Seto Machchhindra Nath decorated (Photo Feature)

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Jan 2: The coloring of the Seto Machchhindra Nath (Aaryabalokiteshwor), which carries religious importance, is underway. Each year on the seventh day from the full moon period, holy water is brought from Bhachakushi of Shivabhagwati, and the sacred bathing ritual on Seto Machchhindra Nath is performed on the eighth day.

After the holy bath, the sculpture is painted and decorated.

A deity idol is painted on the ninth day from the full moon after keeping it on the right side of the temple premises, while on the tenth day, the shape is given to the statue, said the priest of the temple. 

The head priest of the temple is giving a final touch to the sculpture while Narendra Chitrakar is in charge of taking care of the temple.   

According to Chitrakar, the retouch on the sculpture is done after the holy bath, as some disruption is caused, and the paint gets washed from the sculpture. 

"The Deity idol is restored in the temple after bringing the idol to its original place, after completing the painting on the statue on the full moon day. According to the religion, after wrapping up the painting, the ten performances are done. the idol is reestablished in its original place after the ten performed," He said.

According to Chitrakar, the main statue of Aryabalokiteswar is made of red sandalwood.

Photos: Manoj Ratna Shahi/TRN