Question

Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Boudhanath shrine with the
Pashupatinath temple.

Answer 1

Hint: Compare and contrast is a verbal style that discusses or explains the similarities and differences of two or more things and those similarities or differences could be the ideas, concepts, items, places, etc.

Complete answer:
The given question is from Kathmandu written by Vikram Seth, a journalist, who describes his visit to Kathmandu, Nepal's capital. He went to two temples there: one, the Pashupatinath temple, which is a Hindu pilgrimage site, and the other, the Boudhanath temple, which is a Buddhist holy site.

Kathmandu is described by the narrator as a vibrant, mercenary, religious, and crowded city. The Buddhist shrine is relatively quiet in comparison to the temples, bazaars, and highways, which are all noisy and chaotic. The streets are clogged with hawkers and stores.

There is a sense of 'febrile uncertainty' at Pashupatinath temple. The grounds are home to priests, hawkers, devotees, visitors, pigs, monkeys, pigeons, and dogs. Since there are so many worshippers, those trying to get the priest's attention are elbowed aside by those rushing to the front. There is a feeling of stillness at Kathmandu's Buddhist shrine, the Boudhanath stupa.

There is a feeling of calm at Kathmandu's Buddhist shrine, the Boudhanath stupa. A lane encircles its massive white pyramid. On the outskirts, there are a few small stores. Tibetan immigrants own the majority of the stores. There are no crowds, and this is a haven of peace in the midst of the bustling streets.

Note: Kathmandu is an extract from Vikram Seth's book 'Heaven Lake,' in which he explains his visit to Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu. He explains his long journey from China to India, which included stops in Tibet and Nepal, in his novel.