In the grand tapestry of human existence, one immutable and universal truth has always held sway—death. It is the eventuality that awaits every living being, an enigmatic passage from the realm of the living to the vast unknown. Death, both feared and revered, has stirred the imagination of humanity for countless ages. It prompts the profound questions that have guided religious beliefs, philosophical inquiries, and the narratives of poets and storytellers alike: What lies beyond the mortal coil? Is there an afterlife, a continuation of the soul's journey once life has ended? These are inquiries that have ignited the quest for understanding in the face of mortality. However, a common thread among them is the notion of judgment preceding the determination of one's destiny.
Amid this eternal contemplation on the nature of death, a mysterious figure emerges—a teenage boy who has traversed the threshold from life to the unfathomable realms beyond. In this realm, where naught but emptiness prevails, he hovers like a specter, his presence barely discernible amidst the vast expanse of nothingness. The boy bears the features of a typical mortal existence—a pair of black eyes that once beheld the world's wonders, hair that may have tousled in the winds of life's journeys, and a slightly tanned complexion that carried the imprints of sunlight and shadow. Yet, his visage, though striking, remains strangely devoid of emotion at this moment, as if he stands on the precipice of revelation, his countenance a blank canvas awaiting the strokes of destiny.
The boy continued to drift through the emptiness for an unknown duration. Then, suddenly, a radiant, divine light enveloped him, and he vanished from the void. In the next moment, he found himself in a majestic palace, a place that could only be described as the pinnacle and origin of all creation. The majestic palace stands as an ethereal masterpiece, an exalted realm that reaches the zenith of cosmic splendor. It is a place of transcendental grandeur, where the very essence of divinity permeates the surroundings.
Picture, if you will, a celestial domain bathed in an iridescent radiance, as if every corner of this realm is kissed by the divine light of a thousand suns. The very air here seems to shimmer with an aura of purity and serenity, offering a respite from the tumultuous cycles of existence.
This palace is adorned with resplendent jewels, each one a testament to the boundless creativity and opulence of the universe's architect. As you traverse the landscapes of the palace, you'll find gardens resplendent with exotic blooms that emanate fragrances unknown to mortal realms. These gardens are tended by celestial beings who move with grace and harmony, their very presence a testament to the divine order that reigns supreme.
The palace is surrounded by the rivers of flow with waters that are not just life-giving but soul-nourishing, imbued with the essence of spiritual enlightenment. Their gentle currents seem to carry the whispers of ancient wisdom, inviting seekers to partake in their transformative embrace.
In that realm, time takes on a different cadence, as if it dances to the rhythm of eternity. Here, the soul's journey transcends the limitations of earthly existence, reaching towards the highest realms of spiritual realization. It is a place where the soul finds solace and purpose, a sanctuary of cosmic significance.
Though words can only offer a glimpse of its grandeur, this celestial realm stands as a beacon of spiritual aspiration and a testament to the boundless possibilities of the universe's divine design.
At the very threshold of this ethereal realm, the soul of the boy stood in profound awe, utterly entranced by the sheer magnificence that lay before him. With mortal eyes, he sought to capture the breathtaking beauty that not even immortality could fully grasp. Every corner of the existence seemed to be painted with the divine hues of perfection.
However, just as he was about to lose himself entirely in the overwhelming beauty of the surrounding, a sudden, melodious hum cascaded through the air. It served as a poignant reminder, gently stirring his being from the trance-like state that had threatened to envelop him completely. This harmonious resonance halted him, preventing his very essence from becoming ensnared in the captivating allure of the realm's splendor.
"Come in," a resplendent and majestic voice resonated in his ears. It was a voice that seemed to transcend time and creation itself, devoid of any hint of command, yet compelling in a way that left no room for doubt. With an innate reverence, the boy felt an irresistible pull, drawing him deeper into the heart of this celestial realm.
The majestic and boundless doors of the palace slowly swung open, revealing an entrance into the heart of this divine realm. The boy began his journey inside, his footsteps echoing in the grandeur of the palace. He walked on, the passage of time indeterminate, yet devoid of fatigue or anxiety. His eyes remained insatiably hungry, drinking in the resplendence of the palace, while his soul was enveloped in an embrace of immortal energy, boundless knowledge, and unending bliss. It felt as if his very essence was undergoing an eternal rebirth, a continuous renewal of the spirit.
