The Historical place of Lalitpur: Khokana, situated in the western part of the Kathmandu Valley, has a rich historical significance. It was once the residence of the Malla kings, with Amar Malla being the last ruler of Khokana. The Newar community is famous for the Matsyendra Rath Yatra from Khokna to Lalitpur. It has a strong presence in the area. This ancient tradition of a chariot journey dates back many years. Legend has it that to bring prosperity to Nepal.
The three kings of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur devised a plan to bring Matsyendranath from Kamakhyadevi Devi to Nepal. Accompanied by a porter named ‘Lalit,’ the king successfully brought Matsyendranath to the region. This led to the naming of Lalitpur after the porter ‘Lalit.’
About The historical place of Lalitpur: Khokana Khokana
Before being known as Khokana, the area was known as Jitapur. The name ‘Khokana’ has its roots in the Newari word ‘Khona,’ which translates to ‘telling while we are weeping.’ According to various accounts, a Maharjan priest fell ill with a high fever and fainted. During his cremation at Bagmati (with his wife participating in ‘Sati’), a sudden heavy rainfall occurred. The rain miraculously extinguished the pyre, saving the priest’s life. However, due to superstitions, the people present at the funeral were shunned and forced to relocate to the northwest of present-day Khokana. It is believed that the settlement was initiated by a weeping woman (Khona in Newari). They gave rise to the name Khokana, as blessed by the Goddess Shikali Devi.
However, People renowned Khokana for its mustard oil, both for consumption and topical application. Twelve thousand homes fill the area decorated with pools, pavilions, and architectural marvels. The Rudrayani temple and Shikali temple are among the popular religious sites in Khokana.
Moreover, Khokana is one of the oldest towns where electricity was first lit. During the rule of Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher JBR, holds a rich history in Nepal. The Khokana Museum near the Rudrayani Temple was the first house to be electrified in Nepal. Madan Krishna Maharjan serves as the director of the museum. Additionally, this location was where Mohankrishna created cartoons during the Panchayat system era.
Khokana reveals several fascinating sites:
1. Rudrayani Temple: A prominent three-storeyed temple dedicated to Goddess Rudrayani, worshipped as an incarnation of Goddess Durga and the town’s mother goddess.
2. De Pukhu: A large rectangular water pond in Chwe Lachi square. Where rituals like goat sacrifice and cultural performances take place during Rudrayani Jatra.
3. Jitapur Mandap: A public rest house in Kwe-lachi square, hosting various social and religious events, including the resting place of Rudrayani’s ‘khat’ during the jatra.
4. Shikali Temple: Located south of the main settlement, this temple has a history dating back to the migration of the Rudrayani goddess to Khokana in Satya Yuga.
AKhokana celebrates various festivals and rituals such as Shikali Jatra, Bhimshen Jatra, Gaijatra, Sithi Naka, and also traditional worship practices. Please Follow us on Touch Planet Treks, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Thank You.
Thank you and make your visit to Nepal 2024 successful.
By-A Dahal
