Acharya Mahashraman Ahimsa Yatra Nepal
Birgunj - Kathmandu - Biratnagar

1. Nepal Entry
2. Touring Birgunj to Hetauda
3. Ascending from Hetauda to Kathmandu
4. Camping in Kathmandu
5. Descending from Kathmandu to Janakpur
6. Cross border Tour - Janakpur to Biratnagar

Section 3: Ascending from Hetauda to Kathmandu

Part 3: Himalaya At Background

Acharya Mahashraman with Himalaya at background, 16th April

14^th April:

One can see 8 mountain peaks of Himalaya – Everest, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, Kanchenjunga, Lakpadorje, Gourishankar, Kerumala, Dhaulgiri from the Daman campsite. Yesterday it was mostly cloudy throughout the day so these peaks were not visible but today early morning before H.H. started for next destination, these 8 peaks were getting visible. H.H took sight of ice covered Himalaya before start of journey. It felt two white cladded Himalaya staring at each other.

Acharya Mahashraman having a look at the Himalaya, 14th April

H.H started for Paalung from Daman. It wasn't raining today but still bit cloudy. H.H. took sight of various Himalayan peaks from many spots on the way. Himalaya wasn't visible clearly due to fog and distance. Cameraman Aniruddh (Bablu) walking together with Ahimsa yatra wanted to show some of the Himalayan clips from his camera by zooming in but H.H. refused to see it from camera. After a while H.H mentioned to Bablu on a lighter note that he would be interested if Simandhar Swami can be shown.

Today is start of New Year as per Nepalese calendar. Local people seemed to be excited about it. Many people in groups were going to visit the god-goddesses they follow. New clothes, vermilion on forehead, traditional cap and worshipping plate on hands were showcasing festive mood. Nepalese calendar too have 12 months as in Indian calendar but can have up to 32 days in a month and doesn't have the 2 Shukla-Krishna fortnights. New Year starts with Vaisakha month.

Ahimsa Yatra towards Paalung, Nepal

Today's journey path is also very naturally scenic as like past few days but had more downhill as compared to uphill. Terrace agriculture on mountain added beauty to the scene and telling about hard work of farmers. This region is famous for abundant farming of potato. Farming is also done for rice, corn, wheat, tomato, cucumber, onion, garlic, chilly, coriander, cauliflower, cabbage, peas, carrot, litchi, pomegranate, lemon, banana, guava, etc. It's not only difficult to do farming in such mountain region but also dangerous. Nevertheless it's the daily business for the farmers here.

Kathmandu 75 KM away as per the milestone

After a journey of 11 KM, H.H. arrived Paalung. Today's camping is at Valley Heart School. There was big gathering of local people in the morning assembly. H.H extended holy wishes to the people on new year and inspired to adopt values as noted in Ahimsa Yatra. Many people came to see H.H. and seeking blessing in the afternoon. Police Inspector and his team from nearby police station visited H.H. and gave salutation to H.H. Police team got guidance on values Ahimsa Yatra.

Acharya Mahapragya Anniversary

15^th April:

Vaishakh Krishna Ekadasi as per Indian calendar. 6^th death anniversary of Yugpradhan Acharya Mahapragya, the 10^th head of Terapanth order. H.H. started from Paalung to Nokhande in the morning hours. Many people from Paalung walked together with H.H. The curvaceous way having both - uphill and downhill, is full of natural beauty. Many local villagers wearing traditional Nepalese caps got inspiration from H.H. on value based lifestyle during the journey.

Ahimsa Yatra towards the campsite at Nokhande

Managing Director of a popular TV channel in Nepal, Mr. Bhusan Dahal and Nepalese cine star Mr. Surya Bahadur Thakuri traveled from Kathmandu to visit H.H. and walked together with H.H. in the journey. H.H crossed the Sankhpul river on the way. After a walk of 13.4 KM, H.H. arrived at Nokhande. Today's camping is at Vaageswari secondary school. The school is located at considerable height from the road. H.H. trekked uphill to reach the school.

Muni Dhananjay Kumar speaking on the occasion of Acharya Mahapragya anniversary

The morning program was dedicated on Acharya Mahapragya anniversary. Many monks and nuns (from Samani group) presented their feeling and tried to touch various aspects of about Acharya Mahapragya's life. Acharya Mahashraman recited a self-written song on Acharya Mahapragya.

Principal of the hosting school and a monk from nearby temple extended wishes to H.H. Principal of another school at Tistung visited H.H. with his family.

16^th April:

Acharya Mahashraman took a view of the ice clad Himalayan peaks in the morning hours before starting for next destination. White ice covered Himalayan peaks behind the mountains covered with green forest was too mesmerizing. H.H. trekked down from camp site to reach the main road. Himalayan mountains today kept witnessing the Ahimsa Yatra during the entire journey. As H.H. was proceeding downhill in the curvaceous track, the abyss depth was decreasing and mountains height was increasing. Waterfalls from mountains were attracting the travelers. The clean, sweet and cold water from these waterfalls made the nature look even more beautiful.

Ahimsa Yatra towards Daamechor, Nepal

Clouds and cool breeze made the weather very pleasant. Houses can be spotted sparsely on the mountains. It was surprising for people from plain lands to see houses on mountain. Though this area is not densely populated but still every house has got electricity connection. As such sufficient electricity is not available in this region. Group of people going to attend a marriage by bus stopped on the way and got blessings from H.H.

Acharya Mahashraman taking a short break at Taruka village

On the way H.H. stopped shortly for some drink in Taruka village. H.H. asked a person seeking blessings if he indulges in addiction. The person replied "Yes, I take cigarette". H.H. asked "can you quit it?" "No – I can't" replied the person. H.H. said "atleast leave one thing". The person replied "If you say I can leave my wife but can't leave alcohol and cigarette". H.H. took some time to advise the person. And he replied "You are Guruji! I will listen to you. Every day I take 2 cigarette packets but from now onwards I won't consume more than 1".

Acharya Mahashraman during morning assembly at Daamechor

H.H. crossed over Makwaanpur district and entered Dhadhing district. After a journey of 8 KM, H.H. arrived at Daamechor. Many villagers vowed to lead addiction free life. Today's camping is at Aadarsh Secondary School. H.H. climbed 84 steps to reach the campsite.  Many villagers participated in the morning discourse session. H.H. mentioned how the child monks are becoming mountain trekkers. It's historical moment of their life. They should ascend in spiritual pursuit and knowledge in the way they are climbing mountains. Principal of the hosting school warmly welcomed H.H and desired if the school can get name on H.H. It was cloudy through the day and had some rain as well.