) Mayuri need to be completed with:


Right Hand

Left Hand

बरद

पात्रोपरि भिक्षु

खड्ग

चाप(धनु)

बाण

उत्संगस्त रत्न बर्षिघटा

मयुरपिच्छ

बिश्वबज्र रत्नंकत ध्वज



Recommendations for way forward(further investigations):

  1. It is clear that implementation of the PancaRakshya deities have many variants among the Paubha, manuscripts, Chaityas. The one we found on the Chaitya DO NOT exactly match on all aspects (example mudra of one of the right hands of SarshaPramarddini or the leg-of-bed kind of object instead of MayurPichha in Mayuri or why Mantranusarini is carrying a Khadga). We may have concluded the deities, but it is possible that there may still be some primary source which had led the artists of that time to have made the Ayudhs as it appears onthe Chiva. This is for further investigation.

  2. During this paper we did not find any document which explains the Ayudhs of the deities. This is for further investigations.

  3. The Ayudhs matching more to the Nispannayogavali, while positioning matching to the SadhanaMala is also astonishing and is for further investigation.


Deities made based on the Chiva Chaitya Organization, made for restoration at Chiva at Wonema Chuka




You can see the report at:

(36) Iconography of a Chiva at Yankuli Bahar | Amar Tuladhar - Academia.edu



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. Fol...
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

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 pl...
Read more