Murkatta

Murkatta

Murkatta

A headless ghost

Murkatta (Nepali: मुर्कट्टा) is a headless ghost with eyes and mouth in chest and carrying its head tucked under its arm. Murkatta is mentioned in various Nepali culture and traditions. [1] [2] They are considered as the spirits from the dead. [3]

The Murkatta is also interpreted as a person whose head has been cut down, symbolizing the defeat or a loss of intellect.[4]

In contemporary culture and religion

The concept of Murkatta has inspired various works in contemporary culture, arts and literature. Some are listed below.

  • In Kathmandu, Nepal, a festival is celebrated on the day of Ghode Jatra to scare away the Murkatta and prevent its evil eyes from the children.[5]
  • In Varanasi, India, a fifth century headless sculpture of the Buddha is worshipped as Murkatta Baba.[6]
  • The Sisne mountain(Nepali:सिस्ने हिमाल) in Rukum district is nicknamed as Murkatta in local language.[7]
  • Murkatta Lass is a Nepali book by Dirgabahu. [8]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    Wilson-Howarth, J. (2013). A Glimpse of Eternal Snows: A Journey of Love and Loss in the Himalayas. BRADT TRAVEL GUIDES. Bradt Travel Guides. ISBN 978-1-84162-435-8.
  2. [2]
    "Wilson-Howarth.com - - How much is true?". Retrieved 2021-04-28.
  3. [3]
    nepalese_customs_and_manners.pdf (PDF), retrieved 2021-04-28
  4. [4]
    Singh, Rana P. B. (2004). Cultural landscapes and the lifeworld: literary images of Banaras ; based on the writings of Kabir, Tulasi, Mirza Ghalib, Bhartendu Harishchandra, Rudra Kashikeya, Bhishma Sahni, Raja Rao, Shivprasad Singh, Abdul Bismillah, Kashinath Singh, Pankaj Mishra. Pilgrimage & cosmology series (1st ed.). Varanasi: Indica Books. ISBN 978-81-86569-45-0.
  5. [5]
    "घोडेजात्रा पर्व मनाइदै". प्रशासन. Retrieved 2021-04-28.
  6. [6]
    "Benares: A World Within a World (The Microcosm of Kashi Yesterday and Today)". Retrieved 2021-05-17.
  7. [7]
    "Sisne Himal - Nepal Travel Guide". Retrieved 2021-05-17.
  8. [8]
    "Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya". Retrieved 2021-04-28.
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