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Archamurthi
Lord Maheswar in the name of Pasupathinath is worshipped here in the
form of linga. It is about three and a half feet in height and is
installed on a high pedestal. The august linga has four faces
sculptured on four sides. Each is a sculptural marvel, and its
facial features and beautifully executed. All the four faces seem
exuding compassion to the devotees, but to the wicked and vicious,
they strike terror and send them to Mrithyuloka. Of the four, the
one facing the south has a characteristic terrific aspect. The
wicked are mortally afraid to look at it even for a split second. It
is roudra that emanates from it for them when look at it. The
pitiless mood it represents caused death in some cases. There is a
story current that Mukundsen, a remorseless invader, who raided
and plundered Khatmandu with a sword in one hand and fire in the
another looked at this face, when came to destroy it. A straight
look at it shook him to his foundations, as chill passed through his
spine instantaneously. Unable to stand its fierceness, he mounted
his horse and dashed off homewards. Alas, his corpse alone reached
home. Such is the terror the face strikes to 'the wicked, but, for
the virtuous, it emits rays of compassion and sends thrills of
bliss. The priests offer several kinds of prayer services to the
presiding deity as done to its counter parts in India. Hours spent
in the campus seem like a fleeting moment and it leaves an indelible
impression on the minds. The visitors lock it up in their minds to
be cherished for ever. A visit lifts ! A sight emancipates !! And
the memory recreates the whole sublimity in a flash and plunges one
in ecstatic raptures of blissful joy, if recalled. (For some more
details vide No. 2 of AGS)
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