पागल बस्ती [Pagal Basti]

by Saru Bhakta, सरुभक्त

*Madan Puraskar Winning Novel* Pagal Basti was awarded the most prestigious Award in Nepali literature, Madan Puraskar . Apart from being very entertaining story the story also unveils a deep philosophical aspect of the characters. Pagal Basti is one of the most popular novels written by Sarubhakta. The story starts with the mention of the narrator being on his journey to Ghandruk, a beautiful place near Pokhara. The book is set in the place, which has now become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. A lot of people have visited the place after reading this novel. The novel is divided into two parts. First part is an account of a narrator but, in the second part, the story takes another turn where the narrator seems to have gone out of the story. Literary pundits say that this form of story telling is experimental. But, when you read the book the plot and the story goes on easily and naturally. A clear indication that the experiment of Sarubhakta has been successful. The use of some English words in the conversation between characters has also made the conversation livelier. The book describes some of the interesting events and incidents in the lives of the characters in the novel. Readers can sense the deep philosophical aspect of the event leads the readers out of their general perception and social norms. Story The main characters in the story are Adiguru Prashant and Adimata Martha. The story is about how the mental state of these two characters change over time. Both the characters are not fully satisfied with each other. Both of them are guilty about their past. They had both started a journey of ending their dissatisfaction and facing their guilt. Prashat had loved Martha before he transformed himself into Adiguru. The transformation had ben led by Martha's refusal to accept him as a lover. Later Martha, realized the value of love and Prashant's proposal. When Martha found Prashant, he had already transformed into Adiguru and was settled among a group of his followers in a remote village, a village he had established himself. By that time, Prashant was unwilling to accept Martha has his lover. He instead changed Martha into Adimata. The flow of emotions among the two and the events at the village is a very interesting binding story. The ego that develops as Adiguru might seem deeper than a normal reader could understand. But, it is not so deep that readers can't follow through. Understanding the philosophical aspect of the story makes readers critical and analytical and be part of the story. Instead of simply reading the novel, most of the readers participate in analyzing and interpreting why the events turn out like that. This is one of the reasons the book has been so popular among Nepali readers. The leading character, Adiguru tries to understand and avoid all the human weaknesses. But, however hard he tries, those weakness just creep in. And there is a character named Premmurti, a true statue of love, as the name suggest. The character of Prashant is quite unpredictable making the events throughout the novel unpredictable and interesting. The book grips the readers early and leaves them wanting more.

Genres: Novels, Fiction

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Saru Bhakta (Nepali: सरु भक्त) is the pen name of Bhakta Raj Shrestha, a celebrated Nepalese novelist and poet and a winner of Madan puraskaar, the most prestigious literary honour in Nepal. He was born to Ganesh Bahadur Shrestha and Laxmi Shrestha in Bag Bazaar, Pokhara, Nepal and started writing around 1978.
Many consider his novel Paagal Basti, to be a classic in Nepalese literature.
He is also a member of the Royal Nepal Academy.
Associated Institutions
Founder , Rastriya Bal Prativa Puraskar , Pokhara (National Prize for Children)
Ex-Chairman , Pokhara Public Library , Pokhara
Founder , Pokhreli Yuva Sanskritik Pariwar (A cultural organization)
Founder , Yuva Natak Parivar (Younh dramatic group)
Founder , Pratibimba Natya Parivar (Dramatic group of Pokhara)
Co-ordinator , Conservation Poetry Movement (2055 B.S.)
Member , Nepal Academy
Books Published
POETRY
1. Banda Kham Bhitra (2035) 2. Boksiko Ahwan ra Ghoshanapatra 3. Kavi, Premi ra Pagal (2050) 4. Kurup Mashiha ( 2054) 5. JyanMaya (2056) 6. Ka Purush ( 2057) 7. Prayogshala Bhitra ( 2058) 8. Manabhari Matobhari ( 2061) 9. Etar Samaya ( 2061) 10. Hajar Buddhsharu ( 2061) 11. Jhuma ( 2061) 12. Bhedigoth ( 2063) 13. Cybercafema Ekdin (2064) 14. Kholsawari Kholsapari (2065)
DRAMA
1. Yuddha : Uhi Gas Chamber Bhitra ( 2037) 2. Itihas Bhitrako Itihas ( 2041) 3. Shishirka Antim Dinharu ( 2042) 4. Ithar ( 2044) 5. Gaungharka Natakharu ( 2050) 6. BalBalikaharuko Naatak ( 2053) 7. Asamay Amausam ( 2054) 8. Nimabiya ( 2055) 9. Ashadhammo Sanantano ( 2045) 10. Jasto Dantyakatha ( 2057) 11. Sirumarani ( 2061) 12. Gauko Katha Yoesto Hunchha Hai ( 2061) 13. Sharararthiharu ( 2063)
STORY/NOVEL
1. Ek Avinavko Atmakatha ( 2044) 2. Chhori Brahmanda ( 2047) 3. Pagal Basti ( 2048 ) 4. Taruni Kheti ( 2053) 5. Yamagal ( 2054) 6. Samay Trasadi ( 2058) 7. Chulee ( 2059) 8. Adhyaro Kotha ( 2060) 9. Padarthaharuko Geet ( 2063)
Editorial 1. Saraswat ( Pokhareli Pratinidhi Kavita Sangraha, 2047) 2. Siddhicharanka Jail Sansmaran ( 2052) 3. Sangrachayar Kavita Yatra ( 2053) 4. Saraswat ( Trimonthly Nepali literary magazine , co-editor )
Award and Honor
International Distabled Year , Best Play(Drama) Award (2038 B.S.)
First Prize Winner , Trivuvan University Literary Competition (2039 B.S.)
Busak Gold Medal , Nepal Jaysees (2039 B.S.)
National Youth Festival , Best Play (Drama) Award (2041 B.S.)
GAA Competition , Best Play Award (2041 B.S.)
National Drama Festival , Royal Nepal Academy , Best Dramatist (2042 B.S.)
Third Prize Winner , National Poetry Festival , Royal Nepal Academy (2035 B.S.)
First Prize Winner , National Poetry Festival , Royal Nepal Academy (2042 B.S.)
Yuva Barsa Moti Puraskar (2043 B.S.)
Gai Jatra Hasya Byangya Mahotsav , Royal Nepal Academy , Sarvottam Byanga Muktakkar (2043 B.S.)
Arohan Samman (2047 B.S.)
Madan Puraskar (2048 B.S.)
Lokendra Sahitya Puraskar (2051 B.S.)
Ratna Shree Award (2052 B.S.)
Nepal Bal Sahitya Puraskar (2054 B.S.)
Siromani Puraskar (2054 B.S.)
Kumudini Kala Sahitya Puraskar (2055 B.S.)
Gopinath Aryal Rangamanch Puraskar (2056 B.S.)
Ganesh-Khilkumari Duwal Prative Puraskar (2056 B.S.)
National Drama Festival , 2056 , Best Director and Recommendation Prize but rejected
Ganki Basundhara Puraskar (2057 B.S.)
Parvat Sahitya Samman , (2058 B.S.)
Namaste Musical Honor (2056 B.S.)
Birendra-Aishwarya Medal (2058 B.S.)
Thakali Sewa Samiti (Central) Honor (2057 B.S.)
Prithivi Narayan Campus , FSU Honor (2059 B.S.)
Music Nepal Honor (2058 B.S.)
Upanyash Satabarsiki Samman (2060 B.S.)
Shukla Sahitya Puraskar (2061 B.S.)
Dabali Puraskar (2062 B.S.)
Sahitya Kunja Samman , Central Department of Nepali Kirtipur (2062 B.S.)
America-Nepal Society Samman , Washington D.C. (2062 B.S.)
Antarastriya Nepali Sahitya Samman , D.C. Metro Chapter (2062 B.S.)
Newyork Kala Manch Samman , Newyork (2062B.S.)
Dhading Sahitya Samaj Samman (2063 B.S.)
Himali Sanskritik Parivar Samman (2065 B.S.)
Himdark Samman (2067 B.S.)

