The Golden Statue

A very very Happy & auspicious Deepawali to all of you. May there be always joy & serenity in our lives. On the occasion of Diwali, here's a chance to get, The 7th Incarnation, for FREE. Visit my website to download the book:

You can also directly reach the page with this link: https://www.amazon.in/7th-Incarnation-Ram-Janki-Book-ebook/dp/B01E8LJ9HG

On today's pious occasion, I present a fiction tale, which in actual will put forward the right/real perspective of Ramayan, the very essence of it:

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‘Swagatam Bahubali! Prabhu awaits your presence, in his chamber.’ The guard welcomed him with his palms joined.

He simply smiled in return and proceeded towards the chamber, ‘Every time I come to see Prabhu, there’s an emotion of exhilaration, to meet him, to bow my head at his divine feet. Then, why it isn’t today?’ He wondered, as he reached towards the chamber’s entrance.

‘Abhinandan, Aanjaneya!’ A sweet voice welcomed him.

‘Bhrata!’ His head rose in amusement, ‘Pranaam.’

‘Pranaam’ He clasped his joined palms with affection, ‘Brother & I were talking about you only, and he awaits you. I shall join you later.’

For the very first time, he felt hesitant. He entered finally.

‘Hanuman!’ Shri Ram took his name in ecstasy, ‘Good you & others could come. I wanted my all dear ones to join by me for this ashwamedha yagya. But most of all, I wanted to see YOU.’

‘Prabhu!’ Hanuman bowed at his feet.

‘Oh! Your place has always been in my heart. ‘

Even with the warmth in Ram’s embrace, Hanuman didn’t feel the elation that he used to feel before. And Shri Ram sensed it, ‘what is it Hanuman? Your heart’s ruffled. Won’t you share it with me?’

‘Every Kishkindhian heart’s uneasy, Prabhu. Bhagwan…’ He joined his palms, ‘We didn’t support Agni Pariksha, but even there, Mata Sita’s chastity was reaffirmed. Then why her banishment, why in spite of the resolute she showed, she’s in the woods, while here you gathered this grand yagya?’ Though his words were blunt, he maintained the sobriety, ‘I am surprised why, bhaiya Lakshmarn, who was present there, didn’t resist.’

‘Lakshmarn! Wo to bahot bhola hai. He even didn’t say anything when Sita accused him of misconduct, questioned his character.’

Hanuman’s feet trembled, he moved back by three paces, ‘No prabhu. Why Ma would say so? That too for, bhaiya Lakshmarn whom she always has loved like a son.’

‘The way I renounced her, which forced her to call for Agni-Pariksha. The way I banished her, knowing that she’s pure as Ganga.’ The gravity in his voice didn’t let the smile fade.

‘Prabhu’ Hanuman fell to his knees, ‘what leela is this, what's happening?’

‘What ought to be, is happening.’ Shri Ram walked towards a golden statue placed at the other corner of the chamber. It was Devi Sita’s statue. He placed his hands on its shoulder. 

Suddenly, Hanuman couldn’t believe his eyes. The solidity of the statue started transforming. And then, it started taking a shape, in flesh & blood. When the figure took its final form, Hanuman’s jaw dropped, ‘MATA SITA! You’re here?’

‘WE', are everywhere. Haven’t you heard “ishwar kan-kan mein hain”?’ She held Shri Ram’s hand, and their bodies started merging, forming a single entity.

‘Ardhnarishwar!’ Hanuman couldn’t be more amazed & joyous at the same time.

‘Yes, Vishnu is the supreme entity and, Lakshmi is his very core. Without her, he is powerless; and without him, she has no essence.'

They looked at Hanuman's dazed face, 'Call it fate, or rather call it act of the divine. For Dharm, the eradication of the evil that the raakshasas represented was imperative. If I hadn’t been harsh towards, Lakshmarn, he would have never left my side. The abduction was necessary, and Raavarn couldn’t do it in his presence. You can so assume that the Agni-Pariksha was a consequence to what I did to Lakshmarn; ‘karma’ you see.’

