Becoming God Page 11

  The villagers alerted us against such misdeeds of the Dasyus, who they alleged sneak into Aryavarta from Rasatal. The sage, whose name was Maharshi Dadhichi, took us to his Ashram. The Maharshi was astonished as what we, the people from high reaches of the mountains, were doing in the plains of Aryavarta. When we stated that we were looking for a city suitable for Shiv to live in, the Maharshi jumped with surprise, screaming in disbelief: “Shiv? Who Shiv? You mean Shiv of Deul?” When we nodded our heads in affirmation, he stared at us if he had seen some ghosts. Suddenly, he started embracing us, stating that Shiv was his bosom friend at Vishwayatan.”

  Gannu stopped for a while, finding Shiv looking agape at him. When Shiv desired to know more about Dadhichi, Gannu picked up the loose end of his narration, describing briefly about Dadhichi, “Dadhichi had opted the life of the forest, leaving behind the domestic tradition of his ancestors. He had devoted himself completely to tapasya. At the time we had met him he was concluding composition of a treatise, but he did not divulge its content to us. He albeit wished very keenly to see Shiv, delighting in reminiscences of old days. As he could not extend any help in finding the suitable city, except advising us to leave the area hurriedly as it was infested with Dasyus, we moved ahead in pursuance of our mission.

  Our search took us further towards east, to the confluence of the Ganga and the Yamuna where the svelte Saraswati comes to meet them in a veil. There, at Prayag village where we met Ruru’s team, a Maharshi named Bhardwaj runs a gurukul. When he came to know about our affiliation with Shiv, Bhardwaj jumped with joy, hilariously exuding hope that it was only Shiv who was capable to bring about reconciliation between warring races of Aryas and Dasyus. In a highly hysterical mood he declared that Shiv was not an ordinary man but an incarnation of God who had arrived on the earth to alleviate dissensions through his compassion.

  Bhardwaj was anguished to admit that Prayag village was not suitable for residence of Shiv-Parvati as it was a village of rishis who excel in observing austerities and performing fire sacrifices. He suggested that one such suitable place was Vairat at the confluence of the Ganga and the Varuna, where the descendant of great Bharatas and son of King Sudas, Divodas had established a great kingdom. He had very tactfully won the confidence of the local Kashi tribe, and blended his Bharata kin with them so sagaciously that he had achieved a great success in establishing a kingdom blessed with harmony and prosperity.

  As suggested by Bhardwaj, we, along with Ruru’s team, moved down the Ganga and reached a place where the river takes a semi-circular curve towards north to lap another small river named Varuna. At the confluence, in a vast area formed by the cliffs of the two rivers, stood a walled city fortified by rivers Ganga and Varuna from two sides and wide moats from south and east. Two huge gates opened to the city, one each from southern and western directions, erected on two huge bridges on the moat to connect with the mainland.

  We entered the city from its western gate, securing our entry only by giving the reference of Maharshi Bhardwaj to the gatekeepers. From the western gate, a straight road runs towards eastern boundary of the city. Along the eastern boundary, which formed the riverfront of the Ganga, stands a grand building, which we later came to know as the fort of the king. Further north-ward along this boundary, offices and residences of the royal officials are located.

  The western gate is flanked by the circular rows of houses on both sides, occupied by the legion, which are responsible for the defence of the city state. Along the front of their houses there runs a circular road, which passes along the king’s fort on eastern side and along the labourers’ houses located on the north side at the cliff of the Varuna river. Similarly, another row of houses is located along another circular road, which is occupied by the farmers and artisans. At the centre of the city there is a vast open circular field, at the centre of which, rises a high pillar holding aloft a big wheel. We were told that the wheel is the invention of the people of this city, and its display signifies the progressiveness of the citizens. Houses of the intellectuals and priests of the city were located in the semi-circular row on the western side.

  The city has got every facility for a comfortable city-life – brick-made houses, good roads, greenery all around, strong defence and security arrangements, and civilized people. The Kashi tribesmen are very humble and affectionate people, but the upper-class gentry is a bit snobbish and supercilious. Their king Divodas, who is said to be an uppity snob, is the only authority to consider whether a foreigner might be allowed to settle in the city.