Reviews

[Ranjan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was the swift change of narration intentional? Was the whole beginning build-up wasted on nothing?

The amount of philosophy on 'Aham/Ego/I' was a bit too much for me to digest. The constant battle between Aham and Love was fun to read through.

Was the "Settlement of the Insane" gone because The protagonist couldn't stay longer in the place which reminded him of her, how far can his 'Aham' take him?

And what was the overall conclusion? Aham wins over Love? or Both are defeated, fighting the long lost battle?

I thoroughly enjoyed the world-building and storytelling but the blunt shift from one narration to another left me wondering where the first narrator went!

I have to discuss this book through, pinpoint what I actually missed out on!

Overall, the story was great :D

[Kshitij Chaurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

जसै "पागल बस्ति" को अन्तिम पान पल्टाउछु, मनमा विचारका ज्वारभाटाहरु उर्लिन्छन् । आज तेस्रो पटक पढ्दा झन शसक्त लाग्छ यो उपन्यास मलाई । यो यस्तो कथा, व्यथा र विचारको समिश्रण हो जसलाई हरेक मानवले एकपटक होईन् बारबार पढ्नुपर्छ , बुझ्नुपर्छ र तरङ्गित हुनुपर्छ ।

हामी भित्र प्रशान्त पनि बाचेको छ, मार्था पनि बाचेकी छिन् । अहम र प्रेमको द्वन्दमा मानव सभ्यता अल्झेको छ, बल्झेको छ।

हामी सबै शुन्य हुन नसकेका अशुन्यवादी हौ । विश्व एउटा दलदल भैसकेको छ, जो हरदिन हार्दै छ जितको भ्रममा ।

सरुभक्तको मगजमा जन्मेको पागल बस्ती आफुलाई सभ्य देख्ने मानव समाजलाई चुनौती हो । आदर्शको खोल ओडेर पाखण्डको ताण्डव नृत्य नाच्ने कथित मानव समाजलाई ललकार हो ।

[Pragya Joshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

*प्रेमको मूल्य त्यती नै हुन्छ जती प्रेम गर्ने मान्छेको सामर्थ्य हुन्छ। *

Absolute gem of a book... 💙💙💙💙

[Jaiseri · Rating 3 out of 5]

