Satyahangma rituals: commemorating Phalgunanda in eastern Nepal
The new Kirati religion founded by the spiritual leader and ‘national luminary’ Mahaguru Phalgunanda Lingden (1885–1949) is a unique blend of an ethnic tradition marked by shamanic practice and elements of Hinduism. Little is known about the ritual practice performed by the Mahaguru himself and his...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris
2021-01-01
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| Series: | European Bulletin of Himalayan Research |
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| Online Access: | https://journals.openedition.org/ebhr/444 |
| _version_ | 1797258856946991104 |
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| author | Martin Gaenszle |
| author_facet | Martin Gaenszle |
| author_sort | Martin Gaenszle |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The new Kirati religion founded by the spiritual leader and ‘national luminary’ Mahaguru Phalgunanda Lingden (1885–1949) is a unique blend of an ethnic tradition marked by shamanic practice and elements of Hinduism. Little is known about the ritual practice performed by the Mahaguru himself and his disciples. However, today, the principal successor, Atmananda Lingden, is propagating his version of the Satyahangma religion and building a large community of followers. Rituals are based on the Sāmjik Mundhum, a red book containing the canonical text. My contribution here will take a look at the making of this ritual tradition and the controversies that have resulted from different interpretations of Phalgunanda’s heritage. The biggest event in the year is the celebration of Phalgunanda’s birthday on Kartik 25 (ca 11 November). In eastern Nepal in particular, this is an event of great spiritual as well as political importance, as could be observed in 2018. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-24T23:00:11Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-3173fdba2a1d4f7292dba85c8810ad84 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2823-6114 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-24T23:00:11Z |
| publishDate | 2021-01-01 |
| publisher | Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris |
| record_format | Article |
| series | European Bulletin of Himalayan Research |
| spelling | doaj.art-3173fdba2a1d4f7292dba85c8810ad842024-03-17T13:21:08ZengCentre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), ParisEuropean Bulletin of Himalayan Research2823-61142021-01-015710.4000/ebhr.444Satyahangma rituals: commemorating Phalgunanda in eastern NepalMartin GaenszleThe new Kirati religion founded by the spiritual leader and ‘national luminary’ Mahaguru Phalgunanda Lingden (1885–1949) is a unique blend of an ethnic tradition marked by shamanic practice and elements of Hinduism. Little is known about the ritual practice performed by the Mahaguru himself and his disciples. However, today, the principal successor, Atmananda Lingden, is propagating his version of the Satyahangma religion and building a large community of followers. Rituals are based on the Sāmjik Mundhum, a red book containing the canonical text. My contribution here will take a look at the making of this ritual tradition and the controversies that have resulted from different interpretations of Phalgunanda’s heritage. The biggest event in the year is the celebration of Phalgunanda’s birthday on Kartik 25 (ca 11 November). In eastern Nepal in particular, this is an event of great spiritual as well as political importance, as could be observed in 2018.https://journals.openedition.org/ebhr/444Limbu cultureKiratreformed religionbirthday celebrationritual practicesecularism |
| spellingShingle | Martin Gaenszle Satyahangma rituals: commemorating Phalgunanda in eastern Nepal European Bulletin of Himalayan Research Limbu culture Kirat reformed religion birthday celebration ritual practice secularism |
| title | Satyahangma rituals: commemorating Phalgunanda in eastern Nepal |
| title_full | Satyahangma rituals: commemorating Phalgunanda in eastern Nepal |
| title_fullStr | Satyahangma rituals: commemorating Phalgunanda in eastern Nepal |
| title_full_unstemmed | Satyahangma rituals: commemorating Phalgunanda in eastern Nepal |
| title_short | Satyahangma rituals: commemorating Phalgunanda in eastern Nepal |
| title_sort | satyahangma rituals commemorating phalgunanda in eastern nepal |
| topic | Limbu culture Kirat reformed religion birthday celebration ritual practice secularism |
| url | https://journals.openedition.org/ebhr/444 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT martingaenszle satyahangmaritualscommemoratingphalgunandaineasternnepal |