Ancients of Greater Bharat

By M. Vizhakat

Long after Ramāyan and Mahābharat, but well before sages like Valmiki and Vyasa actually scripted them into epics, an ancient, dark and sinister entity threatens to subjugate the world, using mind as an effective weapon of war...

Who is this immortal nemesis from prehistoric times? Will spiritual warrior Haŕa be able to overcome his personal crisis and stand up against this grave threat to humanity? Will Hanumān help him wield Rama’s legendary kundalini weapon called Shārang? Will Uma be able to free herself from Mahisha’s clutches?

This fast-paced, action-packed mythological science fiction takes you through many exotic ancient civilisations, including a distant planet with milky-white oceans known as Vaikunth...

Background Theme of the Book:

Ancient scriptures of almost all cultures across the world mention about the great global floods (also known as Pralay) during distant past, that wiped out most of humanity. Geological studies too corroborate such possibility, during the end of last ice-age. Heavy tectonic/volcanic activity or an astroid impact could've accelerated the melting of miles deep ice cover across the globe, releasing huge quantity of water into the oceans. Rising sea-levels, tectonic shifting of earth's crust and severe earthquakes followed by huge tsunamis could've wiped off or submerged many land masses in the tropics. Heavy continuous rains, caused by large quantity of moisture released into the atmosphere could've led to devastating floods across remaining habitable land. It's believed that barely one percent of humanity survived the extremely difficult times between 12000 and 10000 BCE.

Is it possible that the Pralay also led to utter destruction of a highly advanced pre-historic civilisation that spanned the tropics, reminiscent of mythical cities like Atlantis, Tripura, Dwaraka etc? According to ancient scriptures like Matsya Purana in Sanskrit and Sangham Literature in Tamil, our ancestors used to live at places far south near the tropics, before they escaped from Pralay in boats/arks and migrated northward. Could it be possible that the Vedic age as we know it in history, was actually introduced by such survivors?

Are scriptures like Vedas and epics like Ramāyan and Mahābharat, the legacy of pre-historic era before Pralay? Did sages like Valmiki and Vyasa reconstruct them many millennia later, inspired by fragmentary records and social memories salvaged by the survivors? Could it be that the conflicting references of sophisticated technology like aircrafts and genetic engineering within an agrarian society, or the seemingly impossible application of rudimentary weapons like bows to launch powerful missiles etc, are due to inept attempts to reconcile records of highly advanced pre-Pralay past with primitive reality of post-Pralay times?

Context of Advanced Civilisations:

While imagining 'advanced civilisation', we tend to automatically visualise materials (especially metal, polymers and concrete), infrastructure and devices built by us over past few centuries. However, if we attempt to predict our progression into far future, there may eventually be a time when technology would be so subtle that it’s perfectly and invisibly ingrained within the very fabric of nature around us. Once we understand the laws and intricacies of nature fully, artificial construction of infrastructure or devices may no longer be necessary. Progress would be defined by how well humanity could co-exist with nature in its most basic form, yet retain the capability of complete mastery over it. The next level of advancement of our species over coming millennia may inevitably be beyond the frontiers of our limited senses and intellect. Maybe humanity had already progressed on similar lines, long before Pralay? This fictional story is about such times.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M. Vizhakat
• Release date: Oct 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9780463791509

M. Vizhakat

Mohan Vizhakat is a decorated army veteran, who's field of interests include exploring the close connection between action, philosophy, science and spirituality.

Book preview

Prologue

Ancient epics like Mahābharat and Ramāyan describe of a prehistoric age which was far more advanced in the technological, sociological and spiritual perspectives when compared to many millennia that followed - till the advent of 20th century. We’re often fascinated and surprised by the level of sophistication evident within these mythological records in terms of their complexity and philosophical insights. Some parts of these epics seem almost like science fiction, even by contemporary standards.

