Kathmandu’s Hidden Tales: The Gurumapa Legend
In the heart of Kathmandu’s vibrant history lies a story woven into the fabric of its culture. The city, often referenced in ancient Hindu texts, has nurtured tales passed down through generations, keeping its ancient spirit alive. Among these is the eerie yet fascinating legend of Gurumapa, a creature deeply rooted in the Newari community’s folklore.
Gurumapa: The Child-Eating Monster of Myth
Gurumapa, a name that sends shivers down the spines of Kathmandu’s children, is a mythical creature with an insatiable hunger for human flesh. Described as a hideous monster, its very mention conjures up images of an ugly, starving entity lurking in the shadows, waiting to prey on unsuspecting children.
Kesh Chandra’s Downfall: A Gambler’s Tale
At the center of this legend is Kesh Chandra, a man whose life took a turn for the worse due to his gambling addiction. Once a resident of Itum Bahal, a sacred courtyard in Kathmandu, Kesh lost everything to his vice and was forced to seek refuge with his sister, who was married to Singha Sartha Bahu from Tham Bahi. This was the beginning of a series of events that would intertwine his fate with the dreaded Gurumapa.
The Incident of the Plates: A Sister’s Retribution
In a desperate attempt to sustain his gambling, Kesh stooped to stealing from his own sister. Kesh’s sister first served him a meal on a golden plate, a family treasure shining with history and value. But Kesh, lost in his own troubles, didn’t think twice before stealing it. The next time, his sister, still unaware of his actions, served him on a silver plate, another piece of their family’s heritage. Kesh, again driven by his desperate need for money, took this one too. His actions, driven by his gambling problem, showed how far he had strayed from the person he once was, betraying his sister’s trust not once, but twice.
Enraged by her brother’s actions, his sister decided to make a stand. In a symbolic gesture of disappointment, she served Kesh’s meal on the floor, pushing him to confront the gravity of his deeds.
A Meal Gone Wrong: The Turning Point
Kesh, burdened with guilt, left his sister’s home with a meal wrapped in his handkerchief. However, his journey into the wild brought an unexpected twist. The meal rotted, leaving him with nothing but maggots. Under a giant tree, he napped, only to wake up to pigeons feasting on his spoiled meal. This moment of despair was the catalyst for a profound realization of his past wrongdoings.
Golden Opportunity: A Strange Discovery
In an unexpected twist, Kesh observed something astonishing: the droppings left by the pigeons magically transformed into gold. This remarkable sight briefly took his mind off his feelings of regret. However, this distraction was short-lived, as he quickly became aware of something much more menacing. Out of the woods, the fearsome Gurumapa made its appearance, capturing Kesh’s full attention.
A Dangerous Bargain: Kesh and the Gurumapa
Confronted by the terrifying Gurumapa, Kesh cleverly negotiated a deal. He agreed to guide the beast to his village, offering it the chance to devour human children, all to ensure his own survival. This dark agreement resulted in the loss of numerous children from the village, compelling the locals to finally take extreme actions.
A Village’s Struggle: Confronting the Beast
Children began to vanish, one after another, swallowed into the shadows of the night. Whispers of the monstrous Gurumapa spread like wildfire, gripping the villagers in a paralyzing fear. This wasn’t just any creature; it was the legendary Gurumapa, known for its insatiable appetite for human children. As the disappearances grew, the villagers, driven by a mix of dread and belief, knew they had to face this nightmare. They united, their hearts heavy with worry for their lost children, and embarked on a spiritual journey. Their mission was clear: to confront Gurumapa and bring an end to this dark chapter in their village’s history. It was a journey that would test their courage, shake their faith, and forever change the fabric of their community.
The Village’s Sacrifice: Banishing the Beast
In an effort to free their village from the terror of Gurumapa, the villagers leaned on their beliefs. They spent several days praying before they finally faced the fearsome creature. They presented Gurumapa with a grand feast and made a deal: they would feed it once every year if it agreed to leave them in peace. The Gurumapa, tempted by their proposal, withdrew to a place called Tinkya (now known as Tudikhel), which is today known as Tundikhel. This agreement created a fragile peace between the villagers and the monstrous Gurumapa.
Legacy of the Gurumapa: A Tradition Preserved
Even now, the people of Itum Bahal in Kathmandu keep an old promise alive. Each year, they cook a special meal for Gurumapa and place it in the Tundikhel field. This act is more than just a tradition; it’s a way for them to remember the stories passed down through generations, showing the intricate relationship between humans and the legends that shape their culture.
In conclusion, this annual ritual not only honors their heritage but also symbolizes the enduring connection between the people of Kathmandu and the mythical tales that are woven into the fabric of their community.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who or what is Gurumapa?
Gurumapa is a mythical creature in Newari folklore, known for its hunger for human flesh. It is depicted as a hideous monster that preys on children in Kathmandu.
2. What is the origin of the Gurumapa legend?
The legend centers around Kesh Chandra, a gambler from Itum Bahal, Kathmandu, whose life spiraled down due to his addiction, leading to a series of events that connected him with Gurumapa.
3. How did Kesh Chandra’s actions lead to the Gurumapa legend?
Kesh Chandra, in his desperation, stole valuable plates from his sister to sustain his gambling habit. His actions led him to a life-changing encounter with Gurumapa.
4. What was the deal between Kesh Chandra and Gurumapa?
Kesh Chandra, to save himself, guided Gurumapa to his village to devour children. This led to numerous disappearances and instilled fear among the villagers.
5. What was the villagers’ solution to the Gurumapa problem?
The villagers negotiated with Gurumapa, offering it a grand feast once a year in exchange for peace. Gurumapa agreed and retreated to Tinkya (now Tundikhel).
6. What is the significance of the Gurumapa tradition today?
The people of Itum Bahal continue to cook a special meal annually for Gurumapa, placing it in Tundikhel field. This tradition honors their heritage and the legend of Gurumapa.
7. Where is Tundikhel, and why is it important in the legend?
Tundikhel is a field in Kathmandu where Gurumapa was promised an annual feast by the villagers. It symbolizes the fragile peace between the villagers and the creature.
8. What does the Gurumapa legend represent?
The Gurumapa legend reflects the intricate relationship between humans and folklore in Kathmandu. It showcases how myths and cultural beliefs are deeply embedded in the community’s traditions and history.
9. How is Kesh Chandra related to Singha Sartha Bahu?
Kesh Chandra’s sister is married to Singha Sartha Bahu from Tham Bahi. This makes Kesh Chandra the brother-in-law of Singha Sartha Bahu.
Reference
- Gurumapa Comic, Newa Kipahana Bakhan