Transformation of Kirat Deity in Lichchavi-era Nepal
Dr. Nawa Raj Subba
Abstract
Re-examining the Transformation of Ningwafu into Shiva: Uncovering the Indigenous Roots of the Pashupatinath Temple
This study critically re-evaluates how Ningwafu, the primary nature deity of the indigenous Kirat community, was gradually transformed into the Hindu god Shiva (Pashupatinath) during the Lichchhavi period (400–750 AD). This transformation was not merely religious but part of a broader socio-political strategy that integrated governance, culture, and belief systems.
Drawing on archaeological evidence, ancient inscriptions, and oral traditions (especially the Mundhum), the research challenges the dominant Hindu-centric narrative regarding the origin of the Pashupatinath temple. It argues that the state’s religious reforms sought to suppress indigenous Kirat beliefs and replace them with Sanskritized deities and doctrines.
However, significant elements of Kirat spirituality—including rituals, symbols, and oral teachings—have survived and continue to reflect the deep cultural memory of the community.
The findings shed new light on Nepal’s religious and architectural heritage, emphasizing the need to recognize indigenous contributions in the creation of ancient sacred sites. This approach offers a pathway to recover marginalized histories, particularly of communities like the Kirats, whose cultural identity has often been excluded from mainstream historical accounts.
The study also contributes to larger South Asian debates on religious syncretism, cultural preservation, and decolonizing historical narratives—topics increasingly relevant in discussions of heritage, identity, and social justice.
Keywords
Keywords: Ningwafu, Pashupati, Shiva, Kirat Dharma, Lichchavi Period, Sanskritization, Religious Syncretism
Citation
Subba, N. R. (2025). From Ningwafu to Shiva: Transformation of Kirat Deity in Lichchavi-era Nepal. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15904291