A small, melodious, feminine chuckle reverberated in his ears, and in response, his movements came to an abrupt halt, arrested by the sheer enchantment of that laughter. He blinked, and in the next moment, he found himself standing before two majestic doors, each intricately carved with lotus motifs of such exquisite beauty that they rendered the most resplendent lotus in the mortal realm utterly unreal by comparison. "Come in, son," the musical voice echoed once more, and the doors swung open without emitting a sound. As the boy stepped inside, his soul was caressed by a gentle breeze carrying the essence of immortality, wisdom, and the very building blocks of creation itself. It was a soothing embrace that enveloped his entire being, beckoning him deeper into the heart of this celestial realm.
The boy was greeted by two majestic and holy beings. To his left, a deity sat upon a magnificent lotus. The lotus's delicate petals gracefully unfurled, emerging from the primordial waters of existence. This lotus transcended being a mere flower; it symbolized purity, transcendence, and the very wellspring of creation. Each petal cradled a facet of the cosmos, a universe awaiting the Deity's creative touch.
Seated atop this celestial lotus, the deity exuded majesty, radiating divine wisdom. He was adorned in opulent garments that shimmered like the cosmos itself, adorned with sacred insignia. His complexion was of the purest hue, akin to a luminous golden glow, symbolizing purity and spiritual enlightenment.
The deity possessed a distinctive feature – four faces, each oriented towards a cardinal direction. These four faces embodied all-encompassing vision and omniscience, as they gazed upon the entirety of creation from every angle. His eyes, profound and dark, held the wisdom of ages within their depths, while his hair flowed like cosmic rivers, embodying the essence of life itself.
Elaborate details adorned the deity's attire and adornments, underscoring his exalted status. Multiple arms gracefully held sacred implements—a rosary symbolizing the passage of time, a water pot representing the primordial waters of creation, and the Vedas, ancient scriptures containing knowledge of existence. These divine attributes affirmed his role as the cosmic creator and custodian of sacred knowledge.
In the presence of the deity, the very air seemed charged with creative energy, and the atmosphere shimmered with the potential for new beginnings. His form served as a reminder of the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution—the fundamental rhythms of existence. Seated resplendently upon his lotus throne, the deity was the divine architect of the cosmos, a living embodiment of cosmic order, forever shaping the tapestry of existence. He watched the boy with a hint of a smile, his gaze filled with cosmic wisdom and benevolence.
To his right sat the embodiment of knowledge, wisdom, arts, and learning. She was gracefully perched upon a pristine white lotus, a symbol of purity and transcendence. Adorned with divine ornaments, a sacred necklace of white pearls graced her neck, signifying the purity of true knowledge.
The goddess possessed four arms, each representing different facets of her divine presence and influence. In one hand, she held a veena, a musical instrument symbolizing the harmony and resonance of the universe, as well as the creative arts. In another hand, she carried a sacred scripture, a testament to her association with wisdom and learning. Her other two hands were gracefully positioned in mudras—one dispelling fear and the other bestowing blessings, underscoring her inherently benevolent nature.
Radiating serenity and divinity, the goddess's countenance was marked by a peaceful and serene expression. Her eyes, pools of profound wisdom and compassion, reflected her role as the bestower of knowledge. Cascading from her brow, her long, dark hair symbolized the unrestricted flow of creative energy.
In essence, the image of the goddess encapsulated the divine fusion of beauty, wisdom, and creative vitality. Her presence beckoned all to seek enlightenment, embrace their creative potential, and embark upon the path of learning and self-realization. As the boy entered, her gaze followed him with a serene smile, akin to a mother enjoying her child's boundless curiosity.
Soumya found himself unable to put into words the overwhelming emotions that surged within him. It was as if the very essence of his soul had been fulfilled in that divine moment. His knees gave way involuntarily, and tears of pure joy and devotion flowed uncontrollably from his eyes as he humbly prostrated himself before the creator, Lord Brahma, and the bestower of knowledge, Goddess Saraswati.
"Get up, my child," Brahma spoke in his gentle yet majestic voice. Soumya rose slowly, his heart brimming with joy and devotion. Yet, amidst this divine experience, a thought crept into his mind. He couldn't help but wonder, "How is it that those protagonists fail to comprehend the divinity of gods when they meet them, asking questions like 'Who are you?' and 'Where am I?'"