प्रेममा पर्नुभएको होला नि ! सफल भएको भए त भाग्यमानी नै हुनुभयो । केहि गरि असफल हुनुभएको थियो भने मनमा छुटेका साथहरु प्रतिको मायालाई ‘कतै यो मेरो अहं(Ego) त हैन ?’ भन्ने प्रश्न गर्नु भएको छ ? हो त्यहि दुविधात्मक बुझाइको मन्थन हो ‘पागल वस्ती’ ।
स्कुल पढ्दा प्रयास गरेको थिएँ । खै किन हो पढ्न सकेन । धेरै पछि नामले तानेर फेरि पढेँ । भाषा र विषयको हिसाबले केहि अप्ठ्यारो उपन्यास लाग्यो । विभिन्न दर्शन र विचारका कुराहरु अनि काल्पनाशीलताको व्यापक प्रयोगले किताब अलि गह्रुँगो बनाएको छ । सायद पहिले पढ्नमा पनि यिनै कुराले रोकेको हुनुपर्छ ।
प्रशान्तको प्रेम मार्थाले अस्वीकार गरेपछि आत्मज्ञानको खोजीमा हिँडेको प्रशान्त ‘पागल वस्ती’ वसाल्न पुग्छ जहाँ ‘सद्दे’ हरुको समाज भन्दा निकै बेग्लै नियम हुन्छ । प्रशान्त खोज्दै वस्तीसम्म मार्था पुगेपछि प्रेम र अहम्(Ego) मध्ये के ठूलो भन्ने विषयमा विभिन्न घटनाक्रमको साहराले वहस सुरु हुन्छ ।
दर्शन र विचारमा बहस गर्ने रुची राख्नेका लागि पुस्तक पठनीय हुनसक्छ । सरुभक्तको लेखनको विषयवस्तुले निकै प्रभावित बनाउँछ। तर सरल प्रेमकथा खोज्नेको लागि पठन असजिलो हुन सक्छ ।
यो तस्वीरमा किताब पछाडिको भागमा देखिएको घरमा स्नातकोत्ररको पढाइ गरियो । खाली भागमा देखिने घरतो जग जस्तो भाग पनि एउटा वस्तीकै अवशेष हो । कुनै समयमा यहुदीहरुको प्रार्थनास्थल रहेको सो घर सन् १९३८ मा नाजीहरुले जलाएर ध्वस्त पारेका थिए ।अहिले यसलाई स्मारकको रुपमा पुन:निर्माण गरिएको छ । एउटा वस्तीको कथाको लागी अर्को वस्तीको पृष्ठभूमीले धेरै हदसम्म न्याय गरेको लागेर यो तस्वीर लिएँ ।
#pagalbasti #sarubhakta #bookstagram #books #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #nepaliliterature #avidreader

[Biraj Dahal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nepali Unicode Problem so trying in English :)
I think it is a classic Novel in our scenario of literature presenting a Utopian society.
The novel have two sections. In first, the first person narrator is a reporter (holding diploma degree in reporting). His trekking to Ghandruk lead him towards curiosity of Pagal Basti. Presentation of natural canvas, description of various villages, villagers along with Pokhara are lively. The Maranchyase Tea Maker and his maranchyase story, the mad man Bhakte, the local school teacher, the mistress of lodge house all seems real people even though they are fictional. The first part is only about the old rumor about Pagal Basti, its Gothic and unbelievable story. So our narrator determined to expose the story of Pagal Basti.
In second part, entry of protagonist, Martha, changes the plot from curiosity toward exposition. Now the narration shifts from first person to third person omniscient narration. We come to know that the Basti isn't a Pagal Basti (Mad Neighborhood) but it is something extra ordinary, out of this world. That is different kind of spiritual world, another protagonist, Prashant had established. We realize that small world is an Utopia, a perfect world laced with humanity. Prashanta, had fantasized about this kind of world where there is no dominance of class, religion, gender, knowledge and capacity. Where people is free to live with optimum liberty and exercise their knowledge, labor and freedom. They (pagals) have built an utopia within the cruel world and it is detached in a sense. It is itself a complete and independent state. A world within world.
Prashanta believes in his reincarnation (intellectual birth). First he was born from his mother's womb and then get rebirth in Pokhara after being refused from love. He now refuses to follow tradition and inspite believes in futuristic view. And he began to help the people who are willing to be wise and willing to get detach from world outside and practice the whole freedom in utopia (Pagal Basti). They are free to have choices. But Prashant's idealistic world with his philosophic tonic finds itself in conflict after Martha's arrival in the Basti. So it may be saying that no philosophy is complete and followable but it needs to be frictional in order get sharpen.
Now two philosophies (Martha and Prashant) are in conflict. According to Prashant they should follow the self (proud) because each and every people from every profession, time and history are, were and will be guided by the extreme egoism. That is truth beyond truths accept it or not. He added the whole world, even Christ, Buddha and more ideals and philosophers and the whole humanity is guided through self philosophy (aham). So we can say a single person's ego along with society's ego is showing path to humanity, that's how it is moving ahead. So, humanity should worship ego discriminating good and evil, and no doubt one we'll met with perfect world and the ultimate truth. He said that we (human) are not able to get rid of our miseries and pains. So, we are compel to worship Buddha, Jesus, etc. Yes, we should know Buddha but we don't have to be Buddha in order to follow him philosophies and after all his philosophy is not working, people are not spreading love and mercy but showing their attitude. Human should be innovative. Prashanta have principle and lifestyle according to his philosophy. The concept of world citizen, Aadi Guru, Aadi Mata, Aadishala, Aadimandir, AadiSambat, and all aadis philosophy in neighborhood (Basti) is some fine idealistic, Utopian examples.
Prashanta is on a way to practicing his philosophy. He believes that discussing on great thoughts are not enough we should practice it in our lives. According to him, there are multiple truths. First, his life's only truth was love and only love. After being rejected, he realized pain is the 'Truth'. But those truth- love and pain made him restless and later he realized love and pain are not only truth. So he decided to search for truth. He envisioned the egoism (aham) philosophy and believed that self philosophy is the only truth beyond love, pain and hatred.
There is tussle between two philosophies. Martha believes in love. The whole world should be guided and was always guided by love. Humanity needs love, affection, caring and sharing, not ego worshiping. Ego worshiping is for proud y, unwise people. Proud always leads toward destruction, it violates peace, and destroys creation. Martha's self realization toward truth is just opposite to Prashanta, first she was guided by ego (proud), then remorse (pain) and then finally by love. Now she loves the "love" and even the concept of love. She thinks love and ego (aham) are contrasting. If one philosophy have to lead then the other should be dominated. She believes that love is the ultimate truth and one day love will defeat ego and the whole world will be lovely.
There are many symbols in novels. The title "Pagal Basti" is itself a symbolic, the Basti is also symbolic place which philosophers are fantasizing. The cry of Owl, Bindu - the dog, her extra ordinary behavior (feeding the new born calf with her own milk), the setting, each and every thing are symbolic.
What I like most about this novel is the way of characterization and the story itself, twelve disciple of Aadiguru, Prashant (like Jesus's), the liberty in Basti, the facility (health care), brilliant doctors, the unity, the education system, the optional labor system, and the total democracy. So the novel presents an ideal world, a lost utopia, Pagal Basti. It is brilliant. We find extra ordinary love stories in the novel.
The ending of novel is justified. Tragedy is justified. The contrasting philosophy is I think impossible to be merged and become one. So it is ok. It is classic piece of art.

