Saga Of The Timeless (A Mahabharata Story)

76.Panchkosha: Threads of Forgotten Stories -1

Note: Hey everyone! Just a small correction—after arrival of Rishi Ved Vyasa, I mentioned that Tvarita's teacher for the Panchakosha is Rishi Durvasa. This was an error on my part; her teacher is actually Rishi Dadhichi. I just realized this now, and since I'm in the midst of writing, I won't be able to go back and correct it immediately. Please keep this in mind, and ignore the past mentions of Rishi Durvasa as her teacher. I'll make sure to fix it when I edit the story. Apologies for the confusion, and thank you for your patience!

I rode my horse as fast as I could toward my destination, following the directions given by Rishi Ved Vyas. The wind whipped through my hair, carrying with it a sense of urgency and anticipation. As I approached the cave, the sight of a trident and a damru resting outside sent a shiver of reverence down my spine. This was no ordinary place; it was a sanctuary of wisdom and power.

Dismounting Vayu, I took a moment to steady my breath and gather my thoughts. Each step forward felt monumental, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. I joined my hands in a gesture of respect and bowed my head, feeling the weight of generations of seekers who had come before me, each one leaving a piece of their spirit within these hallowed grounds.

Just then, a serene voice broke the stillness. "You've arrived just in time."

I turned, and my breath caught in my throat. Standing before me was Rishi Dadhichi, his presence as commanding as the tales had promised. He embodied serenity and divinity, his frail figure radiating an ethereal glow, perhaps a remnant of the long meditation from which he had just awakened.

"Rishi Dadhichi," I managed to breathe, kneeling before him and touching my forehead to his feet, overwhelmed by the honor of this moment. "God bless you."

"Putri, I have been anticipating your arrival," he said, his voice like a gentle breeze that seemed to soothe my anxious heart. "But you are here much earlier than expected. I have just woken up after my long mediation and was about to get something to eat."

"Rishi, allow me to help you, I will get some fruits for you ," I urged, sensing the weariness that hung around him like a heavy cloak.

"Very well, Putri," he replied, settling onto the stone with his legs folded, an aura of tranquility enveloping him.

I nodded and set off on my quest to find food in the nearby forest.  I gathered wild fruits and roots as much as I could find.

I moved quickly, my heart set on ensuring that Rishi Dadhichi would not have to wait long.

Returning to Rishi Dadhichi, I offered him the food I had gathered. His eyes sparkled with approval, and a smile creased his lips as he accepted the offerings. I served him while he ate, feeling a sense of fulfillment in my small act of service.

Once he was full, we both  settled down, my heart raced with anticipation. Rishi Dadhichi's gaze pierced through me, and I felt the weight of the moment.

"Putri, the time is of essence, but before I begin, I want to test your readiness for this journey," he said, his voice resonating with authority.

"I am ready, Rishi," I replied, determined to prove my worth.

"Very well," he began, his eyes narrowing slightly. "First question: What is the one thing that can never be fulfilled by external means, yet it drives the desires of every being? Understand this, and you will grasp the essence of true fulfillment."

I took a deep breath, contemplating his words. "Rishi, I believe the answer is happiness. We often seek it outside ourselves—through possessions, relationships, or accomplishments—but true happiness comes from within. It is a state of being that can only be cultivated through self-awareness and acceptance."