What if, by the time these ancient epics were written, many millennia had already passed since their actual occurrence? What if by then, humanity had gone through an extreme catastrophe, when most knowledge or records about their distant past had been lost? What if, after enduring such a worldwide calamity, when nearly all of the humanity was annihilated, remaining survivors were forced to re-start their lives from the very basic agrarian levels? What if, after yet another few generations, almost all connection with their glorious past got severed, except in the form of few surviving records and oral tales?

Perhaps the epics and scriptures as we know them today are mere interpretations by sages like Valmiki and Vyasa, based on what they’d gleaned from fragmentary cultural memories during their times, about our distant prehistoric past. Perhaps they were also compelled to make them plausible to a retrograde level of social and cultural reality or scientific knowledge, prevalent then…. This could have led to their overall historic theme being substantially distorted or derogated…. For example, it’s well known that one of the oldest scriptures of humanity known as ‘Vedas’, contain only a few traces of their original content.

On the other hand, is it possible that our ancient myths do have some elements of truth behind them? Maybe a highly advanced civilisation with ethnic groups like Devas, Daityas, Rākshas, Manavs etc, did exist during our distant prehistoric past. Maybe the Lokas, Talas and other exotic places where they lived were geographical land masses that used to exist during ice-age. Could there be a common lineage to ancient myths of many cultures across the world? For example, could Indian and Greek legends, about triple cities of ‘Tripura’ and ‘Atlantis’ or about mount ‘Merū’ and ‘Olympus’, have originated from lame attempts to reconstruct the same pre-historic records, and in that process got coloured from different cultural perspectives…

Very little is known today about human history before 5000 BCE. But that needn’t mean that those were the times of stone-age cave dwellers. Possibly, all major archaeological evidences of earlier era were lost during a cataclysmic worldwide deluge or Pralay that ancient scriptures of almost all cultures across the world describe of. Probably, the heavy tectonic and volcanic activity, in addition to inundations across the world during Pralay, ensured that all such evidences got buried underground or beneath deep oceans.

This fictional story is set around 10500 BCE, when Earth was still in the grip of last ice-age. It’s assumed that within another millennium, a massive deluge, associated with other cataclysmic disasters across the world, completely obliterated the ‘first wave’ of advanced human civilizations on the planet. Plausibly that ancient ‘first wave’ might’ve even rivalled the ‘second wave’ that we’re experiencing now, in terms of sociological, spiritual and technological sophistication.

During the ice-age, layers of ice many kilometres deep covered substantial portions of inland continents towards north and south poles. On the other hand, the sea levels were much lower than today and there were numerous large islands across the tropics. With average global temperature much lesser than today, these tropical archipelagos as well as few parts of continents exposed to sunlight, had salubrious weather and fertile terrain conditions, ideal for sustaining abundant life. They served as the cradle for early human settlements to develop and prosper. Over the course of millennia, such settlements by races like Devas, Rakshas and Danavs coalesced into two highly advanced nation states, known as Dev-Lok and Daityan empire. The Dev-Lok group of islands were hilly and fewer, around remnants of ancient mount Merū. The Daityan empire occupied nearly seventy percent of remaining tropical islands. They’d also dyked up many archipelagos together into Talas, thereby increasing their landmass under occupation even further. Similarly, another major tribe called Manavs established agrarian kingdoms on the large continental land mass between towering ice shelves and the ocean. These nations traded their produce with Dev-Lok and Daityan empire, for technology and industrial products. Several other minor tribes like Yakshas, Gandharvas, Nagas, Kimpurishas etc also prospered, either on remaining islands or continental land suitable for human occupation, and eventually developed into exotic cultures.

