The Legend of Matsyendranath (Karunamaya)
Matsyendranath, also known as Karunamaya (the compassionate one) and Red Machindranath, is one of the most important deities in Nepali Buddhism and Hinduism. Legend says the Kathmandu Valley suffered a devastating 12-year drought caused by the demon Bhasmasur (or the Nagas withholding rain). Gorakhnath, a powerful yogi, trapped all the Nagas (serpent gods) in meditation, blocking rainfall. His guru, Matsyendranath, was meditating in the Himalayas. The people, led by the king, traveled to Assam and invited Matsyendranath to the valley. His arrival forced Gorakhnath to release the Nagas, bringin