‘And the banishment?’

‘It was sage Bhrigu’s curse, Hanuman. And to save the dignity of a sage, Narayarn accepted the curse. That's the only reason of our separation; but, do you still think we were separated? And if yes, who banished whom as you can now see, we are no different.

We Gods, are beyond the shackles of emotions in which this elusive creation binds the beings on. And it is the same illusion that tricked you too.'

‘Indeed Ma! Now there’s nothing else I can ask for.' Hanuman didn't realize the tears rolling, 'But still, I will. Hey prabhu, this alluring sight that you’ve graced me today, may this stay in my heart forever. Till there is life in me.’

‘Avamastu, so be it.’ A ray emerged from their blessing palm and touched Hanuman’s heart, imprinting it with SiyaRam's image, and it glowed.

'Jai-Jai SiyaRam.' Hanuman hailed as Devi Sita demerged from Shri Ram. The golden statue was back.

'सियाराम'

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Pawan Sut contd.

We will continue from where we left in my last blog-post. Apart from the birth legend of Hanuman, I didn't went the usual way by describing his heroics since we already know about them; but decided to present some pointers that would do the real job in understanding his persona. The first and the only pointer in the last blog, Avatar, raised many eyebrows. But again, a fact is a fact, and so we knew, Hanuman wasn't Bhagwan Shiv's incarnation. Now continuing further, let's focus on other heads to learn more about, Bajrang-Bali:

• Flight:  This has been the question of questions, could Hanuman fly, or like other vaanars, he could only leap distances. Many believe that when he crossed the great sea in search of Devi Sita, in actual he reached Lanka by taking big leaps with the help of the small mountains that fell between Mahendra Giri and Lanka. What Valmiki Ramayan says about it, No &Yes. Strange isn't it, how can there be two contradictory answers for a single question. Being a vaanar, he certainly didn't had the flight ability; but, being pawan putra (son of Vayu, Lord of Wind) he could. We must remember that this wasn't the only instance when Hanuman was depicted flying. In his childhood when he misunderstood Sun with a red fruit/ when he visited Himalayas for sanjeevani [twice! yes two times; details in much later blogs :)]/ when he crossed the great sea; in every episode, he was able to cover the extreme distances by flying, and that was only possible because he was son of Vayu. This... advantage was received by every dev-putra. Neel too, was able to survive Raavarn's aagneyastra attack, because he was son of Agni, lord of fire.

• Lanka Dahan: The famous episode that made Hanuman a nightmare in the minds of the raakshasas. To weaken the morale of the raakshas army and sow fear among the people of Lanka, Hanuman used the same fire that was set on his tail by the raakshasas and burned down whole Lanka.

Now there are two aspects that come in people's mind: 1.) Did the fire hurt Hanuman and if not, how? 2.) Why were the innocent people of Lanka made suffer for Raavarn's offences?

Well for the first one, when Devi Sita was informed of Hanuman's punishment, she prayed Agni dev to keep Hanuman immune from his blaze; and it happened, after all, it was jagatmata's commandment. Even Hanuman was astounded to see the fire in his tail not affecting his skin.

For the second one, it's quite complicated, though not very. If you support a dictator/tyrant, it means you support him/her in all the sinfulness, and hence the justice that will be serviced, you too will be effected. And when Hanuman set Lanka on fire, everyone paid with their homes, their belongings and everything. Although, there's no mention of any casualty since everyone was awake and aware. In my second book(yet to be published) there's a detailed version of this episode that will help us understand better.

SO, if Hanuman wasn't an avatar but just a dev-putra, how come he was so famous and revered in comparison to others, even Bali & Sugreeve?

