Answer the following questions in not more than 100 - 150 words each:

Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Baudhnath shrine with the Pashupatinath Temple.

There is a marked difference between the atmosphere in and around Baudhnath Shrine and that of the Pashupatinath Temple.

In and around the Pashupatinath Temple, the author observed an atmosphere of febrile confusion. There were large crowds of worshippers, elbowing each other in trying to get the priest's attention or pushing to make their way to the front. There were the policemen at entrance gate to keep a track on the saffron-clad Westerners and others because only the Hindus were allowed to enter the temple. In addition, at the banks of the Holy Bagmati, a corpse was being cremated, washerwomen were at their work, and children were bathing along with the offerings that were being dropped in the river.

On the other hand, the atmosphere in the Baudhnath Shrine was that of peace and tranquility. There was a sense of stillness that the author felt. However, it was surrounded by narrow and busy streets comprising of small shops on the outer edge selling felt bags, Tibetan prints and silver jewellery. In all, there was no crowd inside and the author considered it to be a haven of quietness surrounded by the hustle bustle outside.