[Kshitij Chaurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only book I have read three times.

[Bibash Sapkota · Rating 3 out of 5]

धैरै नै चर्चा सुनेर पढेको थिएँ तर सोचे जति राम्रो रहेन छ । पहिलो खण्ड एकदमै राम्रो लागेको थियो । एउटा फरक प्रकारको थ्रिलर उपन्यासको अपेक्षा गरेँ जुन मेरो गल्ति थियो । पहिलो खण्डमा गुडुडु दौडेको यो उपन्यास दोस्रो खण्डमा भने घस्रिन थाल्छ । पढ्दा पढ्दै अल्छी लाग्यो, मनलाई धेरै चोटी बिन्ति गर्नुपऱ्यो पढिसक्न । अहम्‌वादको सिद्दान्त मन चाँही मनपऱ्���ो । तर पाठकलाई अन्त्यसम्म बाँधेर राख्ने घटनाहरुको कमी छ उपन्यासमा ।

[Bikash Dumrakoti · Rating 5 out of 5]

'पागल-बस्ती' आफ्नो बनाएर राखेको करिब दुई वर्षसम्म पनि म यो पुस्तक उठाउन डराइरहेँ। केही समीक्षाहरूमा पागल-बस्ती विचारले भरिपूर्ण छ भनी पढेको थिएँ। र मलाई विचार र दर्शन केन्द्रित विषयवस्तु बुझ्न सकस पर्छ।
अहिले जब पागल-बस्ती पढ्न थालेँ, मलाई लाग्यो यसमा त्यस्तो बुझ्नै नसकिने विचार पनि उठाइएको छैन। यसमा उठाइएको विचार मुख्यतः मानवीय अहम् केन्द्रित छ।
"सम्पूर्ण मानवीय भावनाहरू र विचारहरू अहम् केन्द्रित हुन्छन्। विश्व अहङ्कारको महाअग्निले जलिरहेको छ र यसलाई निभाउन अहङ्कारकै पानी चाहिन्छ। अहम् केन्द्रित विश्वका सबै रहस्य ज्ञात हुनुनै अहम् बाट शून्य हुनु हो। र अहम् बाट शून्य हुनुनै अहम् बुद्धत्वमा प्राप्त हुनु हो।"
पुस्तकको अहम् केन्द्रित विचारबाट के-कति कुरा आत्मसात् गर्न सकिन्छ त्यो त पाठकमा भर पर्ला तर अहम् बाट शून्य भएर अहम् बुद्धत्वमा कसरी प्राप्त हुन सकिन्छ त्यो बुझ्न भने आदिगुरु प्रशान्तको आदिशिक्षणशालामा नै भर्ना हुनु पर्छ।
एउटा नवीन सभ्यताको कथा बोल्छ पागल-बस्ती। मानवीय आधारभूत सारा आवश्यकताले परिपूर्ण छ यो बस्ती। बस्तीको आवश्यकताअनुरूप वस्तुहरू उत्पादन गर्न यहाँ आदिश्रमशाला छ, बस्तीका वासिन्दालाई आधारभूत तथा दर्शन शिक्षा प्रदान गर्न यहाँ आदिशिक्षणशाला छ र बस्तीका सामान्यदेखि असाध्य रोगीहरूको हेरचाह गर्न यहाँ आदिआरोग्यशाला छ। बस्ती र यी सबै सङ्कायका संस्थापक, आदिज्ञानले दीप्त, यहाँ आदिगुरु छन्। र आदिगुरुलाई आदिज्ञानले प्रज्वलित पार्ने आदिमाताको निराकार तथा साकार आकृति यहीँ छ।
बस्तीका वासिन्दा भिन्न छन्, अनुशासनमा, विचारमा, कार्यमा। अरूभन्दा भिन्न हुनु हाम्रो समाजमा पागल हुनु हो। बाटोमा हिड्दाहिड्दै केही सम्झेर मुसुक्क मुस्कुराउँदा सहयात्री सोध्छ- 'त्यसै किन हाँस्छस्? पागल भइस् क्या हो!' बिनाकारण मुस्कुराउनु हाम्रो समाजमा पागल हुनु हो।
पागल-बस्तीको पहिलो अध्याय पढ्दा यो कुनै 'फ्यान्टसि' विधा अन्तर्गत पर्ने कथा हो कि भन्ने विचार मनमा खेल्छ। हाम्रो साहित्यमा कमैमात्र देखिने यो विधा पढ्न आतुर मनलाई पागल-बस्तीको पहिलो पन्नाले नै बाँधेर राख्यो। भग्नावशेषमा मात्र जीवित रहेको बस्तीबारे नौडाँडाका रैथानेहरू अनेकन् किस्साहरू हाल्छन्। यी किस्साहरूको सत्यतथ्य जान्न पागल-बस्तीको उत्खनन गर्न एक पर्यटक कम पत्रकार कम्मर कस्छ। दोस्रो अध्यायमा पाठकको सोच विपरीत कथा छुट्टै दिशातर्फ हानिन थाल्छ। कथामा देखिएको नवीनताले निराश बनाउँछ? अँह, बनाउँदैन। यसले झनै मजबुतसँग पकडेर राख्छ।
पागल-बस्तीसँग एउटा गुनासो के रहन जान्छ भने उत्खनन गर्न तम्सिएको पत्रकारको कथा कता सकियो नै पत्तो पाइन्न। बाँकी, यो पढ्नु पर्ने पुस्तक हो।

