Machindranath

 Actual history is mostly a mystery. This goes for history of all places on earth and all cultures and faiths. Adoption of the Scientific Method today guides one more closer to the truth. Whatever the truths, mythologies are usually more significant being they are historically more widespread, interesting to share and take in but mostly because they shape psyche, social behavior and identity of the masses.

Manifestation of combination of powers of four deities, of which three are now widely regarded as the three most powerful ones: Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu, plus the every present God, Surya - the sun is personified in Karunamaya himself. He is the god of Sahakal (times of prosperity & abundance) and in old Buddhist scriptures he is regarded as the fourth Buddha along five that represent the five elements. Historians attributes this deep reverence for the deity as God of Rain and provider of food is representative of extremely high level of dependence in farming in this isolated valley in the middle of Himalayas.
 Yagya Ratna Shakya is an eager advocate of his rich culture and history. His recollection of the lore asserts that the Lord’s first presence in Kathmandu valley was as the child of a great Tantrik (Shaman’s who practised black magic) who resided in Swayambhu, Shantikar Bajracharya. The tantrik, who is by default required to keep the tricks of his trade secret kept eloping from his residence on regular nights, apparently to an isolated temple in Mhaipi. His 8 year old curious child began following his father without him aware of the fact, even though the child never actually got to witness what exactly his father was engaged in. The Tantrik eloped to perform various rituals and to meditate to reach a higher level of attainment in the world of black magic.  

Impressed by his conviction, Yogamber devi appeared before him and promised to grant Shantikar his wishes and ordered him to comeback on a Thursday night alone with proper offerings. In excitement and happiness Shantikar set off to Mhaipi again at night but this time in less vigilant manner and also forgetting to bring along the offering along with him. Upon reaching the temple at Mhaipi and meeting the Goddess, his elation quickly hammered down by the goddess who was incensed by the presence of an unwanted companion, Shantikar’s son hiding nearby who finally managed to get close enough. Trying not disappoint an ardent devotee, she was enrage more to learn the lack of offerings.

She demanded the life of the innocent child both as a punishment for Shantikar and also fulfill her promise to Shantikar by asking him to complete the initiated process by using what was available to offer. The child begged the Goddess to overrule his father’s plea for mercy and consoled his father to obey the Gods for it would be for everyone's good. The child apparently was the incarnation of the God of Compassion and lived up to his belief.  

The child was reborn as 108th son of King Sashi of Yakshya Desh, in Land of Half-Demons, now in modernday Assam, India. A feared kingdom of fierce and proud warrior people, Yakshya Desh’s only powerful source of compassion was Machindranath. He had initiated a long Meditation and would be unable to see his devotees for a while.