The millennium before the ice-age ended, was a period of extreme turmoil all over the world. Earth’s geographic and climatic conditions underwent frequently changes, triggered by major tectonic activity across the planet. Over the course of just few hundred years, rising sea water levels caused by melting icecaps and heavy rains, slowly inundated and eventually submerged most of the tropical islands. Even though the size of their hilly islands kept steadily shrinking, Devas who’d limited population and lived in harmony with nature, fared relatively much better. Those living on continental land like Manavs were also impacted due to rising sea levels and flooded rivers, but they could slowly compensate it by occupying adjacent land that was getting exposed by receding ice line. On the other hand, Daityas who’d depended entirely on artificially dyked Talas to sustain their burgeoning population suffered the most. Such a situation of extreme strife resulted in animosity between them and other nations. To seek mutual protection from the powerful and aggressive Daityan empire, Manavs and others had formed a military alliance with Dev-Lok called ‘Devārth’.

The development of intelligent life on Earth is enigmatic. Many scientists and evolutionists are baffled to note that compared to overall evolutionary span of life on the planet, the rate of advancement by human species from tree dwelling primates to their modern form seems to have happened too rapidly.

Like it’s mentioned in many scriptures across the world, could it be true that humans were created by the Gods in their own image? Within the fictional context of this story, these Gods were the spiritual super-beings called Mūrthi. They’d arrived on Earth more than 150000 years ago, long before the advent of last ice-age, on board a space-ship called Hiranyagarbha. Even then, they were at one of the highest levels of development possible for intelligent species, both in scientific and spiritual sense. For the next 120000 years, they lived in small colonies - mostly within tropical islands close to mount Merū, aided by advanced science. Scientific insight of the Mūrthi made no distinction between natural and artificial systems. They saw nature itself as a highly advanced self-sustaining ecosystem. So, much of their technological systems were based on tweaking the existing natural tendencies of materials and life-forms. Even with direct access to highly advanced science and the powers that come with it, their simple and spiritual lifestyle reflected a belief of minimal interference with natural order of the planet. They’d also understood that all physical forms of manifestation within the cosmos, had astral umbilical connections with the ‘universal potentiality’ or ‘cosmic consciousness’ or ‘Brahmn’. Spiritual advancement, and better scientific understanding of these astral connections between all manifested entities made it feasible for them to engage with lower life-forms directly, through their astral links. Such techniques of ‘astral engineering’ enabled them to maintain a symbiotic existence with nature. It also meant that they could enjoy all comforts and conveniences of modern technologies, yet maintain a fine balance of nature across the planet.

Being ardent believers of spiritual balance in nature, they knew that long-term intelligent life on Earth could only be propagated by creatures genetically evolved from the planet itself and more suited to prosper within its raw, native environment. Thus, they embarked on the mission of creating a species that had the advantage of native natural evolution as well as enough intelligence and spiritual propensity for advancement. Extensive experiments of genetic modifications on many suitable native species were conducted. Over many millennia, they could develop a genome model containing both intrinsic native evolutionary structure as well as Mūrthi genes. The small group they created grew into large tribes and clans, mostly living on tropical islands where life flourished more abundantly. With due help from the Mūrthi scientists, humans developed techniques of self-sustained agriculture and industry, which eventually led to organized nation states.

Over the course of their existence on many planets across the universe, the Mūrthi had themselves undergone spiritual evolution. Being able to now exist within their super-conscious astral forms, yet interact with physical living forms when necessary, most chose to migrate to higher realms of consciousness. Even while in their immortal self-realised state, they continued to maintain their interests for planets like Earth, especially the human species that they’d created, through astral link with few evolved persons. As in case when they were physically here on Earth, these interests continued to be managed by three leading Mūrthi Lords - Brahma, Vishnu and Rudŕa. Based on meditative techniques taught by the Mūrthi, spiritually advanced humans who came to be known as ‘Rishis’ could directly connect with their astral consciousness, notwithstanding distance or time. Rishis, along with a privileged class of priests also inherited the repository of Mūrthi spiritual and scientific knowledge in the form of ‘Gyan Vedas’ and ‘Vigyan Vedas’.