BOONS! Yes that could be the answer. Years ago, when little Maruti saw a red fruit in the sky, he jumped to fetch it in utter enthusiasm. With Vayu's help he flew towards the red fruit, i.e. the Sun. Looking at the prodigious Maruti coming towards him, Surya dev went calm on him. Indra, king of devas looked at it suspiciously and assaulted at Maruti with his vajra. The vajra hit Maruti's jaw; he fell on a mountain, lifeless. Vayu carried Maruti in his arms and blocked the air flows, which resulted in chaos. Brahmm dev then arrived with other devas and restored Maruti's life. With new life, and a broken jaw, he got a new name, HANUMAN. All devas, including Bhagwan Shiv endowed him with boons that made him peerless. A Godly status that was inaccessible for devas even.

Before we end, another aspect of his legend:

• Immortality: When Bhagwan Ram decided to leave his human form and proceed to Vaikunth, people of Ayodhya and others also wanted to leave the mortal world with him. Shri Ram granted everyone's wish but asked Jaambvan, Maind & Dwivid to stay on Earth till the end of Dwapar yug. Hanuman, along with Vibhisharn were granted immortality, till there's life on Earth. The reasons behind them; प्रभु की लीला प्रभु ही जाने .

And so even today, Hanuman ji lives and is present wherever there's Ram katha in recitation. And he will be here till eternity, chanting Ram-naam. In his reverence, Tulsidas composed the legendary Hanuman Chalisa which is chanted with devotion in every house hold and is said to have spiritual benefits. 

Hanuman ji and his bhakti towards Shri Ram cannot be describe in words, but can only be felt if we have the bhaav/emotion to understand bhakti.

With this, we come towards the end of the second season, which was based on my second book. We will meet soon, fo the third and the concluding, with some more revealing, astonishing & fascinating facts that will help us keeping a right perspective and a rational outlook. Till then, be curious & be proud.

"The only condition that bhakti has, is a truthful mind & heart; and then you will be closer to HIM"

सियाराम

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Pawan Sut

"For any being, it is almost implausible to even think what Hanuman has done. He has conquered the unconquerable, the Great Sea. No one else in this world has the potential to leap the great sea, apart from Garurn & Vayu; and now, Hanuman. The kingdom of Lanka is protected well by Raavarn, it was unassailable for any dev, naag, yaksh, gandharv or daanav; but today, Hanuman has made the difference by performing such unprecedented task, by finding my Sita. He has proved his allegiance to Sugreeve, this is commendable

Hanuman, you have done a big favor to me. But, I don't have anything to reward you today. Hey Pawan-putra, at this moment, all I can give you is an embrace, as this is all I have."

[Valmiki Ramayan; Yuddha Kaand: Shri Ram to Hanuman]

Nothing else can be more gratifying for a devotee than his deity praising him, offering embrace to him; nothing can be more rewarding, than this. A devotee worships his deity all his life unconditionally, seeking only one thing in return, his deity's benevolence; the delight of all the material pleasures weighs nothing, when it comes to a bhakt's single aspiration, his prabhu's grace.

And Hanuman was, is and always shall be the epitome of devotion, where no one can ever reach but be inspired. Like srirom quoted:

Yes, what matters is our 'bhaav', i.e. emotion and Dev Hanuman's whole charit/legend is an exemplification; selfless devotion, with Shri Ram & Devi Sita in his heart, mind & soul. 

The epic saga of Ramayan can never be deemed complete without Dev Hanuman. He is the ultimate symbolization of courage, strength, determination and will, and an expert combatant; a reason why he's an inspiration for aspiring wrestlers in India (Akhadas [Indian Gyms], have a built in Hanuman temple where the wrestlers offer their prayers to Hanuman before engaging in a duel).

{Tulsi Akhada in Banaras - Image: Google}

{Image credits: Better Photography}

But unparalleled force is not the only characteristic or aspect of Hanuman, as there's always been more than meets the eye. As much as he's known for his strength, he is revered for his wisdom as well; a 'vanar' with genius level intellect. And why not, he was tutored by none other than Surya dev himself; the one who sees all, perceives all and hence, knows all. Hanuman's sagacity, his knowledge became apparent with his very first appearance: when he met Shri Ram, while following Sugreeve's orders, there, he impressed Shri Ram with his eloquence:

‘Saumitrey! This intellectual is a minister of Vaanar-king Sugreeve and he came here for his good. It is impossible for anyone to talk in such excellence if he is not well-versed in the respective Vaidas, definitely he is an highly educated and sophisticated as well as an enlightened being as he spoke so flawlessly and brilliantly, neither any flaw I saw in his face, eyes, forehead, and other part of the body while expressing himself and his accent calms the heart and soul as well.’

