Mahasattwa being staged at Kausi Theatre, Teku

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Jan. 16: Mahasattwa, a cultural drama directed by Chandra Man Munikar who also conceived the concept and story, is currently being staged at Kausi Theatre, Teku in Kathmandu.  

Sudan Man Munikar, an actor in the play, said that the play has been receiving good support from the audience.

The play is based on the story of the establishment of Namo Buddha and the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha. It also focuses on Mahasattwa, the youngest prince among the three sons of King Maharatha and Queen Satyabati of the ancient Panchal Kingdom, which is now known as Panauti.

In the story, Prince Mahasattwa and his two brothers go into the forest to find special flowers for the Maha Puja to be held in the Panchal Kingdom. While in the forest, they encounter a starving female tiger, struggling to feed her cubs due to weakness.

Prince Mahasattwa sacrifices his own life by donating his body to save the tiger. His selfless act leads to his death, and in time, he is reborn as Shakyamuni Buddha.

The area where he died, after donating his body to the tiger, is now known as Namo Buddha, and this is a central theme of the play. 

The play explores the idea that people can break free from the cycle of suffering caused by the pursuit of momentary pleasures and instead walk the path of enlightenment, following the example of Mahasattwa.

Dramatised by Ingi Hopo Koinch Sunuwar, the play is done by Sudan Man Munikar, Sangita Thapa Magar, Yuvahang Rai, Smriti Shrestha, Bishal Pulami, Khushi Sunuwar, Sachin Lama, Sumitra Pehim, Kiran Chapagain, Poonam Laxmi Magar and Prem Chand Pandey.

The play is staged every day at 5.15 pm with an additional show on Saturday at 1 pm.

Baraj Kala Kunja has been staging the cultural drama since January 9 and will continue till January 18.