Human civilizations during those ancient times comprised of few highly-privileged ruling class and more numerous working class. Ruling class could maintain their dominance through support of the up-keepers of Mūrthi knowledge - priestly class. Mūrthi knowledge, the domain of priestly class, was kept secret and under strict control. In fact, ‘Vigyan Vedas’ were considered so sacred that they got passed on from generation to generation within a very small group of priests alone. So, even though Mūrthi had left behind vast scientific knowledge as well as technological systems, they were only available to a privileged few. Most common people rarely understood such highly advanced technologies and considered them to be esoteric magic or sorcery of the Gods. The ruling and priestly class encouraged the god-like image of themselves, as this helped them maintain their special status and power over others. Nevertheless, indigenous science and technology did get developed over the course of time by humans themselves. Even though far less advanced in comparison to technology inherited from the Mūrthi, such knowledge was well adapted to local environment and this led to the growth of industrialised nations.

Chapter 1

Attack at Brahmagiri

The ashram constructed atop mount Brahmagiri was well known throughout the world. Though founded by the legendary spiritual warrior Parashuram, it was patriarch Bheeshma of Hasthinapur who’d further nurtured and established it as a highly-respected monastic institution.

As mentioned within Jaya scriptures, patriarch Bheeshma was the son of Hasthinapur King Shantanu and princess Ganga from Dev-Lok. Directly tutored by Parashuram himself, Bheeshma was considered to be one of the greatest warriors of his age. Being adept at all arts of war, he’d extended the influence of Hasthinapur far and wide across Bhārat subcontinent. To respect one of his father’s whims, he’d abdicated all his royal privileges and became a simple guardian of the kingdom. He even let his body be genetically enhanced, to become a steadfast pillar of order and strength within their domain for many generations, till his eventual death during the great Mahābharat war.

Over the course of next few millennia, this spiritual and martial foundation came to be known as the ‘Warrior Monks of Bheeshma’. After several years intense training, a potential apprentice graduated to be bestowed with Bheeshmatw. Then onwards, he or she was usually addressed as a ‘Bheeshma’.

Apart from their expertise in martial combat skills, the intrinsic strength of Bheeshmas came from the Kundalini astral force that they could evoke through meditation. Control of such powers required high degree of self-discipline, immense practice and meditative purification. They were also known to be able to store some Kundalini force coiled up within their body. Generally called ‘Jwalaprabha’, this force provided them with heightened spiritual perception as well as capability to project it into physical action. An advanced Bheeshma could use these energies in a variety of forms, including telekinetic projection or extend it into their main weapon of choice – the Spatishūl. Crafted at Brahmagiri, these weapons were made of finest quality of self-morphing nano-crystals, using a unique spiritual technique passed on ages ago, by the Mūrthi. A Spatishūl can only be activated by the ‘Jwalaprabha’ of a Bheeshma. When in disuse, it’s shaped almost like a small, short-handled Trident. Once fully-morphed, it’s not unlike a straight sword with crystalline, double-edged blade so strong and sharp that it can cut through any known material, like hot knife through butter. When an advanced Bheeshma master channelises his Jwalaprabha through it, the weapon was known to become virtually unstoppable.

Prime directive of Bheeshmas was to upkeep spiritual harmony within human society and on most occasions, they preferred to remain in seclusion, out of public notice. The Bheeshmas owed their allegiance to no one. It was their code of conduct to work for the right cause and indeed, the right Karma. Ever since Parashuram first revealed it, the art of understanding correct karmic action through intuitive spiritual insight, was passed on from Gurus to Sishyas over generations. Many Bheeshma missions had changed the course of history itself and their contribution towards maintaining karmic balance within human society on planet Prithvi had so far been vital and indispensable. While Brahmagiri ashram was their alma mater, most Bheeshma masters were usually engaged in various karmic missions around the world.

In spite of its illustrious past, the great ashram was now in complete ruins. By the time Haŕa arrived on board a Vimān sent from Dev-Lok to fetch him from Mānasarovar, the attackers had already retreated. Even as he was on the way to land, Haŕa could see utter devastation of the once serene and beautiful ashram premises. The huge, majestic stone statue of patriarch Bheeshma, which stood at the entrance gate, was totally demolished. Magnificent pedestal in the middle of ashram, which held the legendary battle axe of Parashuram was a wreck.