"Haha, haha, haha!" Both deities erupted in laughter, their indescribably sweet voices resonating in the surroundings. "You are truly exceptional, my child," said the goddess of knowledge with a motherly smile. "How long has it been since I met a child with such curiosity and thoughts, especially in the age of Kalyug?"
"Haha, that's true. I suppose my ignorant son, who knows nothing but causing chaos and chanting the name of his lord, must be thoroughly enjoying observing people like you," Lord Brahma added with a gentle tone.
"Narayana, narayana…", a faint musical voice echoed, as if someone were approaching from afar. Suddenly, a figure materialized before them
In an instant, as if summoned by the cosmos itself, Narada Muni materializes out of thin air. There is no grand entrance, no heralding of his arrival; he simply exists where he previously did not. It's as if he steps through a veil that separates the realms, effortlessly crossing the boundaries of time and space. One moment, there is empty space, and the next, he stands there, radiating an aura of transcendence.
Narad Muni, the celestial sage and divine messenger, appeared before them in a resplendent form. He bore the radiant countenance of an eternal wanderer, with eyes that sparkled like the stars of the cosmos. His skin had a golden hue, reminiscent of the warm embrace of divine knowledge, and his flowing hair, the color of midnight, cascaded like a waterfall of wisdom down his shoulders.
Narad Muni was garbed in robes that seemed to shimmer with celestial energies, adorned with celestial beads and a sacred rudraksha necklace, symbolizing his devotion to Lord Shiva. Around his shoulder, he carried a veena, the celestial musical instrument, representing the harmony of the universe and the rhythm of creation.
His presence exuded an aura of boundless knowledge and devotion, and a serene smile graced his lips, reflecting the tranquil wisdom that he embodied. Narad Muni was the very embodiment of a cosmic traveler, a sage who traversed the realms of existence, sharing divine knowledge, and nurturing the spiritual evolution of souls.
Narad Muni bowed and greeted his parents with reverence, saying, "Pranam(Greetings), Pitashri(Father), Pranam, Matashri(Mother)." Goddess Saraswati nodded in acknowledgment.
Lord Brahma, somewhat irritated, asked, "Who summoned you here?"
Narad Muni replied with a mischievous smile, "There's no need to summon, Pitashri. A son's dharma is to be ever ready to appear before his parents whenever they think of him."
Lord Brahma grumbled, "As if you ever heed my orders."
Goddess Saraswati sighed, observing the playful banter between father and son. She interjected, "Swami (Husband), we have a guest, and Narad, you need to cease this bickering."
Narad Muni nodded in agreement, "Of course, Matashri. I'm here on an important matter."
He then turned his attention to me. Initially taken aback, I was on the verge of kneeling, but my body halted midway, almost mechanically bowing as I uttered, "Pranam, Rishivar."
He responded with a benevolent smile, as if to convey that his presence didn't warrant such prostration in the company of the Creator and the Goddess of Knowledge. Then he inquired, "Aren't you curious about something, child?"
Surprised, I somehow replied without hesitation, "Ah, yes. I've been wondering why I find myself here in Brahmalok. According to my understanding, I should be in Yamlok, awaiting judgment, correct?"
Narad Muni instantly nodded in approval, his satisfaction evident and said, "Hmm, that's a good question," then turned towards Lord Brahma.
Lord Brahma cleared his throat and inquired, "Child, I summoned you here to understand why you showed such concern for the lives of soldiers long past when your own life was in peril. After all, it was decreed that those who meet their end in the fields of Kurukshetra find their place in heaven."
I responded honestly, "Even if they were granted a place in heaven, their families would have been left bereft—wives turned into widows, children left as orphans. They lacked the might of kings and princes, yet they perished in a conflict they knew naught about."
Narad Muni, wearing a knowing smile, chimed in, "Ah, my child, your heart is noble, your concern for the less privileged truly commendable. It's said that when the elephants clash, it's the grass that bears the brunt. But isn't it just a noble sentiment? Isn't your world, too, rife with similar inequities?"
I concurred, "Indeed, but in my world, power hangs by a slender thread. However, in the Mahabharata, there were numerous individuals capable of single-handedly halting the bloodshed, even those without the stature of Guru Dronacharya or the mighty Mahamahi Bhisma. Silence prevailed when intervention was needed."