  Scared of clannishness of the king, we did not call on him neither did we broach the subject of seeking settlement there. Contented with information enough for our purpose, we returned hurriedly.

  7.6

  On indication from Shiv to recount his episode of expedition, Bhero was distraught with shame. He looked at Narad for support, and started to relate:

  “We moved along the river, which assumes dozens of names at different places during its long course. We followed it by its left bank, and moved swiftly towards eastward. The banks of the river are deserted and desolate almost all through its mountainous run, except for a few hamlets near the confluences of tributaries. Initially, after travelling for about two weeks, we reached one such hamlet, where people were from our own race and were quite friendly to us. They were so kind that they lent us a boat made of hide, which made our journey considerably convenient and comfortable.

  Rowing the hideboat for a few weeks, we reached a point where river turns suddenly to the north and cuts a course through a succession of narrow gorges in a series of rapids and cascades. Thereafter, the river turns east and then towards south and southwest and flows through a deep gorge across the eastern extremity of the mountains.

  We discarded our boat near a place where the river turns to the southwest as it was difficult to manoeuvre the boat due to fast current of the river. Further ahead, the river swells into a vast expanse of waters, receiving several rapidly rushing mountain brooks. In the valley ahead, the river makes a braided course.

  The climate is completely different in the valley from that in our area. In contrast to cold and dry climate in our area, it is hot and humid in the valley. It becomes musty in the monsoon season, and one gets very easily tired due to excessive perspiration. The whole valley is covered with dense forest, which comprises trees bearing delicious fruits, and provides home to various wild beasts.

  We continued our journey along the river, looking for some human habitation. We travelled for quite long, but there was no sight of human being. Eventually, we reached a small village called Pragjyotish, the light of the east. The people there were quite unfriendly as they looked very suspiciously at us. But, we were very happy as we had seen human beings after travel for months through the desolate and harsh areas. We hoped comfort and hospitality from the people of Pragjyotish.

  Contrary to our expectations, the people of Pragjyotish, on the very first day, after sunset, hurried back to hide behind the snugs of their homes, leaving us unsheltered. We slept in the night in the open below a tree outside the village.

  I saw about a dozen women – all naked, petite and sturdy – taking me off a boat, loosening the rope they had tied me with. I immediately realized that I was abducted brought to the other side of the river, while sleeping with my friends. I was chosen perhaps because of being colossus in comparison with my friends.

  After untying me, they removed the only clothe that I had wrapped around my waist. Looking at my flaccid limb of manliness they giggled coquettishly and some of them stoked it also. Soon they took me with them - dragging, pushing and pulling.

  As far as I could see the area through my tortuous dragging, I could comprehend that the whole area was a closed place, surrounded by a mountain on one side and the river on the other sides. The area was, however, idyllic and covered with verdant vegetation. Later, I came to know that the place was called Durjay, the impregnable, as no outsider could enter the place without the permission of t
he womenfolk who were the only inhabitants of the place.

  I was taken to a cluster of huts located in a circular formation, with a comparatively larger hut at the centre, where sat their queen at a mud platform. Surprisingly, the queen was draped, from neck to toe, in a one-piece white cloth. Later, I could notice that in whole of Durjay only the queen used cloth to cover herself, while others – the commoners - were stark naked. Furthermore, only queen was privileged to have a husband, or a male partner, to copulate at will. Any carnal activity was denied to the commoners, though they secretly availed lesbian joy, and coveted the queen’s male partner. When caught they were punished for seduction.

  The queen had a voracious appetite for mating. I was being used as a gigolo to quench her insatiable lust. The only work I was supposed to do was making love to the queen, as often, and she needed it quite often, as required by her. I was not allowed to leave the premises of the queen’s hut which was put under surveillance of ever-watchful women soldiers. Meeting ever-increasing demand of the queen, I started emaciating within a week. I feared for my life as I was sure that by that rate of service to the queen I could not live long. Perhaps that was the reason, the women soldiers of Durjay were ever on look for a man across the river and that appeared the reason why the people of Pragjyotish were always on their guard, particularly in the night, against onslaught by the Durjoy woman soldiers.