As soon as he landed, Haŕa rushed up to the main hutment of grand patriarch Mahā-Rishi Vashist. He found Dev-Lok Commander General Kshetrajna and few Māruth soldiers standing at the courtyard.

Expression on the face of Kshetrajna was gloomy, "We tried to rush in as soon as Indra Dev got a distress call from Mahā-Rishi Vashist. They’d left before we reached here but as you can see, the damage has already been done. Even though inmate trainees of the ashram put up valiant defence, they were significantly outnumbered by Rākshas assailants. Many have been killed or wounded," Kshetrajna explained as fast as he could.

What about the Mahā-Rishi? Haŕa asked, with concern mounting within his voice. Is he safe?

We found the Mahā-Rishi severely wounded inside his hut. He has been delaying the inevitable, using his yogic skills, till your arrival, Kshetrajna replied, looking towards the thatched hut.

Haŕa ran towards the hut’s entrance and stopped at the door, looking inside. The scene he saw would disturb him for many months to come. Mahā-Rishi Vashist was lying on the floor, in a pool of blood. Three inmate monks were attempting to cover the wounds with freshly prepared herbal medication. They’d also placed a few pillows behind his back to help him recline.

The Mahā-Rishi looked very different from how Haŕa remembered him. It was clear that the stab wounds on his chest had been fatal and were inflicted to kill. There was much blood loss, and anyone else in such a severely traumatic state would’ve been long dead. However, the grand patriarch of Brahmagiri was no ordinary person. Even in such a borderline state between life and death, his face was regal and calm. If he was suffering from pain, there was no sign of it. He looked up at Haŕa as he entered the hut.

Ah, you’re here Haŕa. Now I can find the much-awaited final release… The great sage looked up as Haŕa rushed in and crouched next to his body.

Mahā-Guru, how could this happen? Haŕa’s voice was quivering as he said, tears welling in his eyes.

Vashist didn’t answer the question. Instead he smiled up at him, Your emotions have always been your weakness as well as strength. Notwithstanding the same, your spiritual quest over past years at Mānasarovar have made you capable of facing the next phase of Karma.

But Mahā-Guru... Haŕa hesitated to complete what was in his mind.

Vashist interrupted him, this time in a serious tone, You must know that nothing happens unless it’s part of the matrix of Karma. So, what happened today at Brahmagiri was also for some reason.

Yes, I understand that Mahā-Guru but...

Such doubts are not expected from the Mahādev, Haŕa, Mahā-Rishi smiled as he said but it was obvious that he had to struggle, in order to find strength to continue with the conversation.

I’m no Mahādev in front of you Sir. You know it, Haŕa replied in a slightly annoying tone.

You’ll always be the Mahādev for everyone, Haŕa. But soon it will be time for you to become the destiny that awaits you, the Mahā-Rishi continued to speak, even as his voice had started weakening.

Please don’t strain yourself Mahā-Guru, Haŕa said, concerned that the effort of conversation was sapping whatever life force that was left within the great sage. Those who did this will not escape punishment.

No Haŕa. There needs to be no retribution from the Bheeshma for what has happened today. That’s what the one who haunts you is seeking… Vashist said feebly. "However, you must attempt to recover the ‘Parashu’, that has been part of the Brahmagiri ashram for so long. In many ways, it has come to define the symbol of what Bheeshmas stand for."

The legendary battle-axe of Parashuram called ‘Parashu’ had indeed become the symbol of Bheeshma warrior monks across the world. For ages, no one knew the full significance of the intricately carved archaic weapon, except that it was installed at Brahmagiri by Parashuram himself for some karmic purpose in future.

"How could they take out the ‘Parashu’ Mahā-Guru? It was embedded into a granite pedestal."

