Matatirtha Temple is a unique and culturally significant Hindu temple located in Matatirtha, Chandragiri Municipality, on the southwestern edge of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. It is renowned for its deep association with motherhood and is the focal point of the annual Matatirtha Aunsi festival, Nepal’s Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day in Nepal, known as Mata Tirtha Aunsi or Aama Ko Mukh Herne Din, falls this year on Baisakh 14, 2082, which corresponds to April 27, 2025.
Historical and Religious Significance
Origins and Name
The name "Matatirtha" is derived from Sanskrit: "Mata" means mother, and "Tirtha" means a sacred pilgrimage site. The temple is built around a sacred pond, which is central to its legend and rituals.
Mythological Legend
According to local legend, a farmer once saw the reflection of his deceased mother in the pond while quenching his thirst. This miraculous vision led to the belief that the pond offers a spiritual connection with departed mothers, making the site a place of pilgrimage for those wishing to honor and remember their mothers, especially those who have passed away.
Matatirtha Aunsi Festival
Mother’s Day Rituals
Matatirtha Aunsi is a major festival celebrated on the new moon day of the Nepali month of Baisakh (April/May). On this day, people from Kathmandu and surrounding regions flock to the temple to pay homage to their mothers.
Those with living mothers honor them with gifts, food, and blessings.
Those whose mothers have passed away perform rituals, bathe in the sacred pond, and make offerings for the peace of their mothers’ souls.
Unique Practice
Only those whose mothers are deceased traditionally take a dip in the pond and perform specific religious rites. The belief is that such acts bring peace to the departed soul and spiritual merit to the devotee.
Cultural and Social Importance
Gathering and Pilgrimage
Every year, thousands of devotees-regardless of their religious background visit Matatirtha Temple during the festival. The site becomes a vibrant center of prayers, rituals, and communal remembrance.
The temple and its festival highlight the high regard for mothers in Nepali society, echoing ancient Vedic sayings that place mothers above all others in terms of love and respect.
Architectural and Geographical Setting
Location
The temple is situated about 12 kilometers southwest of central Kathmandu, nestled in the foothills of the valley.
Structure
The temple complex is modest but spiritually significant, with the sacred pond as its core feature. The site is surrounded by natural beauty, adding to its tranquil and reflective atmosphere.
Matatirtha Temple stands out in the religious landscape of Nepal as a sacred site dedicated specifically to the reverence of mothers. Its annual festival, Matatirtha Aunsi, transforms the temple into a powerful space for collective memory, gratitude, and spiritual connection-making it a unique and cherished pilgrimage destination in Kathmandu Valley.
P.C: Wikimedia Commons
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