Padmanateshvara is Manifestation of Divine Power of Dance and Songs in Newar Buddhism, Says Vajracharya

Second and More Advanced Teaching on Padmanateshvara Charya Nritya  Held

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland,  June 6 (Nepal Oregon News): Padmanateshvara is a representation as well as a manifestation  of the divine power of dance and song within Newar Buddhism, seen as a means to achieve spiritual liberation and connect with the cosmic energies.

Co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and senior Charya Nritya Guru Prajwal Vajracharya said this while presiding over the second and more advanced presentation on Padmanateshvara Charya Nritya which was organized on the zoom by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association on Friday, June 6, 2025. 

Prajwal Guruji - who is himself a well known Charya dancer and an international teacher - started the remotely held  class by offering Padmanateshvara chanting.

Laying emphasis on the importance of Padmanateshvara, the 35th - generation Vajrayana priest said:"Padmanateshvara is considered to be the quintessence of the performing world in Nepal. The artistes, singers and dancers seek blessings from this deity."

Before the starting of a big cultural performance, it is a tradition in Nepal to perform worship to Nasa Dyo or Padmanateshvara to make sure the cultural event will be productive, meaningful and successful, the senior Charya Nritya pedagogue asserted.

Prajwal Guruji mentioned that Padmanateshvara is the source of artistic inspiration, joy, compassion and equanimity.

The online teaching was an opportunity  for the participants to learn more about the Padmanateshvara charya dance. Furthermore, Prajwal Guruji went on saying:"Padmanateshvara is a significant deity in Newar Buddhism, specially associated with the practice of Charya Nritya and Charya Giti which involves dancing and singing as a path to liberation."

Prajwal Guruji reiterated:"Padmanateshvara is considered the main deity for those who follow the path of Charya Nritya practice in Newar Buddhism."

During the zoom teaching, Prajwal Guruji also zeroed in on 108 forms of Avalokiteshvara and said that Padmanateshvara is one of the manifestations of Avalokiteshvara in Newar Buddhism.

Throwing light on various Avalokiteshvaras, the Guruji mentioned that Padmapani, Amoghpash, Aryavalokiteshvara, Shrishtikanta, Anandadi, Six-syllabled Lokeshwar, Hariharvahan, Rakta Arya, Loknath and Sahasrabhuja Lokeshwar are among them.

While demonstrating different pictures of ancient statues and Thangkas of Padmanateshvara in different postures, Prajwal Guruji explained the virtual participants about the Abhanga, Sabhanga, Tribhanga and Atibhanga postures.

The Guruji stated that ancient statues of Padmanateshvara have been found not only in Nepal, Tibet and India but also in countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Mongolia, Pakistan and Afghanistan etc.

The Guruji also explained the meaning of the lyrics of the Charya giti. The Raga of Padmanateshvara charya dance is Lalita and Tala is Ghapa, the Guruji further informed the participants. The Guruji also demonstrated step-by-step the Mudra, hand gestures of the Charya dance devoted to Padmanateshvara.

Prior to teaching of the actual Padmanateshvara charya dance, the Guruji and the zoom participants offered the Refuge dance. After that, the Guruji also performed the Charya Nritya 'Padmanateshvara' for the participants to follow.

Prajwal Guruji's  second and practical teaching on Padmanateshvara charya nritya presented a detailed and comprehensive description of the 10-handed  deity. The first teaching on Padmanateshvara held on May 16, 2025 was more theoretical but the second and advanced teaching focused on the practical aspect of the Padmanateshvara charya nritya. Altogether, 15 people had taken part at the Charya dance teaching. At the end of the online presentation, Prajwal Guruji replied to queries  of the participants.