Cultural study of Harati and its relation with Baudhanath Stupa

Abstract

The title of the thesis studied for the master‟s degree from the Central Department of Nepalese History, Culture and Archeology under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science at Tribhuvan University is “Cultural study of Harati and its Relation with Boudhanath Stupa”.This thesis is based on the primary and secondary data collection methods. Interview, discussion and observation methods have been used. How is the Harati related with Boudhanath stupa? What are the tangible aspects of Harati temple? How are intangible jatra cultures of Harati associated with Boudhanath stupa? The study has been embodied by finding problems related to that. The objectives of this study are to show the relationship of Harati with Boudhanath stupa and tangible aspects of Harati temple.To explore how the jatras are performed associated with Harati. Haratimata is the goddess of child protection and the goddess to protect Buddhist rules. Haratimata was known as Abhirati before Harati. Stories related to Harati are mentioned in different granthas and sutras like Haratikavadanam, Swayambhu Purana, Samyuktavastu, Harati Sutra, Mahamaya Sutra. In each and every Bihars and stupa of Nepal there should be temple of Haratimata. Whenever people come to visit and worship Boudhanath, they will also worship and visit to temple of Harati. Boudhanath stupa is one of the ancient and Buddhist religious sites but Harati is one of the important goddess for both the Hindu and Buddhist religious people. The tangible and intangible aspects of Harati and Bouthanath stupa should be well preserved and conserved. The cultural and original jatras, which is being operated continuously, should be protected for future generations.