ASTAMATRIK A D

ASTAM ATRI KA ANCE

DANCE
OF
LALITPUR

By:
Min Bahadur Shakya
Nagarjuna Institute of Exact Methods
CONTENTS
Introduction
Origin and History of Astamatrika Dance
Ritual Procedures of Astamatrika Dance
Purpose of Astamatrika Dance
Need for Preservation of Astamatrika Dance
Masks and Paintings of Astamatrika Deities
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
Patan the ancient city is also called Lalitpur - The city of Fine Arts.
The indigenous people are mainly Newars living in by clusters of Buddhist
Viharas which stand jostling with many Hindu temples but it is the Buddhist
premises which are predominantly in the City. ………
ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF ASTAMATRIKA DANCE
King Sri Nivash Malla.......
Guru Kulapada Acharya
Madhusudan Brahman
Sadhana of Astamatrika
RITUAL PROCEDURE
Refuge in Triple Jewels
Prostration to Guru and offerings
Guru gives Instruction in the dance to the candidates in front of Nrityesvara
Performing Uposadha-fasting ceremony
Participant visualizes themselves as one of mother goddesses and other
deities
PURPOSE OF ASTAMATRIKA DANCE
The dance of Astamatrika is for the removal of obstacles in the city caused
by unknown evil spirits, ghosts and eight great fears.
Besides, a tantric practitioner worships the Astamatrika for the attainment
of eight great Siddhis, well being, peace, prosperity of the country and the
people.
NEED FOR PRESERVING ASTAMATRIKA DANCE

Musical instruments
Carya songs
Carya Dance
Masks creation
Paintings
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
The musical instruments used in this dance are called "Ponga" and are
supposed to be heavenly instrument, and the sound produced thus, has a
spiritual significance. Visitors are simply astounded and delighted to see
such a spiritual heritage in living form.
But unfortunately these heritages in these days are really endangered.
CARYA SONGS
Charyagita is one of the unique features of this dance. Unlike other secular
songs, Charyagita has a spiritual significance which is esoteric in nature
and can not be fully comprehended by uninitiated mass.
The charya dance and charyagita have to be performed and sung
simultaneously and is considered in action.
MASKS CREATION
Astamatrika dance is also a ceremony that is ritually marked by a set of
masks, which on this occasion, are worn and danced with. These masks
have a continual life tone or energy. They are focal points of the
Astamatrika dance ceremonies performed during Dashain festival.
ASMATRIKA AND OTHER DEITIES IN THE DANCE
During these Astamatrika dances 13 deities are represented. They are as
follow:
2. Simhini - White
3. Bhairava – Blue
4. Ganesh – White
5. Kumara – Red
6. Brahmayani – Yellow
7. Varahi – Red
8. Indrayani - Yellow + Ash
9. Mahalaxmi  - Red
10. Kaumari - Red
11. Vaishanavi – Green
12. Mahakali/ Chamunda – Red
13. Rudrayani - White
14. Vyaghrini - Yellow
Picture 01
Simhini
Picture 02
Bhairava
Picture 03
Ganesh
Picture 04
Kumara
Picture 05
Brahmayani
Picture 06
Rudrayani
Picture 07
Kaumari
Picture 08
Vaishnavi
Picture 09
Varahi
Picture 10
Indrayani
Picture 11
Mahalaxmi
Picture 12
Mahakali/Camunda
Picture 13
Vyaghrini
Picture 14: Musical Instruments for the Dance
Picture 15: Simhini, Bhairav and Vyaghrini dancing together.
Picture 16: Ganesh
Picture 16: Ganesh