Kathmandu, November 19
Every year on Margashirsha Krishna Chaturdashi, devotees from across the country visit Pashupatinath to observe Bala Chaturdashi. The Pashupati area becomes crowded from early morning on Krishna Trayodashi.
Satbij was also scattered this morning at other major sites observing Bala Chaturdashi, including Doleshwar Mahadev Jyotirlingeshwar and Gokuldham, as well as Devghat in Chitwan.
The annual Bala Chaturdashi Mela, observed on the Krishna Trayodashi of the month of Mangsir with prayers for the eternal peace of departed ancestors, that began on Tuesday at the Pashupati area.
From early morning, devotees line up at Pashupatinath to light lamps in the name of their ancestors. Devotees gathered from the morning of Trayodashi light lamps in the evening following the prescribed rituals. Those who offer Akhand Deepdaan throughout the night light the lamps on Trayodashi evening and scatter satbij at dawn on Chaturdashi, praying for the salvation of their ancestors.
In remembrance of departed family members and with prayers for their eternal peace, satbij is scattered at 108 Shivalingas, Kailash, Suryaghat, Gaurighat, Aryaghat, Guhyeshwari, Pashupati, Mrigasthali, Vishworupa and Kiranteshwar, among other sacred sites.
Although the ritual is called satbij (hundred seeds), it now involves saptabij—seven grains (rice, barley, sesame, wheat, chickpeas, maize and kodo). Devotees scatter these grains and, upon reaching the deaf Ganesh statue at Mrigasthali, shake the stone idol and loudly appeal for the message to reach the departed souls.