[Valmiki Ramayan; Yuddha Kaand: Hanuman meets Shri Ram for the first time]

The birth-story of Hanuman according to Valmiki Ramayan is as follows: 

There once was a nymph, Punjikasthala whose beauty was par excellence. Due to a curse, she was born into a vaanar’s house and named Anjana. She was a known figure for her beauty and married to a valiant vaanar king, Kesari.

Once, Anjana visited a mountain, for performing her daily rituals. She stood at the mountain’s peak, meditating. Vayu dev, who's present everywhere, was infatuated with her beauty. Suddenly, Anjana’s attire was blown by the wind exposing her modesty. She felt an ardent embrace by an invisible entity.

Anjana was a noble woman, she resisted, ‘I am a one man woman, committed to my husband. Who is it trying to ruin my chastity?’

Vayu dev answered calmly, ‘Devi, your chastity will remain intact; you will be always a true ‘pativrata’, therefore give up all your worries. Rest assured, as my embrace has impregnated you spiritually; transferring my radiance in your womb. You will deliver a son who will be highly efficient and brilliant. He will be a great scholar; his erudition will be revered in all worlds. He will be at par with me, no distance will be impossible for him.’

And thus, Hanuman was born: son of Kesari & Anjana, and Vayu. In his lifetime, Hanuman performed several tasks that a normal being couldn't even think of; feats that legends are remembered for, Hanuman even surpassed them. Whether it was traversing the great sea, or burning Lanka to ashes, or literally moving the whole mountain to procure 'sanjeevani' and so on; his contribution to 'Ram-kaaj' are sung with devotion, for the legend he is. 

I suppose mentioning of those various feats or adventures here would be pointless; there have been enough shows that have portrayed his legend multiple times that they are known to everyone by heart, we must be thankful for it. Although, I feel that in an attempt for gaining TRPs, these serials have gone a bit over the line; showcasing episodes that may sent Hanuman ji wondering, 'when did I do that'.

And since the purpose of this blog is to present a different perspective, to think beyond, to read between the lines;and since there are few questions/doubts that have remained in our minds, may be subconsciously. Time to bring them out:

• Avatar: Is he Bhagwan Shiv's avatar? I know this very thought of raising a doubt, might look absurd, since 'Hanuman is Shiv's incarnation' is ingrained in our mindsets since ages. But there's no smoke without fire! According to Valmiki Ramayan, Hanuman has the divine element of Vayu, but no where it is mentioned that he's Bhagwan Shiv's avatar.
  

Yeah, this may look a bit contradictory, but like every other vaanar, Hanuman too is specified as a dev putra, i.e. Vayu's son, not Shiv's incarnation. In Raakshas origins story, Uttar Kaand, Bhagwan Shiv blessed Raavarn's maternal forefather, Sukesh, and expresses his affection towards him; denying the devas to fight/eliminate Sukesh' descendants. Pretty much like Bhagwan Vishnu blessed King Bali and his descendants; hence not killing Banasur (Bali's grandson) in his Krishnavatar. I believe this logic says enough.

The concept of Hanuman being Shiv's avatar was a gradual process by the Shaivites (to insert Shiv's eminence in Vaishnav texts) that become immensely popular post 17th century by reformation of Hanuman's identity, and he was then known as Rudravatar.

Besides, like I mentioned in my AVATAR blog, taking incarnation is Vishnu's domain, since he's the preserver of this creation.

A lot more we need to put forward and discuss, that will also support the above point; we will meet next week. Till then, be curious.

