Itum-bahal, Itumbahal: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Itum-bahal means something in the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
India history and geography
Itum Bahal refers to one of the sacred or popular destinations of Kathmandu (the capital of Nepal).—Description of Itum Bahal: Itumba or Itum Bahal is one of the oldest Mahayana Buddhist Mahaviharas (Mahayana Buddhist monasteries) in Kathmandu city. It was founded in the 11th century by Keshchandra. An ancient bilanpau (scroll painting) that records the legend of the monastery’s founding is displayed to the public on special occasions. A special feature of Itum Bahal Newar Buddhist monasticism is that a member of the sangha (a monk) is non-celibate and lives at home with his wife and children. The male child in every local Newar Buddhist family is ordained for four days, after which they give back their vows of celibacy, yet remain a member of the monastery for life. The monastery now has around 450 members from 118 families in Itum Bahal.
Itum Bahal hosts the most famous Tara image in Nepal, a large bronze statue of White Tara called Mahashanta Shweta Tara, or “The Great Peaceful White Tara Who Turned the Wheel of Dharma”. It is said that a white sandalwood tree at the site is the location where this statue of Tara landed, spoke and taught Buddhist teachings, after miraculously flying there from Tibet. Although Tara is not a major deity propitiated by the Newari Buddhists, she is highly revered with a special ritual observed by the Newari Buddhist community called the Tara Vrata, during which a devotee fasts and maintains a state of purity for a day.
Itum Bahal is the name of a Buddhist monastery in Kathmandu.—Itumbahal might have been existed during the Lichhavi period of 7th-8th century. There is no tentative date of construction of Itumbahal, but we can only guess the nearest time and period of construction of Itumbahal. The legendry figure Keshchandra who has believed to have constructed, Itumbahal is still elusive. Some historians date him about the 11th century AD. In those days Kathmandu is under the rule of king Bahasrkardeva of Nuwakot. Earlier this monastery is familier as Suvarna Mahavihar. According to Daniel Wright, Itum Bahal must have been established around NS. 200 (1080 AD.). The Svayambhu Purana gives an evidence of king Bhaskarvarma, who ruled around 11th century, and with his name Vihara was constructed by Keshchandra.
Itumbahal has a unique tradition of fetching water from well in Itumbahal to bath the Bungadya at Lagankhel in Patan. The tradition of bringing water from Itumbahal to Bungadya must have been continued ever since the start of the tradition of Bungadya Rathajatra, i.e. since 7th century A.D. There is a special guthi to look after the tradition. But it has been discontinued now. It is significant, that Itumbahal must have been existed at the time of introduction of Bungadya into Nepal by Lechavi king Narendradeva. There must have been some kind of shrine during the Lechavi period. The well ‘I-tum’ near Itumbahal existed even before the construction of Itumbahal. The very name of Itumbahal is derived from this Well.
The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
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Full-text: Itumba.
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Search found 1 books and stories containing Itum-bahal, Itumbahal, Itumbahāḥ, Itum-bahāḥ, Itumbaha, Itum-baha, Itum-bahah, Itumbahah, Itumbāhāḥ, Itum-bāhāḥ, Ituṃbāhāḥ, Ituṃ-bāhāḥ; (plurals include: bahals, Itumbahals, Itumbahāḥs, bahāḥs, Itumbahas, bahas, bahahs, Itumbahahs, Itumbāhāḥs, bāhāḥs, Ituṃbāhāḥs). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Kailash: Journal of Himalayan Studies
Part 15 - Guide to the Itum Bahal—talking Tara < [A Buddhist Guide to the Power Places of the Kathmandu Valley]
Introduction to the Power Places of the Kathmandu Valley < [A Buddhist Guide to the Power Places of the Kathmandu Valley]