  No one except the queen could conceive a child. The queen appeared to be capable of some magic that only at will she could conceive, and that too only female child, despite incessantly indulging in the intensely amorous activities. In the whole of Durjay, only one male was allowed to exist, and that was the partner of the queen, and he too used to be consumed soon due to excessive use by the queen, necessitating the fresh search for the prey.

  After about a week, one morning, when I came out to the courtyard of the queen’s hut, I saw Narad standing there placidly. He was alone with the queen and was scolding her in stern voice, “The person you have preyed on this time is none other than the friend of Shiv.” The queen, who was not open to any other feelings except the desire for coitus, was trembling with fear. She entreated with folded hands, “Forgive me for my indiscretion as I was unaware that the Lord has arrived on the earth and this man is his friend. I must be quite virtuous to have an opportunity to congress with the Lord’s friend. I am grateful to the Lord for this benevolence. Now, having known, I cannot detain the Lord’s friend anymore. For the first time in the history of Durjay I am sparing a man alive from this place.”

  Narad was strumming on his Veena, unconcerned about what Bhero was narrating. He did not even bother, with an air of insouciance, to explain why and how he had been to Durjoy and what connection he had got with that concupiscent queen. Smiling slyly to Shiv and Parvati, he simply spoke, “See, here is your Bhero and his friends – all hale and hearty.”

  Chapter eight

  The Great Expedition

  8.1

  There was an upsurge of emotions that morning at Lohitsa. The people from both the villages had gathered there. Shiv was setting off for a new abode. The people were deeply sad and anguished that the lad Cheu, who had earned wide acclaim in entire Deul and beyond, was leaving them. Many of them were perturbed as they were not admitted by Shiv into his retinue, and only a few selects were fortunate to find place in the team. Gannu and Bhero were undoubtedly there, followed by their associates – two each. Similarly, Ruru and Viru, along with their associates, were there in the team. There was no doubt about berths in the team for Nandi and Parvati being inseparable from Shiv. Narad, who was there till just before a day, was seen nowhere. He was ridiculously flitting!

  Shiv, who had always been calm and composed, was distraught; his face was contrite with grief; his heart was revolting, refusing to believe that he was going to leave his people and Kailash. Though the waves rising in the ocean of his heart were soon contained at the shore of his cool countenance, his eyes were fixed on Kailash. He appeared to be huddled with the peak in deep dialogue. Seeing him so engrossed in staring the peak, Gannu, who was made the leader and guide of the expedition on the count of his rich experience of travels in the plains, grew impatient. He wanted to move as early as possible so that they could reach the first stopover well in time, but seeing Shiv’s wistfulness, he could hardly muster courage to urge him to make hurry.

  After a long spell of contemplation, Shiv suddenly raised his right arm and started playing his damru. The sound wafting from his tiny instrument was so melancholic that the faces of people present there were covered with tears. Everyone knew it was Shiv weeping through his music. Everyone felt the pangs of separation. Playing his damru, Shiv moved slowly and silently towards east and started walking. The retinue along with the villagers followed him in silent reverence. Slowly and sluggishly he reached the bank of the Karnali. Staring for a while at the Manas and then the Karnali, he suddenly slumped on the ground and started crying like a child, taking a handful dust from the ground to his head. However, he soon regained composure, looked pensively at the people with tears shimmering in his misty eyes, and silently waved his hands to them, seeking their leave, indicating to stop there.

  8.2

  Shiv’s entourage kept moving, along the Karnali river, towards south. It was the same path which Shiv had followed while he had fled Deul years ago. This time, he preferred to move straight bypassing Surkshetra. In about a fortnight, they were at Rishikesh on the bank of the Ganga. Though Shiv desired to move ahead silently, his presence in the vicinity was sensed by the Vishwayatan people.

