KATHMANDU: The month-long ‘Purushottam Mas’, also known as the ‘Adhik Mas Mela’ (fair), began today at the Machhenarayan Temple in Machhenarayan (Matsyanarayan), Kathmandu.
Popularly known as the “Malmas Mela,” the fair attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country, including the Kathmandu Valley.
According to religious belief, worshipping Lord Narayan during Purushottam Mas is said to cleanse one of sins and bring spiritual merit. With this faith, devotees visit the Machhenarayan Temple for worship and prayers.
A major attraction at the temple is the grand golden eagle entrance within the temple premises. Another highlight is the one-foot-tall idol of Lord Matsyanarayan, believed to have emerged from the mouth of a fish, holding a conch, chakra, mace, and lotus in his four hands.
According to the Puranas, the Matsya Avatar is regarded as the first of Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations. Religious belief holds that during the great flood, the fish incarnation of God protected the Vedas by guiding a boat across the sea.
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