In the heart of Hara no Hara [ Hara no Hara is actually the city of Mohen-jo-daro ] , the city that echoed the vibrant pulse of the Harappan Civilization, Henry found himself residing near the monumental Great Bath. A structure that transcended mere utility, the Great Bath was a sacred space for daily ritual bathing, a collective act that harmonized the community. Intrigued by the seamless fusion of spiritual practices and communal life, Henry engaged in conversations with his newfound friend, seeking to unravel the nuances of the ancient traditions.
As the two friends basked in the gentle sunlight near the Great Bath, Henry, immersed in curiosity, inquired about the bathing rituals in cities without such grand structures. His friend explained that in other cities, people performed their ritual bathing in rivers. However, Hara no Hara, with its burgeoning population, had ingeniously devised the Great Bath—a communal sanctuary accessible to all.
Embracing the local customs, Henry decided to partake in the ritual bathing. The Great Bath, a colossal pool intricately designed, became a reservoir of spiritual purification for the city's residents. It was a remarkable sight as men and women, clad in simple loincloths or undergarments, bathed together without any sense of immodesty. The depiction of breasts carried no connotation of sexuality; rather, it was viewed as a celebration of natural beauty.
Intrigued by the openness and acceptance of diverse identities, Henry learned that the Harappan Civilization recognized a third gender—those who were intersex. However, the concept of non-binary or eunuchs seemed absent from their societal framework.
Having immersed himself in the purifying waters of the Great Bath, Henry joined the collective worship of the Sun—a practice that transcended gender boundaries. The ritualistic chambers, adorned with symbols and imagery, beckoned individuals to engage in self-contemplation and meditation. One striking depiction was that of Pashupati, a representation that hinted at the advanced nature of Harappan religious philosophy.
In delving deeper into the spiritual fabric of Hara no Hara, Henry discovered a religion that mirrored the essence of Vedic philosophical schools. The Harappans held a belief in a singular Supreme Lord, and their pantheon comprised natural forces rather than a multitude of deities. Their religion was not transactional but focused on self-contemplation and collective well-being.
Harappans recognized the soul or consciousness as a reflection of the Supreme Lord, akin to the Hindu concept of Atma. The belief in rebirth, intertwined with the cyclic nature of existence, underscored their philosophical depth.
Funerary rites in Hara no Hara were conducted with a unique approach—fractional burying. Bodies were either cremated or left to decompose until only skeletons and remains remained. This practice reflected a profound understanding of life's impermanence and the cyclical nature of existence.
As the day unfolded into the gentle embrace of the evening, Henry returned to his residence, a humble abode near the Great Bath. In adherence to social norms, he removed his slipper-like footwear outside, symbolizing respect for the sacred ground. With a satisfied heart and a belly filled with roasted grains and fruits, he embraced the slumber that awaited him—a tranquil sleep amidst the echoes of an ancient civilization's wisdom.