Nityananda Institute, based in Portland,
Oregon, and Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, have received the report
of a joint study of the Karmacharyas of Bhaktapur.
Nityananda Institute, in cooperation with the Center for Nepal and Asian Studies
(“CNAS”) of Tribhuvan University, Kathamandu, Nepal, has just received the report
of a joint research project, “The Karmacharyas: Religious/Secular Role in Bhaktapur
City.” This study is the first systematic research undertaken on the Karmacharyas
of Bhaktapur. The Karmacharyas are a caste of royal tantric priests who held
prominent religious and social positions in the era of the Malla kings of Nepal
(from the 12th to the 16th century).
Nityananda Institute and CNAS undertook this study in an effort to document
and preserve the unique sacred practices of the Karmacharyas, whose tradition
is in danger of extinction. The study included a survey of extant source materials,
including rare ritual texts, as well as field observation, interaction and interviews
with practicing Karmacharyas. The research team was granted access to many sacred
rituals that have never been seen before by outsiders.
The steering committee for the project was led by Professor Tirtha Prasad Mishra
of the CNAS, Chairman, and Swami Chetanananda Saraswati of Nityananda Institute,
Co-Chairman. The chief researcher for the project was Dr. Purushottam Lochan
Shrestha of Tribhuvan University.
Nityananda Institute, based in Portland, Oregon, has been actively engaged in
efforts to locate and preserve tantric texts of various spiritual traditions
for many years. Tribhuvan University’s CNAS coordinates research programs in
cultural and heritage studies. This study was the first joint project between
Nityananda Institute and CNAS.
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Nityananda Institute contact info: phone: 503.231.0383 PO Box 13310, Portland, OR 97213-0310, USA e-mail: mailto:ni@rudrananda.org