Singha Sartha Aju, also known as Simhasartha Bahu, is a revered figure in Nepali folklore, particularly among the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley. As the first Newar merchant from Kathmandu to venture into Tibet, his story is one of the most cherished legends in Newar society. Beyond his role as a pioneering trader, Singha Sartha Aju is also considered a previous incarnation of the Buddha, blending historical significance with deep spiritual and cultural importance. His tale of bravery, wisdom, and divine intervention continues to inspire and captivate generations, reflecting the rich heritage of Newar culture and the ancient trade networks that connected Nepal with Tibet.
The legend
Singha Sartha Aju’s legend begins with his leadership of a merchant caravan from Kathmandu to Tibet. The journey was fraught with danger, but none more so than the encounter that awaited them in a remote location. Upon arriving at a place inhabited by beautiful women, the traders were enchanted by their allure. Each merchant, except Singha Sartha Aju, succumbed to the women’s charms, forgetting their purpose and indulging in revelry. Unbeknownst to them, these women were demonesses in disguise, waiting for the right moment to devour the traders.
One fateful night, the Bodhisattva Karunamaya, the embodiment of compassion, appeared to Singha Sartha Aju in the flame of an oil lamp. Karunamaya warned him of the true nature of their hosts and urged him to verify the truth by inspecting the women’s feet. Singha Sartha Aju discovered that their heels pointed forward and their toes backward—a telltale sign of their demonic identity. Realizing the peril they were in, Singha Sartha Aju devised a plan to escape.
Before dawn, Singha Sartha Aju and his fellow traders quietly made their way to the riverbank, where a horse awaited them as promised by Karunamaya. The horse, revealed to be the Bodhisattva in disguise, carried them across the river to safety. However, as they fled, the demonesses pursued them, their cries of sorrow and anger echoing through the night. The other traders, unable to resist looking back, were pulled off the horse and met their doom. Singha Sartha Aju alone maintained his composure and focus, ensuring his safe return to Nepal.
This legend not only highlights Singha Sartha Aju’s courage and wisdom but also underscores the moral lesson of resisting temptation and staying true to one’s purpose.
Cultural and religious aignificance
In Kathmandu, Singha Sartha Aju is deified as Chakan Dyah, an incarnation of the Buddha. His statue is revered and carried in a grand procession through the city on the full moon day of March, a testament to his enduring legacy. He is also credited with founding Thambahil, known as Vikramshila Mahavihar or Bhagwan Bahal, a significant Buddhist monastery in Thamel, Kathmandu. This monastery serves as a spiritual and cultural hub, further cementing Singha Sartha Aju’s role as a protector and benefactor of the Newar community.
The legend of Singha Sartha Aju is deeply intertwined with Newar Buddhism and Hinduism, reflecting the syncretic nature of Newar religious practices. His story is often recounted during festivals and rituals, reinforcing his status as a cultural hero and a symbol of divine protection. The Pradhan community in Thamel worships him as Garuda Aju, their ancestor, and his image is displayed annually in the Tun Chukha courtyard, accompanied by traditional music and religious fanfare.
Historical context
Singha Sartha Aju’s legend must be understood within the broader historical context of Newar trade with Tibet. For centuries, Newar merchants played a pivotal role in facilitating economic and cultural exchanges between Nepal, Tibet, and India. These traders, known as Lhasa Newars, established extensive trade networks along the Silk Road, connecting Kathmandu with Lhasa and beyond. They exported metal utensils, sacred statues, rice, and textiles to Tibet, while importing gold dust, wool, musk pods, pelts, and yak tails, which were then traded further to Kolkata in India.
The trade routes were challenging, traversing the rugged Himalayan terrain through passes such as Gyirong (Kyirong) and Kuti (Nyalam Tong La) north of Kathmandu. From the 1930s, routes via Nathu La and Jelep La through Sikkim and Kalimpong became popular. These journeys were undertaken with caravans of mules, donkeys, and yaks, highlighting the logistical prowess of Newar traders.
A significant historical milestone was the 1640s treaty that allowed Newar merchants to establish 32 business houses in Lhasa and permitted Nepal to mint coins for Tibet. This treaty underscored the mutual dependence and trust between the two regions. However, this ancient trade tradition came to an abrupt end in 1962 following the Sino-Indian War, which closed the caravan routes through Sikkim, forcing the merchants to return to Nepal.
Singha Sartha Aju, as the first merchant to travel to Tibet, symbolizes the beginning of this vital trade network. His legend not only celebrates individual heroism but also represents the collective spirit of Newar traders who bridged cultures and economies across the Himalayas. The history of Newar-Tibetan relations is officially dated from the 7th century with the marriage of Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti to Tibetan King Songtsän Gampo, which further strengthened these ties.
Trade Goods and Routes
| Aspect | Details |
| Exports to Tibet | Metal utensils, sacred statues, rice, textiles, and factory products from India |
| Imports from Tibet | Gold dust, wool, musk pods, pelts, yak tails, Mahjong to Sankhu village |
| Trade Routes | Gyirong, Kuti passes; later Nathu La, Jelep La via Sikkim and Kalimpong |
| Transportation | Mule, donkey, yak caravans; porters in Nepal |
Legacy in Nepal and Tibet
Singha Sartha Aju’s influence extends beyond Nepal into Tibet, where his memory is preserved in various forms. In Tibet, ferry boats on the Yarlung Tsangpo River are adorned with wooden horse heads, symbolizing Shyam Karna, the divine horse that carried him to safety. A stupa dedicated to him once stood on the Barkhor in Lhasa, though it no longer exists. Additionally, the traditional trade fair held in Jampaling, Tibet, is associated with him, where he is known as Norbu Sangya. A shrine near the Jampaling stupa, dedicated to him, was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but his legacy endures through oral traditions and cultural practices.
In Kathmandu, Singha Sartha Aju’s deification as Chakan Dyah and the annual procession of his statue on the full moon day of March keep his memory alive. His founding of Thambahil further solidifies his role as a protector and patron of the Newar community. The legend also inspired cultural exchanges, with Newar artisans contributing to Buddhist art in Tibet, influencing styles across the Himalayas.
Singha Sartha Aju stands as a legendary figure whose story transcends time, blending history, mythology, and spirituality. As the first Newar merchant to venture into Tibet, he embodies the spirit of exploration and resilience that defined the ancient trade networks of the Himalayas. His legend, rich with moral lessons and divine intervention, continues to be a source of pride and inspiration for the Newar community. Through festivals, rituals, and cultural practices, Singha Sartha Aju’s legacy lives on, reminding us of the enduring bonds between Nepal and Tibet and the timeless values of courage, wisdom, and faith.
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