[Prativa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange. Infuriating at times. Nightmarish...

[Urgen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. It's a nice read with good set ups, thorough character developments, smooth display of chaos, impassioned conversations and just good writing.

[Kanchan Ojha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading "Pagal Basti" was a wonderful experience. The situations, the feelings that the book brings to you is sometime wordless.

[Ajay Mishra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went to read this with huge expectations. A massive let down. It was not without its merits. The prose is very poetic, style experimental and unique. Structurally, it was very sound; and structure is something that I have found lacking in many Nepali novels that I have read. There was a conflict inherent in the story and as the story progresses, the conflict slowly escalates and reaches its conclusion in the final pages.

On the other hand, there is this philosophy at the very core of the story that felt like (in the words of Pauli) "not even wrong" kind of philosophy. There are of course some truisms but also shitloads of a vague, incoherent mess of words. The individual tenents of the philosophy do not fit together (at least, I did not find anything to connect those tenents within the novel).

Someone once described Herman Hesse's works to me as "pseudo-spiritual claptrap" (I hope I am remembering the words right). There couldn't be better words to summarize this novel.

[Shraddha Dahal · Rating 5 out of 5]

सर्वप्रथम त यस कृतिका लेखक सरुभक्त प्रति हार्दिक नमन गर्न चाहन्छु, नेपाली साहित्य जगतलाई यस्तो नवीनतम तथा उच्च योगदान प्रदान गर्नुभएकोमा। काल्पनिकताको उर्वर भूमिमा निर्माण गरिएको यस कृति "पागल बस्ती"को बासिन्दाहरु माझ मैले आफुलाई पनि पाएँ। अहम् र प्रेम बीचको द्वन्दलाई निकै प्रभावकारी रुपमा प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ। प्रशान्त र मार्था दुबैको दर्शन आ-आफ्नो ठाउँमा जायज छ, तेसैले मलाई कुनै एकको पक्षतिर ढल्किन हम्मेहम्मे पर्यो। उपन्यासको अन्त्यबाट पनि ठोस निस्कर्ष निकाल्न सकिएन, तर यो अस्पष्टताले नै कथालाई सर्वोत्तम सिद्ध गरेको छ जस्तो लाग्यो। "प्रेमको मूल्य त्यति नै हुन्छ जति प्रेम गर्ने मान्छेको सामर्थ्य हुन्छ।" यस्ता भनाईले भरिएको किताबलाई ५ तारा भन्दा कम दिन मनले कसरी मान्ला? :D

[Supriya Khadka · Rating 5 out of 5]

किताब सुरु गरेपछी मनमा उब्जिएका कुनैकुनै प्रश्नहरु अनुत्तरित नै रहे। किताबको अन्तिम पृष्ठमा पुगेपछि झन्झन् नयाँ नयाँ प्रश्नहरुले जन्म लिये। सायद ती जवाफहरु आफैंले खोज्नुपर्ने होला।
मानिसका मनका कयौं जटिल मनोभावनालाई पनि दुई व्यक्तिको वर्तालापको मध्यामबाट सरल रूपले प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ। एउटा पुस्तक भित्र आफ्नै एउटा संसार बनाउन सफल भयेका छन् सरुभक्त। मानवको मनोदशा र मानव सोचाइलाई आफ्ना शब्दद्वारा कलात्मक रुपले चित्रण गरिएको यो पुस्तक साच्चै नै उत्कृष्ट छ।

[Jyotsna Marasini · Rating 3 out of 5]

आफु भन्दा पृथक सोच राख्ने मान्छे यो समाज लाई बोहुला नै लाग्छ, कृतिमताको मात लगेको यस समाजलाई धारिलो प्रहार हो -पागल बस्ती। मान्छे अहम्युक्त प्राणी हो, उ अहमबाट मुक्ती खोज्नु भन्दा अहम्लाई अत्मसाथ गर्दौ स्रिजनात्मक ढंगमा अफु लाई प्रस्तुत गर्न सक्छ। हामीले गर्ने सबै काम अहमयुक्त छ, प्रेम जस्तो पवित्र कुरा पनि अहम रहित हुँदैन। यस बुकमा प्रेम र अहम्को दोन्दात्मक सम्बन्धलाई विविन्न दर्शनका माध्यमबाट एउटा नयाँ दृष्‍टिकोड प्रदान गर्न खोजिएको छ।