Mahā-Rishi Vashist looked up and said, "No one could move ‘Parashu’ unless the pedestal holding it was destroyed by explosives. This was known to the attackers who did precisely that, before stealing it."

"Does this mean that someone within the Bheeshma ashram had leaked this information?" Haŕa asked softly.

"That’s not necessary Haŕa. It’s a well-known fact that Brahmagiri houses the legendary Parashu. The real question is – why did they take it. As it’s locked to the Kundalini aura of Lord Parashuram, no one else could even contemplate wielding it."

Haŕa kept quiet for a while. Vashist looked up at him again and asked, How’s Uma? Hope you both are happy?

Yes Mahā-Guru, we’ve been happy and content at Mānasarovar ashram. Uma’s also been training on Bheeshma meditative and combat skills, Haŕa replied smilingly.

Yes, I can see that she would have a very important role in helping you with what you must do over the coming years.

I’m ready to face my Karma, Mahā-Guru. But without your guidance…

"You don’t need my guidance any more Haŕa. You’re now what all Bheeshma masters aspire to be - a Mahā-Yogi in your own rights. I can sense that your Jwalaprabha has never been brighter. I know that you’ve also been in frequent astral association with the Mūrthi Lord Rudŕa?"

Yes Mahā-Guru. I’ve been able to experience the depth of peace, inherent within his astral persona. The moments I spend in meditative association with him are always the most joyous ones of my life. Your advice for me to settle at Mānasarovar for meditative search within myself was the best thing that could’ve happen to me. With Uma next to me, what more could I ask from life? However, I never expected this… Haŕa looked around.

Good. That was perhaps well in line with preparing you for the next phase of your Karma.

Haŕa kept quite when the dying sage continued, World is going to face one of the greatest challenges over coming months. Unless you’re able to do what you must, humanity as we know it may fade out, unable to survive the upheavals awaiting it over coming epoch.

Mahā-Guru, is it to do with the future of Bheeshma? Haŕa asked, anguish obvious within his voice even as he was trying to reconcile with inevitability of the situation.

Vashist struggled to smile back as he continued, "This is the end of road for me in this realm. I’ve lived for many ayanas to attempt ensure righteous karmic course within the known world. It’s been clear to me for some time that my end was near. I’ve had my eyes on you ever since you arrived at this ashram along with Acharya Parashu. Since then, much has happened and now you’re more than ready to play your next karmic role."

Next karmic role Mahā-Guru? Haŕa asked in a perplexed tone.

I don’t have enough time left with me to explain this to you in any detail. You’ll know soon enough. Before passing over, I do have a last Bheeshma mission for you though. If you’re ready to help...

Anything Mahā-Guru. Your wish is my command, Haŕa replied without hesitation.

The Mahā-Rishi closed his eyes and seemed to muster up his spiritual strength for one last time. Then his eyes opened again and he looked up at Haŕa, This raid on Brahmagiri is the initiator of a chain of karmic events that are likely to unfold over coming months. The dying sage hesitated for a while before continuing, "We were attacked by the Rākshas assailants sent by Pātālan King Mahisha. He’s one of those who’d managed to escape before Tripura was destroyed by you. He knows about the role we Bheeshma played in the last war and has since then been set on seeking revenge. But revenge is not the primary problem about him. His scheme of artificially creating humanoid creatures called Yantrāksh through genetic engineering, has progressed far enough for him to contemplate launching another full-scale campaign against Devārth. If he gets to succeed, it would only fuel his ambition of complete control over the world. This is hardly the right karmic path and the imbalance created because of that will threaten human progress or the very existence of civilisation as we know it. Your mission is to prevent this from happening. You’ll also need to recover the ‘Parashu’ and return it back to where it belongs at Brahmagiri."

Of course, Mahā-Guru. I’ll do whatever possible within my capacity to ensure that. Haŕa’s reply reflected genuine intensity.

