The Kathmandu Valley is known for its rich history, colorful festivals, and ancient legends. Among them, the story of Rato Machhindranath Jatra stands out as one of the most fascinating. It is a tale of drought, faith, divine intervention, and the unity of a people desperate to save their land.
Today, the annual Rato Machhindranath Jatra is one of the grandest and oldest festivals celebrated in Lalitpur, Nepal. But how did it all begin? Let’s journey back in time to find out.
The 12-Year Drought in Kathmandu Valley
Centuries ago, during the rule of ancient kings, the Kathmandu Valley faced a terrible crisis. For 12 long years, not a single drop of rain fell. Rivers dried up. Crops failed. People and animals suffered under the scorching sun.
Desperate to find a solution, the King of Bhaktapur sought guidance. He decided to visit Swayambhu, one of the most sacred sites in Nepal, where a wise Tantrik (holy man) was known to reside.
The king poured out his concerns before the Tantrik. After deep meditation and consultation with divine powers, the Tantrik revealed the cause behind the drought — Guru Gorakhnath.
Why Was Guru Gorakhnath Angry?
Guru Gorakhnath was a powerful yogi. During one of his visits to the valley, the people failed to show him proper respect. Feeling insulted and angry, he chose to punish the valley.
He sat in deep meditation at Swayambhu, trapping under him nine mighty serpents (Nagas) who were responsible for bringing rain to the valley. As long as Guru Gorakhnath continued his meditation, the serpents could not move freely, and no rain would fall.
The Tantrik explained that the only way to make Guru Gorakhnath move was to bring his beloved teacher, Rato Machhindranath, to the valley.
But there was a big problem — Rato Machhindranath was nowhere to be found.
The Search for Rato Machhindranath
Determined to save his people, the King of Bhaktapur, the Tantrik from Kathmandu, and a humble Newar farmer from Lalitpur joined forces. Together, they embarked on a mission to find Rato Machhindranath.
After much searching and divine guidance, they discovered that Machhindranath had been reborn. He was now living as the 108th son of King Sashi in the distant land of Assam, in India. This rebirth was part of the cycle of life and divinity in Hindu-Buddhist beliefs.
Without wasting time, the three representatives of the valley made the long and difficult journey to Assam.
The Struggles in Assam
Bringing back Machhindranath was not an easy task. He had been born into a demon family (Daitya), known for their strength and resistance to outsiders.
The king, the Tantrik, and the farmer tried everything they could — prayers, negotiations, rituals — but nothing worked. They could not convince the demon king’s family to release Machhindranath.
Days turned into weeks. The situation became more desperate.
Finally, the Tantrik decided to use divine help. He summoned four powerful Bhairabs — fierce forms of Lord Shiva — to assist them.
The Bhairabs, with their great power, successfully brought Machhindranath out of Assam and brought him back towards Nepal.
The Return of Rain to the Valley
When Guru Gorakhnath, still deep in meditation at Swayambhu, saw his revered teacher Rato Machhindranath approaching, he immediately stood up in respect.
At that moment, the nine mighty serpents were freed from under him. The balance of nature was restored. Soon, dark clouds gathered over the Kathmandu Valley, and for the first time in 12 years, rain poured down, quenching the thirst of the land and bringing life back to the valley.
The people rejoiced. Crops grew again. Rivers began to flow. Life slowly returned to normal.
Where Should Rato Machhindranath Stay?
With the drought ended, another question arose — where should Rato Machhindranath be kept?
The King of Bhaktapur, the Tantrik from Kathmandu, and the Newar farmer from Lalitpur discussed but could not reach a decision. They realized they needed a neutral answer. So, they went to the King of Lalitpur for advice.
The clever King of Lalitpur saw the opportunity and decided to keep Rato Machhindranath in Lalitpur.
Thus, Rato Machhindranath found his new home in Lalitpur, where he would be honored, worshipped, and remembered for saving the valley from disaster.
The Beginning of Rato Machhindranath Jatra
To remember this great event, the people of Lalitpur started an annual festival called the Rato Machhindranath Jatra.
Every year, they build a massive wooden chariot (Rath) and place an idol of Rato Machhindranath on it. The chariot is pulled through the streets of Lalitpur by hundreds of people in a grand procession.
The journey of the chariot symbolizes the arrival of rain and blessings. It is a time of prayer, celebration, and community togetherness. People offer prayers for good rainfall, healthy crops, and prosperity.
The festival lasts for several weeks and includes many rituals, music, dances, and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Today, the Rato Machhindranath Jatra is not just a religious event — it is a symbol of hope, unity, and respect for nature.
Why This Festival Still Matters Today
Even today, in our modern world, the story of Rato Machhindranath reminds us of important lessons:
- Respect for nature: Just like the people of the past, we depend on rain, rivers, and the balance of the environment.
- Faith and unity: It shows how people from different backgrounds (a king, a holy man, and a farmer) came together for a common cause.
- Gratitude: The festival is a way to thank the forces of nature and the divine powers for their blessings.
The Rato Machhindranath Jatra continues to inspire new generations. It keeps alive the spirit of ancient Nepal — full of stories, wisdom, and deep connection with the land.
So the next time you see the grand chariot rolling through the streets of Lalitpur, remember — it carries a story of survival, devotion, and the beautiful power of rain.
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