Anuttam Anant - I

 Village.

The ‘mukhiya’ was sitting on the pedestal of the huge statue of the first chief of this village. The pedestal was made such that it extended outward, creating space for a person to sit comfortably on a higher platform than the rest of the sitting area, imitating a king’s throne.

For the first time in his tenure as the ‘mukhiya’, Lobsang was clueless about the solution for which everyone had gathered today. Lobsang was a kind-hearted person with acute decision-making capability.

The Dihang River was the life of this village. The abundant nature, comprising both flora and fauna, was considered to be blessed by the Dihang. They regularly worshipped the mighty river to receive its blessings.

‘We need to save our Dihang from the encroachers.’ An octogenarian shouted from behind.

‘I am leaving for Amarnath to meet St. Athang. I believe he has a solution for us. I agree, we want development in our region but not at the expense of our Dihang.’ Lobsang looked at every individual as much as his eyes could capture. The villagers clapped and sighed. The construction workers would arrive soon and the villagers need to find a way to stop the destruction of their beloved Dihang.

 

****************

Amarnath.

St. Athang was 110 years old but never looked a day older than 40. That’s when he started his sadhana which continued for years. He solved common people's problems and fought for their rights.

‘St. Athang! we the villagers need your help. A private company will construct a huge dam on our Dihang. But the construction of a dam will badly hamper this precious river. We all know the sufferings of inhabitants near Narmada.’ He quivered. ‘Through sources, we have also understood that this construction is not as per the norms due to the geographic infeasibility in this region. But, using their powerful influence, they succeeded in getting government approval. After fighting for so many months and days, we lost the battle. Please save our life- Dihang.’ Lobsang burst into tears. He had reached Amarnath, after this strenuous journey.

St. Athang listened without speaking. He meditated for hours while Lobsang waited outside his small hut. ‘I must connect to the higher souls and the most venerated old sadhus who live in the Himalayas to invoke your savior', he said, eyes closed.

Lobsang questioned, ‘Who else than you?’

St. Athang smiled and replied calmly,

“यस्य कृत्यं न विघ्नन्ति शीतमुष्णं भयं रति ।

समृध्दिरसमृद्धिर्वा स वै पण्डित उच्यते ॥ “

(One whose task is never hindered by cold, heat, fear, love, prosperity, or lack thereof, is superior.)

‘Sheshnag’.

******************

 

‘Is it even possible?’ Lobsang stared at St. Athang in disbelief, ‘Whyyy and howww would he come on earth?’ He stammered.

‘He has always helped mankind. This problem needs precision and an intense love for Mother Earth. You go back home. Trust Almighty.’ St. Athang started walking towards the mighty mountain without answering all the Lobsang’s queries. Lobsang knew Sheshnag was the huge serpent on whom Lord Vishnu rests. He represents intelligence and power, and Sheshnaga is believed to have reincarnated as Laksmana in Treta Yuga and Balaram in Dvapara Yuga. But how would such a divine being be ‘their’ savior in this modern age?  Lobsang was clueless and pensive.

St. Athang along with the great sadhus, performed innumerable rituals inside the huge cave in the Himalayas. After a month-long relentless sadhana by all of them together, a powerful earthquake struck the Himalayas. The animals cried for help, the humans unknown to the world living there wailed for rescue, and the birds flew erratically; all panicked. The sadhus understood he had arrived.

The huge inexplicable thousand-headed celestial serpent stood right in front of them. The heads looked endless for the eyes. His body was coiled, visible only a few of the coils outside on the earth, the rest embedded deep inside the ground to an unexplainable depth.

All bowed down to him.

Sheshnag spoke, ‘I understand my purpose of invocation. Athang, you proceed to the village.’

Sheshnag transformed initially into a single-headed huge snake, then squeezed further in size and slid away quickly.

St. Athang was awestruck at this magnificent sight.