"Always keep your mind open/receptive, for truth has many dimensions"

'सियाराम '

Sugreeve's Intelligence: The North

There's a saying, 'better late than never', so right; and i would like to make an add on to it: 'better late, than err'. After more than a month we are here with the last piece of the square, 'The North'. In the sub-series 'Sugreeve's Intelligence' we learned about the global locations then, pointed out by Sugreeve, and their relativity with times present; today we will learn about the Vaanar-team sent towards the Northern Direction, in search of Devi Sita. Let's continue:

Team North:

Vaanar Leader: Shatbali. Known for his acumen and spontaneity, Shatbali was well versed with the ways of the hills; hence Sugreeve appointed him to lead the expedition for the northern. 

Total no. of Vaanars sent: One Lakh.

Places Mentioned: Shatbali already looked poised to follow his emperor's directives, to fruition. Sugreeve foresaw his zeal and humbly updated him with his guidance. Since Shatbali knew about the kingdoms of Aryavart, Sugreeve gave him a broad idea about the northern and the places that proceed Aryavart: Malechh, Pulind, Shoorsen, Prasthal, Bharat, Kuru, Madra, Kamboj, Yavan and Shak, these and other subsidiary kingdoms adjacent; he asked Shatbali to stay vigilant while investigating thoroughly. In the Himalayaas, they needed to search in the bushy vicinities of Lodhra and Padmak trees, as well as the forests of Devdaars.

The next point, Somashram, which was served by the devas and the gandharvs, following which they would reach Kaal Mount. Sugreeve told Shatbali to not filter, but closely look out for all other subordinate mountains around the Kaal mount, and then after being reassured, they shall proceed to Sudarshan mountain.

Mount Sudarshan paved way towards Devsakh Mountain, habitation of the birds. After proceeding from this pleasant looking mount, they would arrive at an isolated place that had a 100 yojan spread; no rivers or mountains or any forests were established there, neither animals nor birds could be traced. The place was a void and hence disturbing; Sugreeve told him to pass the plateau without giving any consideration.

But the next destination after passing the plateau was a divine place, the holy site of Mount Kailash. The place was embellished with the divinity of Shivatva that encapsulates the whole Kailash. Within Kailash, the vaanars would find Kuber’s palace made by Vishwakarma; they needed to explore the whole mount including its caves and lakes.

Post Kailash, the next stop was Kaunchgiri Mountain; a peerless, but bizarre cavern, it has a strange entrance. Divine sages that are even venerated by the devas used to observe penance in that cave. Sugreeve cautioned Shatbali to not disturb them, instead to search other caves and peaks in the Kaunchgiri.

After crossing Kaunchgiri the vaanars would reach the Mainaak Mountain. The legendary mountain and the home of May Daanav built by himself for his dwelling. Crossing Mainaak, an uncanny city will come in their way. A bewildering ambiance, yet with an emptiness within the place; No Sun, Moon or the stars had there reach either in day or night. Neither the clouds nor their thunders, yet there was a brightness as if been lightened by the Sun. It was actually the resplendence of a revered sage, Devopam, that emitted from his body illuminating the surroundings.

The next spot was Shailoda River, the place was identifiable with bamboo trees at both of its sides. People cross the river from one side to the other with the help of these bamboos. That place was the legendary kingdom of North Kuru, which is graced by highly enlightened beings.  Mesmerizing blue lotuses embellished the whole surroundings, the riversides were filled with pearls, gold and precious stones, the mountains besides these rivers were source to precious gems. Enthralling trees released divine odor as well as divine juices and their touch bestowed to whatever the beings beneath it wished.

Beyond the North Kuru, it was the great sea of the north. In the middle of the sea, a famous mountain renowned as Somgiri was situated. Sugreeve told Shatbali and the vaanars to just visit the Somgiri and return from there as it was inaccessible for the devas even. He further told them to return from there as beyond that place, neither Sun’s rays go nor did he have any knowledge.

