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Image identified:
Maha-man*d*apa
Nepal,
Date (NS/AD):
942/1822
Transliteration: 1.? S'ubha . sambat 942 pha-lgurn*n*as'ukra . dva-dasi . svamava-la
kuhnu . sam*krapa ya-n^a- jula . Translation: [success] . [Be] good . It was done Samkalpa (solemn vow) in a Monday
, twelfth lunar day of bright fortnight of Phalgun in Nepal Era 942
(AD 1822) . |
This pat*a of the Mahamandapa was established by Laksmisinha Citrakar and his wife Mayajudhana taking solemn vow on a Monday, twelfth lunar day of the bright fortnight of Phalguna (February-March) of AD 1822. Donors' place is not given. This is made with a bit commercial view also, as it could be borrowed in rent of a Da-ma (1\64 S'uka-)for each worshiping day. The image of Kuladevata(lineage diety) could also be borrowed along with this giving rent of a S'uka-(1/4 rupee). The currency system of this period in Nepal is seen Da-ma, Paisa-, Anna-, S'uka- and Rupaiya- (a Rupee). Each earlier currency indicates quarter of the later. The name Mahamandapa seems to be Mahamandala. Main meaning of Mandapa is "open hall" and Mandala is "circle". Here the pat*a is made in four layers of eight petals of lotus in circle. Mandala is famous to be a Tantric meditation device. Mandala and Mandapa is often cofused among Newars as both of them is spelled out shortly Man*dah*, which may be either Mandala or Mandapa in oblique form. So, here actually it seems to be Mahamandala "great circle" and not Mahamandapa" great open hall". |
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