Nepal is a country with a wide range of cultural traditions. Many mythological creatures that have been a part of Nepali folklore for centuries. These creatures are frequently portrayed as otherworldly beings with distinct traits and abilities, making them interesting research objects. Through the generations of storytellers, the traditions of Nepali legendary creatures have been passed down and have grown to constitute a significant component of Nepal’s cultural legacy. Even if some of these creatures might seem fantastical, people all around the world are nonetheless fascinated by them. These creatures are the subject of myths and legends that have a strong connection to Nepalese spiritual beliefs.
In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and fascinating mythical creatures of Nepal, and delve deeper into the cultural significance and symbolism behind each of them.
Some of the most popular mythical creatures of Nepal:
1. Yeti
The mythical creature known as the Yeti, sometimes known as the Abominable Snowman, has long captured people’s imaginations. It is noted for its large size and shaggy fur and is said to inhabit the upper Himalayan mountains, including Nepal. Despite numerous expeditions and sightings, there hasn’t been any concrete proof of the Yeti’s existence. Nonetheless, stories and mysteries surrounding this enigmatic monster continue to intrigue people all over the world.
The Snowman is a highly significant figure in Nepal. The Sherpa community, who inhabit the country’s mountainous areas, is reported to have it as a part of their folklore. The Yeti is said to be a strong and mysterious creature that is only seen by those with pure hearts and a great respect for nature.
2. Boksi
A boksi in Nepal is a person who is thought to be knowledgeable about witchcraft, Tuna Muna, and Tantra. Boksi is typically an elderly woman. According to folklore, Parvati, Shiva’s wife, originally taught these lessons to seven of her sisters. The younger sister was said to have received it from there and transmitted it to humans. They are believed to have divine power and the ability to cure a variety of illnesses. They are also believed to have the power to connect with and summon witches or goddesses to help them in their jobs. It’s crucial to remember that these ideas are rooted in myth and could not accurately describe the beliefs or behaviors of all people in Nepal.
It’s worth mentioning that accusations of witchcraft and being a boksi have been used to discriminate against and harm elderly women in Nepal. While belief in witchcraft and boksi is a part of Nepali culture and folklore, it’s important to treat individuals with respect and not make unfounded accusations based on superstition
3. Lakhey
The Lakhey is a fearsome creature that resembles a demon in Nepali legend. Legend has it that the frightening Lakhey once haunted the residents of the Kathmandu Valley. But, the Hindu god Indra, who is honored during the yearly Indra Jatra festival, ultimately vanquished the demonic creature. Even though the fact that the Lakhey is usually shown as a demon, it has both positive and negative connotations. On the one side, the Lakhey is regarded as a strong and menacing being that may ward off evil spirits and provide luck and prosperity. On the other side, the Lakhey is sometimes seen as a cause of confusion and disorder and is also connected to mischief and deception.
A group of men in colorful traditional clothes and scary masks perform the Lakhey dance during the annual Indra Jatra festival. Under the beat of drums and percussion, the dancers move in unison while executing a variety of acrobatic and martial arts-inspired routines. Singing and chanting in the Newari language accompany the dance.
4. Jhakri/Banjhakri
Jhakri is a traditional form of shamanic healing that is popular in Nepal and other regions of South Asia. A shamanic practitioner who is thought to have the capacity for interspecies communication is referred to as a “Jhakri.” Many physical, emotional, and spiritual afflictions are frequently treated using jhakri healing techniques. To communicate with spirits and draw upon their healing abilities, Jhakri practitioners frequently combine rituals, herbal cures, and trance-like states. During Jhakri healing, the practitioner frequently dances and chants while in a trance-like state to evoke the spirits’ assistance for healing. The Jhakri may also use various tools and instruments, such as rattles, drums, and bells, to facilitate the healing process. The Jhakri may also use various tools and instruments, such as rattles, drums, and bells, to facilitate the healing process.
The practice of Jhakri is deeply rooted in traditional beliefs and customs.