Today's Geography: Sugreeve directed Shatbali towards the North, according to his set parameters. The northern direction covered Malechh that is believed to be the northern borders of Aryavart. Pulind was situated in Vindhya ranges, can be identified to present day's Bundelkhand or, though unsure but it can be the distorted version of Kulind, a kingdom that is today’s Tibet-China area. Shoorsen was established by a Yaadav king, Shursena; in short, today's Mathura, while Prasthal is today's Jalandhar. Bharat was the area near Hastinapur, and Kuru is the famous kingdom  that was later ruled by the Paandavs, it covered regions of present day Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh; Madra is believed to be in the regions of Pakistan, Sialkot in particular. Kamboj is believed to be in the Jammu-Pakistan border. Yavan though was the area beyond Malechh but is also believed to be in the Greek region; this might look slight contradictory, as in my last blog-post (WEST), where I tried to relate Mount Meghgiri with Mount Olympus, Greece. May be that time the borders of Greece/Yavan were extended, compared to present Greece. The kingdom of the Shaks' region could be traced to Afghanistan/Iran/Turkmenistan borders.

Since the Sudarshan Mountain falls on the way from Gangotri to Gomukh, in the glaciers of Raktvarn’; hence its precursor, Somashram could be in the Uttarakhand regions of Uttarkashi, probably the Badri-Kedar area,  as it is described being worshiped by devas.

The secluded area post Mount Devsakh hints towards the vast Tibetan plateau region, which clearly seems to have preceded the great Kailash Mountain, and the abode of Kuber that was also based in the Kailash region (Kuber Kund, near Kailash). Kaunchgiri Mountain, though not very explicit, but the mentioning of a peerless, but bizarre cavern points towards Amarnath cave; again, a possibility.

Shailoda River, has been identified in the areas of China-Russia borders, according to many findings; what's astonishing is the description of legendary kingdom of Uttar/North Kuru, abode of highly enlightened beings there, makes us proud of our immense heritage; and the mentioning of the great sea (Arctic Ocean) beyond North Kuru pretty much validates it.

{Uttar Kuru, home of the higher beings} [Image Source: DeviantArt]

Due to lack of further references, nothing can be surely said about the Somgiri Mountain of the North, may be the abodes of the Trinity mentioned here were temporary, may be they are still there and is unexplored or far from the eyes of the material world. There are many places that can't be traced due to the time gap and there are many places that I didn't mentioned due to the unconvincing factor in today's context; while the complete detailing have been addressed in my forthcoming book.

And here we finish this sub-series. I am sure this was one mind-boggling journey helped in getting a step closer to our past, helped in gaining knowledge, helped in gaining a perspective; in spite of how unconvincing it might look in absence of Sanatan sources and references; but all we need to do, is... READ.

Even Shri Ram was surprised with Sugreeve's profundity, he expressed his curiosity to the vaanar king. Sugreeve humbly answered; it all happened when Bali outcast him from Kishkindha and chased him everywhere. Running from his brother made Sugreeve the 'knower' of all directions and he was able to help Shri Ram and contribute in the fight against adharm.

"There ain't any limit to knowing; so, keep updating yourself and one day you might know the actual"

'सियाराम'

Sugreeve's Intelligence: The West

Whatever initiates, is destined for conclusion; and so  like another year, 2017 too came to it's closure, giving way to 2018. The gone year left us with memories, both joyous & regrettable, some ups & downs, some lessons to be learnt and above all, HOPE, to become better of what we were.

“While for some, endings bring joy, hopes and promises; some feel an unfillable vacuum. It all depends on our perspective, how do we wanna see the new beginnings”

But for us, here, the year ended with in a revelatory mode, paving way towards history. We not only did aware ourselves about Sugreeve's loyalty, but his astonishing knowledge of the contemporary world that not only awed us drawing relativity with modern geography, but also substantiated our beliefs, for Ramayan.

We have so far learned about the two directions (Eastern & Southern), and as we've stepped into the new year (with 11 months to go, it's still new year), time to learn about the remaining two directions.