[Ankit Dhakal · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating: 3.5/5

सरुभक्तको पागल बस्ती प्रेम र अहम् बीच उठेको द्वन्द्व चित्रित गर्छ, निराकरण गर्दैन । मार्था (आदिमाता) र प्रशान्त (आदिगुरु) बीचमा रहेको यी दुई दर्शनको संघर्ष कहिले सहज ला��्छ, कहिले असहज । कहिले मार्थाले जितेजस्तो लाग्छ त कहिले प्रशान्तले । कहानीको अन्त्यमा कसको विजय भयो म भन्न सक्दिनँ । झट्ट हेर्दा मार्थाले जितेजस्तो लागेपनी ऊ पनि प्रशान्तझैँ हार भोगेकी प्रेमी हो ।

प्रशान्तले स्थापना गरेको "पागल बस्ती" अन्य बस्तीभन्दा फरक छ । त्यसैले अरूले नामकरण गरेको "पागल बस्ती" लाई नै स्वीकारेको छ । आदिगुरुको नियममा चलिरहेको एक युटोपिया अरूका लागि बौलाहाहरूको बस्ती हो । तर उनीहरू भ्रम चिर्न चाहँदैनन् । किनकी यो अरू गाउँबस्ती जस्तै यो पनि दु:ख र दु:खीकै बस्ती हो ।
यहाँका दु:ख झट्ट देखिँदैनन् । तर यहाँका हरेक मानिसले दु:ख भोगेका छन्, स्वीकारेका छन् अनि केही हदसम्म मेटेका छन् ।

मार्थाको आगमनले बस्तीको भौतिक नियमिततामा खासै फरक नपारे पनि मानसिक नियमिततामा बिस्तारै असर पर्छ । त्यसैले प्रशान्तले मार्थालाई बस्ती छोड्न आग्रह गर्दा एक असहज घर्षण देखा पर्छ । मार्था र प्रशान्त दुवै पटकपटक एकअर्कालाई दु:ख दिइरहेका देखिन्छन् भलै प्रशान्त त्यसलाई मान्दैन ।

***

दुई भागमा बाँडिएको उपन्यासको सुरुवात पत्रकार किशोरले पागल बस्तीको उत्खनन गरेसँगै हुन्छ । यस उत्खननका लागि मार्थालाई भेटेको प्रसङ्ग रोचक छ । दोस्रो भागमा मार्थाको चित्रमार्फत् किशोर पागल बस्तीको कथा बुन्छ ।

यद्यपि पहिलो भागमा रहेका सबै प्रश्नहरू यहाँ बिसर्जन हुँदैनन् । किशोरले वाचन गरेको अर्को एउटा भाग भएको भए सायद पहिलो भागका सबै कुराहरू निचोडसम्म पुग्नेथे । यो एक भागको अभावले उपन्यास सकिँदा पनि केही नपुगेको अनुभव हुहुन्छ

[Baklol Master · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 2.5 to be honest....
Concept was nice but could have been presented in a better way. Especially the 2nd half of the novel. The 1st half was good but the 2nd half feels a bit dragged and kind of lacking in things enough to keep you interested in the story. I expected events to unfold, things to happen but no..... the author keeps us stuck into the same platform.
Adimata: "Prem nai thulo"
Adiguru: "Haina prem pani ahankar ko euta pato ho"
..........
Adimata: "Timi masanga badala ko lagi yo sab gariraxau"
Adiguru: "Hoina adimata. Ma yo sab basti ko bhalai ko lagi gariraxu"
This is what goes on and on and on throughout the later part of the novel.
Also, the ending was a bit abrupt. Many things from the 1st half weren't answered.
Overall, it's an OK read.

[Bikram Niraula · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Imagine walking down the bustling streets of Kathmandu, where every corner tells a story of struggle and survival. In Sarubhakta's 'Pagal Basti,' these stories come alive, painting a vivid picture of the diverse tapestry of life in Nepal's capital.

Through the eyes of its characters, 'Pagal Basti' doesn't just narrate tales of poverty and hardship; it invites you to walk alongside them, to feel the weight of their struggles and the warmth of their resilience. Whether it's the young street vendor trying to make ends meet or the elderly widow clinging to tradition in a rapidly changing world, each character embodies the hopes and dreams of ordinary people striving for a better tomorrow.

Sarubhakta's storytelling is more than just words on a page; it's a journey into the heart of Kathmandu, where every scent and sound evokes a sense of familiarity and belonging. As you immerse yourself in the lives of these characters, you'll find yourself rooting for their triumphs and empathizing with their setbacks.

But amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there's a glimmer of hope that shines through. It's the resilience of the human spirit, the strength to endure and overcome even the greatest of challenges. 'Pagal Basti' is not just a novel; it's a reminder of the indomitable spirit that unites us all, no matter where we come from or what struggles we face.

In the end, 'Pagal Basti' isn't just about Kathmandu or Nepal; it's about the shared humanity that binds us together. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster understanding, reminding us that, at our core, we are all just trying to find our place in this vast and beautiful world."

[Sindhiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

पागल बस्ती एक यूटोपिया हो। बस्तीलाई नै पागल भनिए तापनि यहाँका मान्छे पागल छैनन्। पागल बस्तीबाट बाहिरका हामी मान्छे बरु पागल छौँ। जीवनमा धेरै दुःख पाएका, धेरै हण्डर खाएका मानिसहरुले बसालेको बस्ती हो पागल-बस्ती। त्यस्तै बस्तीका पथप्रदर्शक हुन् आदिगुरु जसको सैद्धान्तिक र दार्शनिक कुराहरुले यस बस्तीका मानिसदेखि लिएर कुकुरलाई समेत अनुशासनमा राखेको छ। यस बस्तीका मान्छेहरु हामीभन्दा अलग छन्, हामीभन्दा असल छन्, हामीभन्दा सद्दे छन् र त्यसकारण उनीहरू हाम्रो नजरमा पागल छन्।

सरुभक्तद्वारा लिखित यो उपन्यास दुई भागमा विभाजित छ। पहिलो भागमा यात्रा संस्मरण लेख्ने इरादाले पत्रकार किशोर घान्द्रुकसम्म यात्रामा निस्केका हुन्छन्। यात्राको क्रममा बाटोमा भेटिएका मान्छेबाट उनले पागल बस्तीको बारेमा थाहा पाउँछन् र सो बस्तीतर्फ लाग्दछन्। कथाको दोस्रो भागमा उनीसँगै हामीपनि पागल बस्तीसँग साक्षात्कार हुन्छौँ। उनी पागल बस्तीको माहोल नियाल्ने तृतीय पुरुष हुन्छन् भने त्यहाँ पुगेपछि कथाका पात्र हुन्छन् आदिगुरु प्रशान्त र आदिमाता मार्था। कथानुसार प्रशान्त र मार्था एक अर्काको प्रेममा पर्दछन् तर विपरीत समयमा। अहमयुक्त मान्छेले गर्ने प्रेम‌ जस्तो पवित्र कुरा पनि अहम रहित हुँदैन रहेछ। यो किताबमा प्रेम र अहमको द्वन्द्वलाई विभिन्न दर्शनका माध्यमबाट देखाइएको छ।

भाषा र विषयको हिसाबले यो किताब केही अप्ठ्यारो भने पक्कै छ। एकैदिनमा पढेर सक्छु भनेर पढ्ने किताब होइन यो। यसभित्र दर्शनका कुरा छन्, अधिक मात्रामा। चार-पाँच पन्ना पढेपछि किताब बन्द गरेर एकछिन पढेका कुरालाई ध्यान गरेर बुझ्ने कोसिस गर्नुपर्छ। मेटाफोर्सको व्यापक प्रयोगले पढ्न इन्ट्रेस्टिङ्ग भएपनि बुझ्न भने गाह्रो छ। पागल बस्तीलाई सामान्य पढाईले भन्दा पनि गहिरो अध्ययनले मात्र न्याय दिन्छ। किताबको अन्तिम पन्नामा लेखिएको छ, 'जीवनको सार्थकता भनेको अहमको सुन्यता हो।' सायद यो नै यस उपन्यासको निचोड हो। सरुभक्तले जन्माएका पागल बस्ती आफूले सद्दे ठान्ने मानव समाजलाई एउटा चोटिलो व्यंग्य हो।

[Siwani Bajracharya · Rating 3 out of 5]

सरुभक्तको पागल बस्ती (मदन पुरस्कार २०४७ विजेता)

म जन्मिनु भन्दा अगाडि लेखिएको किताब 😍😛

लगभग ३ हफ्ता लगाएर यो किताब पढ्न सकाएँ। साच्चै भन्नु पर्दा मलाई लागेको थिएन मैले यो किताब पढेर सक्छु भनेर किनभने सुरुमा म कथा सँग कनेक्ट नै हुन सकिरहेकी थिएन। स्टोरी लाइन अलि बेग्लै भएको कारणले बुझ्न अलि धेरै नै समय लाग्यो। एउटा ग्रिप हुने बितिकै, कथा पढ्न मज्जा लाग्न थाल्यो।

प्रशान्त नामक एक युवा मार्था नामकी युवती लाई माया गर्थ्यो। तर मार्थाले उसको प्रेम प्रस्ताव स्वीकार नगरेपछि उ पारिवारिक माया मोह त्यागेर आदिगुरु बन्न पुग्छ। उसले एक गाउँ बसाएको हुन्छ जहाँ उसले दुखी मान्छेहरूलाई उद्धार गरेर त्यहाँ ल्याएको हुन्छ। मार्थालाई आफ्नो गल्तीको अनुभूति भएपछि उ प्रशान्तको खोजीमा त्यो बस्तीमा पुग्छे र आदिमाता बन्न बन्छिन्। जब सम्म मार्थालाई मायाको आवास हुन्छ, प्रशान्तले उसको त्याग गरी सकेको हुन्छ। 

आदिगुरू र आदिमाताको फरक दर्शनले गर्दा, कथा रोमाञ्चक हुँदै जान्छ। बिन्दु, मैच्याङ, जमुना, प्रेममूर्तिले कथालाई अघि बढाई राख्छ। कथामा धेरै उताचढावआई राख्छ। बस्तीको बयान भने एकदमै रमाइलो थियो। एउटा बस्ती जहाँ सब थोक पाउँछ।

कथा रमाइलो थियो तर मलाई केही कुरा नपुगेको जस्तो भई रहेको छ। पागल बस्तीको अन्त्य कसरी भयो भन्नेकुरा को व्याख्या गरिएको छैन। र मान्छेहरु पागल बस्तीको भग्नावेषमा गएपछि किन प्राण त्याग्छन्, के यो एक संयोग मात्र हो कि अरुनै केही रहस्य छ?  कथाको सुरुमा आएको रिपोर्टरको भयो?
काल्पनिक स्वरूप कथा राम्रो थियो तर मलाई धेरै ठाउँ प्राक्टिकल लागेन र कुनै कुनै ठाउँमा अलि cringe पनि लाग्यो।

Note: The rating and the review is solely based on reader's point of view.