Even though the obvious initiator of this chain of events is Mahisha, there is another more sinister entity behind him. An ancient dark and tortured soul with high spiritual capacity, who’s been hiding in the shadows for a long time. You’ll need to face that nemesis on your own alone, Vashist managed to say in strained voice and broken words.

Whom are you referring to Mahā-Guru? Haŕa asked in perplexed tone.

You’ll know about him when the time comes. That’s part of your karmic path.

Of course, Mahā-Guru.

As he knew the end was near, Haŕa didn’t want to probe him with further questions. He will need to get to know about what the great sage was hinting at, through other sources.

"This will not be an easy task Haŕa. Your capability as a Bheeshma will be tested up to the extreme - physically, mentally and emotionally. The ‘Ancient One’ and his followers like Mahisha know of your role in the destruction of Tripura, so you may become their particular target of ire. Yet, it’s only you who can possibly stand up against them. I trust none else."

Please be assured Mahā-Guru. You have my word.

Voice of the great sage was barely audible when he said further words, "I have full faith in you Haŕa. You’re after all the one destined to become the next Shiiivaaa..." His lips could articulate the words no further. Very soon the elderly sage gave out his last breath and a vacant expression came upon his face. Haŕa felt the great Rishi’s palm that was holding his hand going slack.

Tears rolled down from Haŕa’s eyes as he witnessed final moments of the grand patriarch of Bheeshma order. Dev-Lok General Kshetrajna, and many monks standing around, had similar emotions writ on their faces. For many of the young monks, Vashist was like their grandfather guardian and a pillar of moral support. It was as if a long era within the history of Brahmagiri ashram had abruptly ended. Without spiritual support and guidance of the great sage, the very existence of Bheeshma seemed uncertain. All eyes were now on Haŕa. Even though still relatively young compared to patriarchs who’d headed the monastic foundation in past, Haŕa was now the most well-known Bheeshma master across known world.

Even though he attempted to keep his mind in total control, when Haŕa came out of the hut he was an emotional wreck. It had taken years of meditation and introspection at Mānasarovar for him to find inner peace. Now the grand patriarch of Bheeshma order had been brutally killed. With the last mission being told to him, Vashist had virtually re-established his Bheeshmatw, which he had surrendered many years back, to live a life of peace and happiness with Uma. He’d no doubt that the Mahā-Rishi was dead serious when he mentioned that everything in future depended on his karmic actions.

For now, his vision on what must be done was crystal clear. The attackers who’d laid the ashram to waste had a good head start, but if he could outrun them before they reached the western seashore…

Chapter 2

God’s Own Country

Tropical landscape between Brahmagiri and south-western seashore of Bhārat was named after Parashuram - the great spiritual warrior who’d been trained by none other than the Mūrthi Lord Rudŕa himself. Legend had it that years before the times of Mahābharat, Parashuram had waged many bloody wars to cleanse this land of greedy and cruel rulers who’d subjugated the people to a point of slavery. He’d then established new Brahmin Kings and got them to rule based on the principles of Vedas. This had ushered in a golden age for few centuries, but eventually repeated wars and few natural calamities led to its current neglected state. Most of its territory comprised of barren lands or thick jungles with sparse human occupation limited to few villages far and wide. However, the legacy of Parashuram endured and in his reverence, the land was still called – ‘God’s Own Country’.

Posse of Bheeshma pursuing the assailants, was small. Even though there were many volunteers, Haŕa had insisted on taking just Nandi and five well trained monks, unhurt from the attack earlier. Couple of them were also excellent trackers. He wanted to keep the size of their team small so that they could move fast. Initially he’d considered requesting for a Vimān from Dev-Lok - but thought better of it. Vimāns were of little use in tracking anyone moving through thick jungles with poor visibility. Besides, it would also remove the element of surprise since those being pursued could easily change their course or hide, as soon as they come to know about it.

The going was tough but their horses were used to travelling in such terrain and they maintained reasonably good speed. The assailants had a head start of around nine hours but considering the terrain, that meant nothing. One could spend substantial time negotiating