Once every three years during a month-long Malamas period, 800 years old Prajnāpāramitā texts are repaired and repainted with real gold ink at Hiranyavarna Mahavihara of Patan. by Vishal Gurung

Kwā Bāhā also known as “Hiraṇyavarṇa Mahāvihāra,” in Patan, Nepal, houses the sacred Buddhist scripture, Prajnāpāramitā (Perfection of Wisdom). It is approximately 800 years old and is worshipped and recited on a regular basis by a group of Vajracharya. The manuscript was originally made by Ānanda Bhikṣu of Kapitanagara in 1225 CE during the reign of Abhaya Malla (1216 – 1255). It is made of black paper, written in gold letters, and consists of over three hundred folios. Intriguingly, the manuscript predates Kwā Bāhā itself. The earliest inscription mentioning the Baha’s existence dates back to 1399 CE, while the oldest inscription within the complex originates from 1525 CE. Enshrined Manjushri with Monks and Deities, Cover of a Prajnaparamita (The Perfection of Wisdom) LACMA M.82.42.5) Source Wikicommons The manuscript's colophons reveal its history of repairs, including two during the seventeenth century (1603 CE and 1628 CE), and subsequent restoration efforts in the twentieth century (1912 CE, 1922 CE, 1933 CE, 1960 CE, and 1993 CE). Presently, the manuscript undergoes restoration every three years, involving text corrections and the application of gold letters to replenish faded text. Notably, the most recent restoration took place in August 2023, following the previous one in September 2020. The practice of regular recitation of Prajnāpāramitā at Kwā Bāhā holds significant importance among the Newar Buddhists of the Kathmandu Valley. The practice is believed to fulfill desires, protect against evil and even alleviate illness. As a result, the recitation ritual is frequently requested for special occasions such as weddings or instances of family illness. This tradition of recitation in Patan is believed to have started about 400 years ago. Kwā Bāhā is one of four places in Nepal housing a Prajnāpāramitā and the only one in Patan. The other three reside in Kathmandu: Bhagwan Bahal, Itum Bahal, and Piganani. 

 According to the eighth-century or later ritual text, the Manjuśrīmūlakalpa, the merits derived from activities such as copying, reciting, illuminating, honoring, and worshipping the Perfection of Wisdom transcend even the construction of thousands of stūpas. The ritual of worshipping Prajnāpāramitā the manuscript involves a tangible approach, involving offerings like flowers, incense, scents, wreaths, unguents, aromatic powders, strips of cloth, parasols, banners, bells, flags, and rows of lamps. The Perfection of Wisdom, Prajñāpāramitā, is a sacred manuscript of sutras and their commentaries. It is the foundation of the earliest philosophic doctrine in Mahāyāna Buddhist literature. Scholars have traced the composition of the Prajñāpāramitā text back to the early centuries of the Common Era. However, it gained popularity only after the 9^th century. Hiranya Varna Mahabihar, the Golden Temple in Patan. by Priti Thapa

Sources

• Apple, James B. 2017. “Prajñāpāramitā.” Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315857805_Prajnaparamita
• Kim, Jinah. 2013. “Receptacle of the sacred: Illustrated Manuscripts and the Buddhist Book cult in South Asia.” Los Angeles: University of California Press.
• Conze, Edward. 1978. “ The Prajñāpāramitā Literature.” Tokyo: The Reiyukai. https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/download/Buddhism-Philosophy-and-Doctrine/en/ThePrajnaparamitaLiterature.pdf
• Shrestha, Narendra. 2020. “Perfection of Wisdom: Sacred texts of Pragya Paramita inscribed in gold.” The Himalayan Times. https://thehimalayantimes.com/multimedia/perfection-of-wisdom-sacred-texts-of-pragya-paramita-inscribed-in-gold