[Uzz Wal · Rating 4 out of 5]

What to say ? Firstly thanks a lot to Saru Bhakta sir for this beautiful gift! Ever best novel I've read since to till! I am also gonna recommende everybody to read this book! It's damn good!
You know what? Sometime we have to sacrifice every things in our life and have to start new one! The way Prashant says" Aadi Mata hjur ko Karan ley mailey दोस्रो jiwan prapta gare" and starts his own AadiGau:) He was the deepest person ,who thinks multiple time for anything ,who goes deeper for anything I also appreciate others characters like Bindu(so sweet pet) Kurup Nari and the guy who leaves Aadigau for his child (he loved his child 😊) Even after doing characterless job(don't mean she is characterless) she followed Aadiguru and appreciates him!
Ever sweetest book😊 loved it.

[Om Pokharel · Rating 5 out of 5]

यो किताब पढ्दै गर्दा पढेर कहिल्यै नसकियोस् जस्तो लागिरह्यो किनकी यहाँ आउने धेरै प्रसङ्गहरूले गहिरा अर्थहरू बोकेका छन्।
आदिगुरू र आदिमाता का दर्शनहरू बीचको टकरावका बावजुद पनि प्रेम नै यो उपन्यासको प्रमुख theme हो।

किताब धेरैले लेख्छन् तर पागल-बस्ती जस्तो किताब लेखेर लेखिँदैन; यसलाई त जन्माउनुपर्छ। त्यसैले मेरो विचारमा पागल-बस्ती एउटा उपन्यास नभएर एउटा युगान्तकारी दस्तावेज हो।
लेखकका मौलिक दार्शनिक विचार र मूल्यहरूको सार सङ्ग्रह हो।

अरू त त्यस्तै हो, यो पुस्तकलाई Screenplay मा ढाल्न र एउटा सुन्दर सिनेमा निर्माण गर्न भने ढिला भइसक्यो जस्तो लाग्यो।

[संजीब · Rating 4 out of 5]

उपन्यासको शुरुवातमा एक उद्घोषक देखिन्छन्, तथापी प्रथम भाग सकेपछि उद्धघोषक हराउँछन् र उपन्यास भरी नै देखा पर्दैनन्।
उपन्यास सरल शब्दहरुमा लेखिएको छ। उपन्यासमा‌ प्रवेश गर्दा नै कथाले डोर्याइरहेको अनुभुती भइरहन्छ। जति पढ्दै गयो उति कथाको गहिराइमा‌ डुब्दै गइरहेको पाएँ। उपन्यासको पात्रहरुको माध्यमबाट प्रेमवाद र अहमवादको दर्शनको चित्रण गर्दै लैजानु नै यस उपन्यासको विशेषता महसुस भएको छ मलाई।
उपन्यास पढ्दा निकै नै रस भरिएको उखु चपाएजस्तो लागिरहन्छ।तर अन्तिम सम्ममा पनि कथा उद्धघोष गर्ने व्यक्ति पुनः नआउँदा उपन्यास अधुरै रह्यो कि जस्तो समेत लाग्यो।
मेरो विचारमा पागल बस्ती निकै नै सशक्त उपन्यास हो।

[Seema Gautam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it profound philosophical mirror that compels us to question what it truly means to be ‘sane’ in an insane world.
It digs deep into psyche of Nepali society, tyranny of power.its one of the bold and reflective finest book in Nepali literature.Martha is the character i adore in whole book who is metaphor of revolt, pain, suppressed voices in deeply patriarchal and hypocritical society.
Her character stayed with me long as i closed the book. Her paintings and all were the images that still lingers on my mind sometimes.

[Sudarshan Bhattarai · Rating 3 out of 5]

प्रेम र अहंकार !
अंहकार/अहम् नै मानव विकासक्रमको सत्य हो, अहंकार बिना प्रेम संभव छैन भन्ने प्रशान्त र प्रेमको साथी अहंकार हुन सक्दैन भन्ने आदिमाता
एक अर्कालाई गरेका प्रेम अनि उपेक्षा
अहंकारले दिएको पुनर्जन्म, प्रेमले बसाएको बस्ती: पागल बस्ती!
And I was waiting for the story to connect with the beginning of the novel, but it didn't seem important to the story's development. So 3 stars (but 4 stars for the story of pagal basti)

[Sunil Parajuli · Rating 3 out of 5]

The quest of writer to present the contrasting philosophies of two individuals is duly admirable.

The character's perspective and approach towards utopian place is totally different. One of the character advocates about love while the other ego. The characters are like the two banks of the river who serves the same purpose but could never met. So, it ends up in tragedy.

[Trailokaya Bajgain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best novel, I ever read. I could not get enough of it! Read it more than 15 times. Got a chance to talk to an author at an event and couldn't stop me from thanking him and asking what happened to the basti at the end. The beauty of the Novel lies in its simplicity and the depth of characters. A must-read!

[Krish Mahat · Rating 4 out of 5]

starting is unique... the conflict between aham and prem......the two things never let two people to unite....aham and prem can make a cycle of life .....a person who believe in prem would be truth worthy towards aham at any moment of life ......

[Pratiksha Rawat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I past Naudada or find myself near Prithivi Narayan Campus ,Pagal Basti flood my mind . The search for Martha and Aadi, the echoes of Pagal Basti... It's a bittersweet memory (of virtual world )that Pagal Basti has woven into my soul.

[Resham Bhattarai · Rating 5 out of 5]

People will start calling you mad If you started to do everything right!