Poet Hari Kattel’s epic, Madhavaani, was launched amid a ceremony in Biratnagar on Tuesday. The book was unveiled jointly by the vice-chancellor of Nepal Academy, Shrawan Mukarang, and scholar Bishnu Bibhu Ghimire.

The book which comprises a total of 363 verses features various popular scripts including Sadulbikridit, Shikarini, Bhujanprayeta, and Indrabajra, among others. 

The book is based on the spiritual love between a Buddhist nun and a Hindu priest at Halesi Mahadev Temple—which is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus alike. The book also draws on motifs such as the contemporary culture in cities, and the contrast in culture and tradition between Nepal’s Hilly and Himalayan regions.

Speaking at the event, poet Kattel said: “I am very excited to launch my sixth book in which I have used well-recognised scripts and expressions so as to make the book accessible to all.” He added, “I believe in love as an eternal truth and this book deals with that very sentiment.”

Published by Pratibha Puraskar Academy Biratnagar, Madhavaani also features forewords by National poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire, Dhadiraj Subedi, Bal Krishna Pokharel, and Ram Prasad Gyawali.