MUSIC MUSEUM OF NEPAL

Murchungaa :

This old Nepalese folk musical instrument (7.5cm in length) made of iron, is believed to be the favorite of Lord Shiva. It is similar in shape to Shiva’s Trishula, to Shivalinga and to the sacred sound Om as written in the Devanagiri script. It is also believed that Kirateshwar Mahadeva brought the Murchungaa . When played it is held in the teeth and the central tongue is plucked whilst drawing air in and blowing air out through the instrument and also altering the size and shape of the mouth cavity. Both rhythms and melodies are played. Its sound is very soft and tuneful and in the present day members of the Kirat ethnic group play it to accompany folk tunes and at various festivals.