KATHMANDU, Jan 13: The month of Magh, based on the lunar calendar, holds special significance in Nepal for worshiping deities in one's surroundings, according to Vedic Sanatan tradition.
During the one-month period from Poush Shukla Purnima to Magh Shukla Purnima, various Shakti Peeths across Nepal are worshiped. This tradition originated from the belief that these sites became divine abodes after parts of Sati Devi's body fell there. Starting today, followers of Vedic Sanatan Dharma will begin ritual Magh bathing, observing the Swasthani Brata, reciting the sacred story, and engaging in devotional worship.
Most women observe the Swasthani Brata in Nepal. Jessica Vantin Birkenholtz, an American scholar who completed her PhD research on the Swasthani Brata Katha is currently an assistant professor of religion at the University of Illinois, USA, notes that this tradition is not found in any other South Asian country.
The Swasthani Brata and Magh bathing rituals are observed for one month, from Poush Shukla Purnima to Magh Shukla Purnima. The ritual begins on Poush Shukla Chaturdashi by cutting nails, bathing, and wearing clean clothes. Participants take a ritual bath in the morning and perform worship to Lord Mahadev at midday. In the evening, it is customary to listen to or recite the Swasthani Brata Katha, a dialogue between Kumar and Agastya found in the Kedara Kanda of the Skanda Purana, which highlights the significance of the month of Magh.
Shree Swasthani Brata Katha and Maghesnan begins today
For one month, devotees observe the Swasthani Brata through dedicated rituals. On Magh Shukla Purnima, the final day, offerings are made to the goddess, including 108 sacred threads (Janai), 108 betel nuts, 108 betel leaves, 108 flowers, 108 pieces of bread, 108 grains of rice (Akshata), various fruits, incense, lamps, Naivedya (sacred food offerings), sandalwood paste, red sandalwood, vermilion, clothes, and gifts, all with the prayer for the fulfillment of their wishes.
Worshiping the deities of one’s locality is central to the Swasthani Puja. It is also believed that the time following Uttarayana (the sun's northward journey) is ideal for meditation and spiritual practice. The term Swasthani signifies the practice of connecting with one’s soul or inner self.
Swasthani Devi, as described in the Skanda Purana, is depicted as golden-complexioned, three-eyed, serene in expression, seated on a lotus and a lion throne, and possessing four arms, according to Dr Devmani Bhattarai, a religious scholar and member of the Nepal Panchang Decision Committee.
It is believed that observing the Swasthani Brata with proper rituals reunites separated couples, cures illnesses, and fulfills desires for a specific spouse. Such stories are widely prevalent in Swasthani traditions.
The Swasthani Katha recounts that in the Satya Yuga, Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas, observed the Swasthani Brata following Vishnu's guidance to marry Lord Mahadev.
Shali Nadi Fair in Sankhu begins
On this occasion, the month-long Madhav Narayan Fair, along with ritual Magh bathing, has commenced at Shali Nadi in Sankhu, located 18 km northeast of the Kathmandu Valley.
"There is a religious belief that bathing in the Shali Nadi and worshiping Madhav Narayan during the month of Magh cleanses sins and earns virtue. Every year, millions of devotees visit this site," said historian Prakash Shrestha, who researches the historical, religious, archaeological, cultural, and touristic significance of Sankhu.
The fair management committee has announced that all preparations for the Shali Nadi Fair have been completed.