Team West: 

Vaanar Leader: Sushern. Compared to the eastern & southern, direction WEST was much certain, but, complex and varied. Hence this time Sugeeve turned to someone who was tactical & judicious, Tara's father, an aged vaanar who looked suitable to head the team for direction west. Sushern was eulogized among the whole vaanar species for his prudence. To aid him, Sugreeve chose sons of revered sage, Marichi: Archismaan & Archimalya, they were both effectual vaanars who were there to serve their emperor along with their army.

Total no. of Vaanars sent: Two lakh.

Places Mentioned: Sugreeve humbly bowed to his father-in-law, Sushern and apprised him and his newly formed team about the upcoming places on their journey towards West. They needed to start their exploration from Avanti kingdom followed by Anglepapuri and Jatapur; Sugreeve hoped these kingdoms might have some information associated with Devi Sita. Great Kukshidesh, that had an expansion of numerous cities under it, would come next; the kingdom could be identified with the trees of Bakul and Udyalak. Sugreeve cautioned them to stay alert due to dense forest area. Then the vaanars needed to search out the coastal areas and kingdoms viz. Saurashtra as well as Bahleek, Chandrachitra and other prosperous cities around.

Adjacent to Saurashtra & Bahlik, there was a large section of west that was desert, exceedingly vast viz. a viz. cold rocks and states surrounded by mountain ranges. Sugreeve told the vaanars to don't pay much heed there as Vaidehi won’t be held in reserve in that area. After the dried region, what followed next was the merging point of the sea and Sindhu River that the vaanars need to keep note of, for directions  purpose and to keep track of a mountain, Somgiri. The mount had 100 peaks and populated with giant trees. The pinnacle of sky scrapper Somgiri was gold-encrusted, which could be identified with strange trees. Sugreeve asked the vaanars to search the mount swiftly, but keenly. This sea was extremely hazardous, with dreadful creatures such as giant crocodiles, fishes known as ‘jal timi’ that were gargantuan and carnivorous; the vaanars needed to be careful while traversing.

Their next stop over was Pariyatra mountain. It was 100 yojan by dimensions and difficult for a common being to trace. Sugreeve assured them, with kapiraj Sushern's guidance they would be able to reach the mountain easily and can extend their search to every nook and corner. Simultaneously, Sugreeve warned them about the inhabitants of the mount, 24 crores ‘gandharws’ who could easily shape-shift, they were radiant as fire and very powerful. Since the gandharws didn't like intrusions,  the possibility of Raavarn keeping Devi Sita their was bare minimum and hence the vaanars needed to avoid exploring the mount and pass without getting into any trouble.

Next to the Pariyatra was the famous mountain named Vajra, bluish like a sapphire. The mountain had a 100 yojan widespread and a rock solid surface, like a diamond. With multiplicity of caves in Vajra Mount, Sugreeve told them to search every single cave carefully.

After traversing the Pariyatra & Vajra, the vaanars would reach another mountain, Chakravan and then Varah Mountain. Besides the immense shores, Varah was 64 yojans away from Chakravan. The Varah mount had a city known as Pragjyotish that was ruled by a daanav named ‘Narak’. Sugreeve asked the vaanars to maintain their search discreetly and when they are convinced, they must leave the mount immediately.

Passing Mount Varah, there came another mount that had plentiful of waterfalls that grace the mountain, Meghgiri. The mountain had an historical relevance, as it was here once, king of the devas', Indra'a coronation held. After crossing Meghgiri, the vaanars would further come across to a myriad of mountains that were source to gold and other metals. Amidst these mountains, stood Mount Meru that is worshiped by Vasus, Marudgarns along with other devas. A great sage ‘Merusaavarni’ resided there, an accomplished sage who achieved many powers through austerity. Sugreeve told the vaanars to bow to him with all humility and enquire about Janaki.

