This
great march to be known as “Dipankha” (Dipankha Yatra) is undertaken when five
auspicious astronomical and astrological features co-incide together on one
day. The day must be the full moon day of the month of Aswin. The day must
again be Sunday with Harshana Astronomical Sign. Hence this full moon day myst
have a lunar eclipse.
The
legend behind this religious, cultural and social march tells a story of Lord
Shakyamuni in one of his previous births when he was born as a Bull of spotless
white colour which seemed to be bluish at sight with a sky like colour horn.
The little bull is known in Newar language as “Neel Thusa” (Blue Bull Calf).
Though born as a bull in its previous meritorious deeds made him very
compassionate, friendly, joyous and always helpful to suffering creatures. As
it grew up, it developed a sense of reverence to Lord Buddha for his
compassionate teachings and as such, after days wandering in doing good to
others he would come to pay homage to Lord Buddha.
Blue Bull Calf |
Once
it so happened that while being engaged in helping suffering creatures, he was
late to report to his duty of paying himage to the Buddha and when he was on
his way to Lord Dipankara Buddha’s monastery, it was dawn and he hid himself in
a nearby place by shining brightly all around the site and some people moving
around saw the blue bell being turned into a stone bull but mysteriously there
was a mandala where it was petrified. It was the auspicious day of the full
moon of Aswin (September-October). There was a lunar eclipse and the
astrological feature was Harshana. Then the local people thinking to be a very
sacred religious and auspicious occasion came to worship the blue bull calf.
Note
to participate:
a.
"It is better not to wear leather shoes or items as all devotees need to
visit various shrines."
b.
"Those willing to participate in the procession should offer kisili (offering
of rice grain, whole beetle nut and coin kept in a small clay vessel) on
October 17 to Neel Thu Boddhisavttow at Nagbahal."
Source: Dipankha.com
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