Lord Brahma responded, "Their fate, my child, was entwined with the chains of their karma."
Persisting, I asserted, "Nevertheless, there were junctures where even a modest show of understanding between the parties could have averted catastrophe. Someone with a modicum of influence, unlike the formidable Mahavirs like Guru Dronacharya or Mahamahi Bhisma, could have halted the bloodshed with timely intervention."
Narad Muni replied, appearing to contemplate the question. "Hmm, while there may have been possibilities, I doubt that anyone could have averted such a massive war, even if they possessed knowledge of the future."
I agreed and remarked, "Certainly, it was a formidable challenge. However, there were brilliant and knowledgeable figures like Sahadev and Vidur, who possessed the ability to glimpse into the future, and they might have had the potential to sway the course of events."
Narad Muni, still appearing deep in thought, responded, "Nonetheless, it's not as straightforward as it seems. Even if they could glimpse the future, it might not have been sufficient to prevent the conflict."
Then he regarded me with a serious expression and inquired, "I don't believe that even someone with complete knowledge of the future could have resolved the conflict. What do you think? Is it possible?"
I immediately responded, "Yes, I believe it's possible," as I had contemplated this matter extensively.
"No, I don't think it was possible. After all, the karma of the war began long before the Pandavas were even born," said Lord Brahma.
Then Narad Muni turned toward me and asked, "Do you think you could have altered the outcome if you had been present there?" I replied, "I'm not sure, but there is a possibility that I could have prevented the war if I had been there with an adequate amount of influence and power."
"Then, how about you travel back to that time period and attempt to alter the outcome?" Narad Muni suggested, turning towards Lord Brahma.
"No," Lord Brahma responded firmly, shaking his head. "I cannot permit such a journey."
"Pitashri, you are the benevolent creator and the father of the entire universe. Are you truly willing to leave the curiosity of this child and myself unquenched? After all, you are curious too, aren't you, Matashri, Pitashri?" Narad Muni turned towards Goddess Saraswati, seeking her support. She raised an eyebrow and then directed her gaze towards Lord Brahma.
Lord Brahma pondered for a moment and then nodded, saying, "Alright, I am quite curious about the capabilities of this man from Kalyug. What do you say, child?"
Suddenly, all the attention was directed at me. I was so shocked that my eyes felt like they were about to pop out of their sockets. In sheer disbelief, I turned towards Narad Muni, who responded with a mischievous smile. It dawned on me that Narad Muni was orchestrating this entire situation.
In that moment, I contemplated when I would ever have another opportunity like this, a chance to journey back to the Dvapara Yuga and witness the legends whose stories had been an integral part of my childhood. After a brief moment of contemplation, I bowed and expressed my gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Prajapati, for having such high regard for me and offering me this remarkable opportunity."
He nodded in response and reassured me, "Don't worry; I will ensure you can adapt quickly." I conveyed my appreciation to Goddess Saraswati and Narad Muni for blessing me with their presence.
Then Lord Brahma began chanting with his ethereal voice, uttering Sanskrit words from all four of his heads, each syllable bathed in a golden hue. Every word he spoke was crystal clear and resonant, yet utterly incomprehensible to me. Moments later, I felt myself being enveloped in a radiant golden glow. I joined my palms in reverence and bowed once more, expressing my deep gratitude and joy for the privilege of being blessed by their divine presence. As I received their blessings, my vision slowly faded into white.
After the golden aura dissipated, signifying the departure of the youth, both divine beings turned their gazes towards Narad, silently questioning if he was content. Narad Muni bowed with an innocent smile, seeking their permission to leave, and promptly teleported away, accompanied by his signature chant, "Narayana, Narayana..."
After a brief moment, Goddess Saraswati turned towards Lord Brahma. His countenance bore a mysterious smile, hinting at his role as the father of all beings. She addressed him with her ethereal and motherly voice, "Swami, was it the right decision to send such a child who has yet to experience the treacherous world to an era of war?" To this, Lord Brahma replied, "Devi, a human's greatest strength is adaptability, and this child is blessed by the Goddess of Knowledge herself. What could possibly go wrong?"
He paused briefly, gazing into the distance, and then smiled, continuing, "Not only myself, but there are many who harbor curiosity about the events that transpired in an era where good and evil coexisted in the same land, particularly when viewed through the perspective of someone from an era where good and evil reside within the same individual."