The present chapter is an extract from Vikram Seth’s ‘Heaven Lake’. Vikram Seth is a famous modern Indian writer who has written many novels, essays and travelogues.
He has given a vivid description of the temples, markets and people of Kathmandu in this chapter. He describes in detail the atmosphere in and around Pashupatinath temple and Baudhnath in this chapter. He describes in detail the atmosphere in and around Pashupatinath temple and Baudhnath stupa. He has drawn powerful images and pictures of sights and sounds.
The atmosphere in and around the Pashupatinath temple and Baudhnath (stupa) differs totally. There is a sharp contrast between the two. At Pashupatinath temple, there is an atmosphere of excitement, noise and confusion. At Baudhnath stupa, there is a sense of stillness. This is a heaven of quietness in the busy streets around.
He tells us about a flute-seller who is selling flutes by playing meditatively on one of them. He is different from other sellers. Vikram Seth is fascinated with the flutes. He says that every culture has its own kind of flute creating a common bond between various cultures. The writer admits that he has an immense love for the music of flutes.