5. kichkandi
In Nepalese folklore or mythology, Kichkanya (also known as Kichkandi) is a ghostly spirit of a woman. It is said that Kichkanya spirits are known to haunt a particular location, often the site of their untimely death, and are generally considered to be solitary spirits.
According to local beliefs, Kichkanya spirits are often women who died under tragic circumstances, such as during childbirth or due to unfair treatment in life. They are said to appear as young and alluring females, dressed in a red bridal dress, with long black hair, and a pale and bony complexion.
However, one way to identify a Kichkanya is by looking at their feet, which are said to face backward. It is also said that Kichkanya spirits may appear to be hitchhiking on the road late at night, and if someone follows their directions, they may end up in a temple, cemetery, or cremation ground.
6. Murkatta
In Nepalese culture and folklore, Murkatta is indeed a well-known and feared supernatural entity. It is often depicted as a headless ghost that carries its own head tucked under its arm. The eyes and mouth of the entity are located in the chest area, creating an eerie and unsettling appearance.
Murkatta is believed to be the ghost of someone who died horribly or was killed in combat. According to legend, the spirit’s intense attachment to the physical world prevents it from transferring to the afterlife. Because of this, it haunts the living and seeks out those who have mistreated it for retribution.
7. Gurumapa
As per Nepalese folklore, Gurumapa is a mythological man-eater who is associated with the story of Kesh Chandra and his lost wealth. The story tells how Kesh Chandra cleverly convinced Gurumapa to carry all the gold back to his home in exchange for a feast and permission to take away the children if they were bad. Over time, the children went missing and the villagers decided to send Gurumapa away to Tundikhel, promising him an annual feast.
Gurumapa is believed to be a supernatural being that is appeased with an annual feast on the day of Ghode Jatra, which falls in March/April of the Nepali calendar. The tradition of preparing food for Gurumapa is still observed in Nepal, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley, where Ghode Jatra is celebrated with great pomp and show. During the festival, a horse parade is also held in Tundikhel, where Gurumapa is believed to have been sent away by the villagers.
8. khyah
Khyah is another mythical creature of Nepal. According to beliefs, these small demons, with humanoid figures and a body full of hair, are known to haunt Newari communities to this day. Interestingly, Khyah is afraid of artificial lights and dwells in the dark.
There are two types of Khyah – white and dark. The white Khyah is considered to be a good spirit that brings good fortune and happiness to homes, while the dark or black Khyah is believed to bring bad luck and problems. The presence of these creatures in homes may reflect the community’s desire for spiritual guidance and protection.
9. Cheppu
Cheppu is linked with the mythology of Kathmandu’s origin as a lake, a lesser-known fact. Kathmandu, in the past, was a vast lake. The Cheppu is described as a terrifying and grotesque creature that resided deep within the lake. When Manjushree arrived from Tibet to drain the lake and allow civilization in the valley, all the inhabitants of the lake were forced to evacuate. However, the Cheppu was hesitant to emerge from its hiding place due to its appearance. Eventually, it agreed to come out only on the condition that Manjushree would refrain from looking at it. However, as the Cheppu surfaced, Manjushree couldn’t resist stealing a glance and even sketched its head on the ground. Upon discovering this, the Cheppu swiftly disappeared back into the water. Ashamed of his actions, Manjushree is said to have appointed the Cheppu to guard temple entrances. Consequently, only the image of its head is visible above the temple doorways, while its body remains concealed to this day.
10. Kawa cha
The Kawa cha is mythical creature in Nepal that was believed to wander around human settlements and snatch children from their homes through the windows to consume them. The Newari word “Kawa cha” translates to “skeleton” in English In order to prevent the Kawa cha from stealing children, traditional latticed windows called Tiki Jhya were installed. Interestingly, the Khyah and Kawa cha are believed to be companions and are often depicted together.
When a Kawa cha would attempt to kidnap children, the Khyah residing in the household would persuade it not to harm the kids
Conclusion
These mythical creatures remind us of the enduring power of storytelling, and the wonder that lies within us all. There are many other mythical creatures in Nepal. I will try to update it in the near future.
Also Read: 13 Unique Things Only Found in Nepal
