Devotees throng Siddhapokhari to mark Indra Jatra

Bhaktapur - The Hindu devotees today thronged the Siddhapokhari – known as the 'Indradaha' – on the fourth day of the Indra Jatra festival. 

As per the ritual, the Indrayani Goddess' statue is taken to the historic pond with a musical procession and kept their overnight following performances of worship rituals based on tantrism along with an animal sacrifice. 

The devotees take bath this morning and pay homage to the Indrayani Goddess. Legend has it that God Indra once took bath in the pond after which it came to be known as the 'Indradaha'. 

It is believed that taking bath in the pond and worshipping the Indrayani Goddess brings big – time prosperity and good Karma to the devotee and the family. 

The pond, which is serves as the Chief Residential God of majority of Bhaktapur's residents, has hundreds of statues set up by Shaiva, Shakti, Buddhist and Vaishav sects from the Lichchavi to Malla era. 

It is also believed that drinking the water, which has been served to the Shivalinga located within the Siddhapokhari premises, cures throat related illnesses.