The last known point towards west was Astachal that was quite distant from Meru. A grand palace made by Vishwakarma at its peak, for Varun dev was the landmark explained by Vaanar Emperor.

Sugreeve asked his vaanars to return after visiting Astachal as it was the last known point to him and hence advised them to not risk their lives by trying to approach further.

Today's Geography: Sugreeve directed Sushern towards the West, according to his set parameters. The vaanars' journey here started from Madhya Pradesh, they covered the Avanti kingdom which is present time Ujjain, adjoining was Jatapur probably today's Jatapur, Khargone district. Kukshidesh  is Kukshi town under Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. The Bahleeks were settled in the regions of Punjab, their reference here with Saurashtra (Gujrat) indicates that they extended their settlement to the Gujrat territory, or may be here Sugreeve here referred to both (Gujrat area of Bahlik as well as Punjab region).

The desert Sugreeve mentioned is by all means, Thar Desert, as it’s the only one nearby Gujrat, Madhya Pradesh and Pakistan. Post that he mentioned Somgiri mountain at the merging point of Sindhu River and the sea, which obviously would be the Arabian sea. Since eons have passed and geographical changes are obvious, along with rivers' route changes, we can only assume then location of Somgiri. But given directions indicate to either Kalo Dungar/Black Hill of Gujrat, or the Kirthar Range in Pakistan (which is more probable as Sindhu/Indus meets the Arabian Sea, Karachi).

Now comes The Pariyatra Mountain and here the mentioning of Gandharws makes things slight easy; since Gandhar (today's Kandahar, Afghanistan) was known as habitat to the gandharws, it shouldn’t come as amazement that this Pariyatra could be today’s Sulaiman Mountain range, southern extension to Hindu Kush Mountain that conjoins Afghanistan and Balochistan. Considering the number of gandharws given and the sea's proximity to the mountain, it is possible that the mountain stretch included the Makran-Siahon range too (May Be). While the Baloch issue's a hullabaloo everywhere, this fact could be a cause of bewilderment for many.

Next came the Vajra Mount, perhaps the Zagros range in Iran fits ,closest as it has a total length of 1500 kilometers, equivalent to described 100 yojans.

The Zagros extend to the North-West of Iran, preceding Turkey and Armenia. Mount Chakravan could be the Yereven city of Armenia, whose basic plan is, circular (in chakra/discus format). 

From Yerevan, around 750 kilometers distance is Mount Ararat, Turkey; now this would interest you that this distance is pretty similar to 64 yojans, the distance between Mount Chakravan and Mount Varah.

And now comes the flabbergasting, Mount MEGHGIRI. The descriptive legend of Indra's coronation here, caught my attention and the curious in me. Hitherto, we have reasoned Mount Varah's probable location as Turkey; hence the country that follows Turkey is...... GREECE, land of the Olympian Gods. And Indra's coronation in Meghgiri ring so many bells, as the mount is stated next to Varah, that is Greece. As stated by Pauranik (historical) legends, Indra is lord of thunder and devraj, i.e. king of the devas; and if we run into Greek mythology... yes, I know you see that coming too, Zeus, God of thunder, prime among the Olympians, is the Greek counterpart of Indra; no wonder why Zeus is the most revered deity there. If we are knocking the right door, then Meghgiri can be traced to Mount Olympus, the home to the Greek-Gods; as Mount Olympus is situated at Greece's eastern coastal area.

{Mount Olympus of Zeus or rather Mount Meghgiri where Indra's coronation was held}

               

{Two Thunder-Deities, or a Deity with different recognition in Greece}

{Image: Pinterest}

It’s hard to describe or identify further, perhaps the regions of Africa may be. Mount Meru, the legendary and most revered is hard to trace but, FYI, there’s a mountain named ‘Meru’ in Tanzania, Africa. The Astaachal Mountain might be American Continent; but that needs further reasoning.

We will conclude the mini-series 'Sugreeve's Intelligence', next week, where some more astonishment awaits you, The Northern. Till then be curious, as that kindles the hunger, to know more.

'सियाराम'