Plastic-free zone | Walk With Wave

Walk with WAVE VI, sponsored by UNESCO, started in Gaushala, from where we walked to Deopatan, made famous by Charumati, Indian King Ashoka's daughter. Charumati decided to stay here after marrying a Deopatan citizen back in third century BC.

We made our way to Pashupatinath's gate, considered to be among the 24 sacred sites for Hindus. The Guthi here owns 2,000 ropanis of land. Legend has it that Chandra Shumsher ended slavery in Nepal by paying the masters with money borrowed from this Guthi. He also built ghats beside the river banks and today, the development around Pashupati is startling. The area is stone paved with terraces and is landscaped, made possible with financial aid from the Asian Development Bank. It is also the first 'plastic-free' World Heritage Site in Nepal.

Nearby is the Briddha Ashram run by the government since 1882. It is believed that Bahadur Shah introduced the idea of living in Pashupati during old age though he stayed here from his mid-30s. The stairs to the temple in the ashram is very steep, even for young people like us.

Further was Mrigasthali where a fenced area is used for deer breeding. It is believed that Shiva and Parbati came here to frolic disguised as deer. The King of Benaras asked for the two deer to be caught. Apparently, one of the horns broke when hunters tried to catch it. The spot where the horn fell is believed to be the where the shiva linga of Pashupati originated. The temple itself was developed by various rulers over centuries. Among them, Bhupatindra Malla gilded its roofs in 1690.

The Gorakhnath complex, built by early Shah kings, is a delightful mix of centuries old tradition of religious harmony. Images of Basuki snake, Pashupati's caretaker, is everywhere. Nearby is an impressive structure built by Jung Bahadur Rana.

Participants of the first Walk With WAVE arts class pose with their stone works.
Guheswori, despite its Hindu origin is considered an important site for Buddhists as it represents 'Upaya' or skill of means. Legend says that after Parvati died, her private parts fell here. Although built in the Kirat period, many rulers have changed the surroundings.

On our way out, we visited the water treatment plant at Gaurighat where ducks swam serenely. Our last visit was Chabahil where Charumati spent her old age. The building is locked and in a sad state. Like many other heritage zones, it has been encroached upon by urban development.

Walk With WAVE VII

The Walk With WAVE activity for March is Repousse (metal) art. Those interested are requested to meet at Patan Darbar Square, Museum Gate, on 4 March at 8AM. The Walk itself will take place on 11 March from Swayambhu. Interested participants are requested to register their names at letters@wavemag.com.np by 10 March.