Abstract

Buṅgadyaḥ is undoubtedly one of the most prominent Buddhist deities of the Kathmandu valley. According to Newar sources the tradition of its yearly chariot (jātrā) procession is attributable to the 7th century. A focal point of the valley’s religious life since then, the festival also attracted foreign devotees, who joined the Newar crowds in rituals related to the ‘rain-making’ god. Chronicles have kept the record of ‘western Malla’ kings and their troops visiting the valley during the 13th and early 14th century. These Mallas, also known by historians as Khaśa Mallas, came from the Karnali basin of today’s west Nepal. The available historical sources show that their passages in the Kathmandu valley were motivated by dual and seemingly contradictory goals: plunder and worship.

The presentation will first provide a historical and archaeological background to these Khaśa Mallas. Secondly, it will develop a micro-historical approach, following an early 14th century Malla ruler on a pilgrimage from the Karnali basin to Buṅgadyaḥ, passing by Lumbini. Finally, the presentation will reassess the Khaśa Mallas’ place in the Buddhist landscape of Kathmandu valley.