  The whole university led by Kulpati Panini arrived at the bank of the Ganga. Seeing Shiv after a quite long time, Panini was overwhelmed with joy. Before Shiv could succeed in bowing to his feet, Panini lapped him in embrace. The whole Vishwayatan witnessed, with blissful astonishment, how moved Panini was to meet Shiv. The new students, who were not aware of Panini’s veneration of Shiv, were surprised to see that a strict disciplinarian and scholar of Panini’s stature melted like butter before Shiv. Hastily, Panini got Shiv perched on a nearby rock, and delivered a brief but impassioned speech:

  “I am very happy to know that Shiv, the incarnation of compassion, is descending on the plains. The whole Aryavart is reeling under conflicts between Aryas and Anaryas. Both are thirsty for blood of each other for area-domination and self-justification. The self-righteous Aryas leave no stone unturned in blaming Dasyus for evils. The Dasyus have been thrown out of their own motherland, and pushed across the Rasatal, in the south. All Anaryas, the non-Aryans - whether they are Dasas, Dasyus, Asuras, Rakshas, Danavas, or Nagas –are so frightened from Aryas that they have rallied against them. The Anaryas are not wrong in their own way; they are just defending themselves, but sometimes their defences exceed the limits. Then they resort to all evil means of revenge. The women and children – from both sides - are the big sufferers.

  Shiv has got an onerous responsibility to reconcile the issues between Aryas and Anaryas, making them realise their respective sins and wickedness, and teach them how to shun violence and practice compassion. As a living god of compassion he needs to make Aryas realise the hollowness of prayers sung in the praise of the celestial gods, ignoring the feelings and sensitivity of their Dasa and Dasyu brethren. As the Aryas are looking for Shiv eagerly for a new leadership, Dasa and Dasyus are waiting for him to take up their cause. He has to emerge as a leader towering the two. He is the living god; he will rise to be the greatest leader of the people, he will bring peace and an all-round development to the land, and will surpass all gods, to be worshipped as the greatest among them.”

  By the time Panini ended his impassioned speech, he grew emotionally so surcharged that he fell unto the feet of Shiv. Shiv, who was almost indifferent to what was being spoken of him, was flabbergasted by the humility of Panini. Coming to his senses, he immediately bowed to Panini’s feet, amidst cheering by the crowd who repeatedly raised slogans, Jai Shiv, Hail to Shiv. Without uttering a word, Shiv moved ah
ead on his journey, waiving his right hand to the crowd.

  8.3

  The entourage bypassed Mayawati, the capital city of King Daksha, on Shiv’s insistence as he still dreaded calamitous event costing Sati’s life. The entourage instead travelled via Kankhal, where Sati had tried to commit suicide by jumping into the sacrificial fire. At Kanakphal Shiv paid a tearful obeisance to the departed soul, while Parvati got an idol of Sati installed there and performed worship with lavish offerings suitable to a deceased co-wife. Later, at Parvati’s behest, a temple dedicated to Sati came up there and a priest was appointed to perform regular worships.

  The group resumed the journey along the Ganga – Gannu as usual in the front leading and guiding the group, followed by Shiv who mostly walked silently, Parvati riding Nandi amidst the group members, and Bhero remaining strategically placed always at the tail for security reasons.

  Travelling along the Ganga, the group hardly came across any human settlement. After about a score of days they reached Karnavati, the village where Gannu and his team had earlier a stopover.

  The villagers panicked to see the visiting group, believing that they were from Dasyus. They were so terrified that they could not recognise Gannu and his team who had visited them only a few months back. They fled to the nearby forest, leaving behind only two families whose leaf-huts were located a bit away in the south of the village. The people left behind were dark and short-statured, contrary to the tall and fair-complexioned people of the main village. Shiv immediately understood that they were the people called Dasas.

  The Dasas came crying, out of their huts, and prostrated on the ground. Shiv moved forward and embraced them. They cried even more bitterly, to the surprise of the visiting group who were unable to understand whether they were crying out of fear or overwhelmed over Shiv’s compassionate approach.