24th Shrawan 2076, Kathmandu The golden and silver scripts of Prajnaparamita Sutra has been kept on display in Bhagawan Bahal (Bikramsil Mahabihar) premises in Kathmandu from 23rd Shrawan 2076 (Gunlaa Astami). It will be displayed till 32nd Shrawan 2076. Prajnaparamita Sutra also known as the Heart Sutra in Mahayana Buddhism is supposed to be delivered by Shakyamuni Buddha in Vulture Peak Mountain in ancient India; this Sutra is regarded as the heart of Buddha's teaching as it is related to elaborate doctrine on Sunyata- Emptiness. The presented script is in Ranjana and the language is Samskrit.
The display is part of the annual program that falls on Gunlaa period according to lunar calendar. Bhagawan Bahal is said to be established by famous trader Simhasartha Bahu. According to Management Coordinator Rahendra Prasad Pradhan, the Prajnaparamita Sutra is also related to and contributed in script by Maha Manjushri, Nagarjuna and Atisha Dipankara in its preservation and elaborations. The display is till 32nd Shrawan when Layaku Kumari (Hanuman Dhoka Kumari, also known as Royal Kumari) visits and observes the texts on that day.
Text and Photo: Binay Maharjan
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