How did Swayambhunath & Boudhanath get their names?

Do you know why the names Swayambhunath and Boudhanath end with – Nath?

If you notice the names of many things in Nepal, you will find that many names are ended with the word “Nath.”

The answer is not as straight as your tour guide will make out. In some places, it may be easy. But for Syawambhunath and Boudhanath, it’s an outright puzzle.

Everyone has a different interpretation, from tour guides to monks’ history teachers.

The real meaning of Nath.

The Sanskrit word Nath means “lord, master, protector.”

Nath is an Indian surname, commonly found among Bengali and Assamese Hindus.’ Nath’s community belongs to the Yogi-Nath group and is listed as another backward class in West Bengal and Assam.

 

From where does the term Nath come from?

Its origins are linked with Adhinath’s name and are used by lord Shiva.

Natha group ( Hindu sub-traditional group) start the system of Naming Nath

The establishment of the Natha distinct history began around the 8th and 9th with a simple fisherman.

 

Is this the only mention of Nath or Natha in the world? No

Bodhisattva is worshipped as “Natha” in Srilanka. He is specified in Chola Literature (Tamil), which originated in south India in the 9th and 13th centuries. In this terminology, Bodhisattva was also known as Natha-deva.

The most exciting thing is that the dates are aside from the name and terminology. They almost correspond to the origin of the Hindu group known as Natha. In the condition of Bodhisattva, little else is known in connection with the name of Nepal. In conclusion, some yoga practitioners also maintain the term Nath though it is said that it will come later. To make matters confusing, the Natha was a Practitioner of yoga.

Who was that, Natha??

Though their origin is about the 9th -10th century, they are primarily known for their rather outbox challenging ways. They allowed all shady practices and stayed away from societies learning to explore their inner power.

It seemed like a foreign culture, but Natha’s popularity grew, and they began forming monasteries. During this age, they developed a strong following and dedication to walking long distances for spiritual practices.

In Nepal, Natha is known as Sadhu.

During this period, the sub-group of Nath became warriors in the Islamic invasion of India.

Natha mainly believes in extensive spread travels and search for a higher level of spiritual power than the other’s written doctrine.

Two branches consist of Sadhus and regular householders or workers who practice their beliefs at home. Sadus is also known for making a long-distance walk to Pashupatinath during the Shivaratri festival.

 

Natha and Buddhism.

If you ask historians about the Natha, you will get an answer that they were Hindu culture that also beli8ved in Buddhism. It is an understandable simplification.

Because of their extensive travels, Natha was documented in Buddhist texts in Tibet. But the Natha did not directly practice mainstream.

They do meditation or other activities to reach a higher understanding. However, some have delved deeper and come up with individual branches of Buddhism that Natha was meant to have practiced.

If we go into a more in-depth education of Tibet doc, Matsyenranath is often referred to as Lui-pia and Nepal; he is a form of Bodhisattva. So there is, it seems, a connection.

In my view, the likely result is that they start practicing their form of Buddhism and exploring for higher spiritual power.

The Natha and Nepal.

The oldest religious site in Nepal is Swayambhunath. According to the Gopalarajavamsavali, it was founded at the beginning of the 5th century by the great-grandfather of king Manadeva, king Vasudeva.

Avalokiteshvara is represented through many Buddhist scriptures and many statues.

 

The Real name of Swayambhunath.

The oldest religious sites in Nepal are Swayambhunath. According to the Gopalarajavamsavali, it was founded by the great-grandfather of king Manadeva, king Vrsadeva, about the beginning of the 5th century. Mythology also says that Bodhisattva and Manjushree let the water out of a lake, and the Kathmandu valley comes out with a lotus blossom, becoming a “Self Awoken, Lord.” This is where the stupa is built. It thereby holds the title of Kathmandu’s first building.

The official name of Swayambhunath is Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, and the first recorded name was “Singru-Vihara-Chaitya-Bhatjarika.”

The real meaning of Swayambunath is” self-manifested,” self-existing.”

The first written data of the stupa comes from King Manadeva, who had done it here in 640CE, so it predates the Natha.

The Seto Machchhendranath temple is located in Kathmandu’s Jana Bahal, with the Machchhendranath temple in South Patan dedicated to Machchhendranath. There is a change in spelling due to different languages commonplace in Nepal, so it’s not an issue.

Though what about Natha?

According to the late historian, the only certification of the Natha is said to be an inscription at Swayambhunath.

For those wondering, I do not include Pashupatinath temple here as it was established in the 5th century. The likelihood is that the phrase Nath here is undoubtedly a direct link to lord Shiva as Adinath. At the same time, both Swayambhunath and Boudhanath have Buddhist points of origin.

 

How are the Natha and Swayambhunath related?

Natha and Swayambhunath are known as “lords.”One has Buddhist origins, and another has a vague delving into Buddhism.

When was Swayambhu Maha Chaitya named changed into Swayambhunath?

From the period of Natha, it was changed to Swayambhunath.

 

The real name of Boudhanath.

The great white stupa is established in the Licchavi period in 400 CE. The area was known as Boudha, and the city was known as Boudha.

The last name of Boudhanath is Khasi or Khasa Chatiya from the Newar Chronicles. There is no orientation to the Natha here. The link between the Swayambhunath and Boudhanath is that they are aside from Buddhism. Both names are enduing with Nath and fascinating the presence of an Ajima temple at both sites. Both Hindus and Buddhists respect Ajima, often cited as a Newar god.

When was Boudhanath built?

According to history, after unwittingly murdering his father, one king constructs the stupa.

 

When did the Nath get used?

This is the million question. Nobody seems talented enough to quote an orientation as to when these terms were first used in the Nepali memoir regarding Swayambhunath and Boudhanath. Again, the likes of Pashupatinath and Machchhendranath all make a judgment. But Swayambhunath and Boudhanath had different original names.

 

When and why Swayambhunath and Boudhanath were renamed?

As mentioned earlier, the answer is usually right there. But, there is no evidence. Nobody seems to identify this.