PARBAT, Oct 24: In 1956, Padma Acharya of Ward No.5, Modi Rural Municipality, got married at the tender age of ten. At those times, early marriage was very much prevalent in our society. Three years after her marriage, she lost her husband Narayan Bhuwaji before she could understand the relationship of husband and wife. At that time, the traditional conservative society tried its best to break her down by blaming her for the death of her husband.
Despite the ups and downs in her life, Padma kept going until she freed herself from society which always ostracized her because of various superstitions. "I was a kid when I got married. So, I could not understand the importance of marital relationship. Since his death, I have been treated harshly by society that made me realize his importance in my life," she said. Being unable to tolerate the pain, she moved to Kushma-1 in 1986 and started sheltering at the ashram (hermitage) of Muktinarayan temple.
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"Every time I remember the tragic past, I can't stop my tears from falling," she laments. According to her, life became better after she started living at the temple's ashram. It has been 31 years since she has been living in this temple. "Now I am waiting for my death," said Padma, now 71.
Similarly, Pabitra Sapkota of the then Malika VDC tied the nuptial knot with Khagendra at the age of seven. Unfortunately, her husband left the world when she was just 11. Like other widows, she was blamed for the death of her husband and that made it difficult for her to live. She had saved a small amount of money. So, she left her home and started living in the ashram of Muktinarayan. She still remembers how her family members tortured her after the death of her husband. "I could never experience happiness in my life. Now I am waiting for my death," she laments.
Currently, eight members are sheltering at the temple's ashram including the priests. This temple which is the first destination of the pilgrims visiting Muktinath is not much popular due to the lack of promotions.
