Introduction

 

Every afternoon we searched the room: under the bed, above the cupboard, behind the radio. Everywhere. Somewhere, in some corner, were the sweets and fruit mother brought for the evening’s reading of the Swasthani. Fearfully, we even searched the hollow in the wall where the scriptures, blackened by incense smoke, reddened by vermilion powder, and perfumed by the drooping flowers, were kept.

 

As always, when mother finished reading the Swasthani, she would give us sweets and fruit as blessed food. We, the children of the family, would get the largest share. But we couldn’t wait to know what it was, where it was, and where it came from.

 

We watched her eagerly every evening as she reached the end of the reading. She bowed down with cupped hands, her head covered her hands for a few seconds, and when she raised her head there were sweets and fruit in her hands. When we asked where they came from, she always said, “God is pleased with you today.” Sometimes there was only one orange for us to share, but we were not disappointed because there was a different flavor to it, perhaps a divine spice.

 

The scriptures of Swasthani have been read in Nepal for many generations. Its stories are derived from the oral tradition as well as from the Puranas (the roots of which go back to 1200 BC). The Swasthani is as important as, and in many homes more important than, the Ramayana or the Mahabharata. Every version, whether Newari, Nepali, Maithali, or Hindi, is equally venerated. Among the people found to be reading these scriptures are Newars, Thakalis, Gurungs, Brahmins, and Chhetris. Many of the stories in the scriptures are of Lord Shiva, perhaps the most popular religious figure of the kingdom. The deity is revered by those who follow religions based on animism, Hinduism, and even Buddhism. His home, Mount Kailas in Tibet, is an important pilgrimage site of this region.

 

From January to February, the scriptures are read aloud or listened to. All people who perform its rites, it is said, will be blessed, washed of sins, and cleansed of curses. When everybody is together in the evening, the oldest or the most respected person takes the Swasthani from its sacred place in the worship room. Everyone bows down; the mantra prayer in the front of the book, and then the stories inside, are read out in a singsong voice. During the month the scripture is read from beginning to end, chapter by chapter.

 

Pallav Ranjan

January 1999, Kathmandu

 

 

Readings Two

A Story of Creation 

 

Since there have been so many cosmic eggs that have been given life and have come to an end, I cannot relate the stories of them all. What I now relate to you is the story of one cosmic egg.

 

After a Mahapralaya, the cyclic destruction of the universe, there was nothing. Everything was empty. So the supreme God wished to create again. He created waters within a cosmic egg and Lord Bishnu, whose work it is to sustain all things conceived, sleeping in this vast ocean upon a thousand-headed serpent.

 

He also created an immense lotus upon which Lord Brahma, designer of all creation, could appear. Once Lord Brahma made his appearance, he looked about and sought material with which to design worlds and living beings. As he was wondering what to do, Bishnu’s ear began to itch.

 

Bishnu put his finger in his ear, found some dirt, and he threw it away. From the dirt two demons were born, Madhu and Kaitav. They were adventurous; they started to explore the cosmos, and came across the stem of the lotus on top of which Brahma was seated.

 

Madhu and Kaitav were curious when they saw Brahma and his four faces and wanted to bring him down for a closer look. So they started shaking the stem of the lotus. Lord Brahma was scared and called upon Lord Bishnu to help him. Bishnu awoke and saw Madhu and Kaitav shaking the lotus like the wind shakes a tree.

 

Displeased, he told the demons to stop disturbing Brahma. Angered by his interference, the two demons charged at Lord Bishnu like arrows from a bow. A five-thousand-year war ensued between the demons and Bishnu. But at the end of five thousand years no one was nearer victory.

 

Pleased with their strength, Lord Bishnu said, “O demons, you have pleased me with your bravery. What do you wish? Ask and it will be yours.”

 

Madhu and Kaitav replied, “It is not for the weaker to grant gifts to the stronger. We are not tired; apparently you are. What do you wish? Ask what you want from us.”

 

The vanity in their voice disturbed Bishnu. “Promise me that you will give me what I ask. Tell me that my words will not go to waste,” he said and the demons replied, “What you want will be yours. We have promised.”

 

“Then I ask that the two of you die by my hands,” Lord Bishnu said.

 

The demons were shocked. “No one would ask for such a gift. Yet the brave keep their promises. We had not imagined how cowardly and devious you are. Yes, you may have what you ask, but kill us where there is no water.”

 

With their consent Lord Bishnu took them both on his lap and killed them. The flesh of the demons became earth, their bones became rocks, and their fat hardened in the cosmic waters. Seeing all this material with which he could work, Brahma joyfully created fourteen worlds. He made islands, mountains, and seas and then he wanted to make living beings. He offered undivided attention and meditation to God for twelve thousand years.

 

God was pleased, and appearing before Lord Brahma, he spoke. “What is it you want? I am pleased by your devotion. Tell me what you desire.”

 

Brahma praised God. “O supreme being. The creator. The one who sustains. The destroyer. I greet you a million times. Lord of the cosmos. The eternal one whom none can describe fully. Through your blessings I have made islands, mountains, and seas. Now I would like to make living beings. Please give me the ability to make things come alive.”

 

“From now on you will be called a creator,” God responded and blessed Lord Brahma.

 

Brahma bowed down respectfully and began the process of creating living beings. He created cities first and then a hundred sages. The oldest of these sages was given the name Kasyap and Brahma created thirteen consorts for him. From the oldest consort, Ditika, the Raksas were born – they are humanoid in form, fierce in war and easy to anger. They like blood and meat. They are hairy of body and dark in color. From the second consort, Aditi, the Devas were born – they are also humanoid in form, peaceful of mind, and courtly in appearance and manners. They like fine food and generally dislike violence. They are smooth of skin and pale in color. From Kudru, the humans were born – they have both Raksas and Deva qualities. From Balisda, birds were born. From Binita, Garudas were born; they are half-bird and half-human. From Kapila, the four-footed animals were born. From others too, other beings were born. After creating them, Brahma created plants.

 

Indra, a Deva, went to the Sumeru Mountain and meditated upon God.

 

God said, “Indra, I make you a King of the Devas.” Yama also meditated upon God and he was given the responsibility of judging the sins of mortals. He was empowered to rule the land where all of us go after death to receive our judgments.

 

Forty-nine other Devas also offered meditation and they were made lords of the air. They were given the gift of being harmonious with each other in thought and action and were given great strength and invisibility. They are called the winds. Agni also meditated and he was made a Lord of Fire. Others who gave offerings were rewarded for their faith and devotion and none returned disappointed.