Shatru Sesham: Sequel of Baahubali ✔️

Chapter Twenty-One

On the way to the Gurukul,
"Where are we going, father?" asked young Narasimha.

Subahu replied, "To meet my Guru. I want you to receive education and training in the same Gurukul in which I studied."

Narasimha was greatly excited, "Your Guru will be my Guru too.....How exciting!"

Subahu cautioned him, "Not so fast, Narasimha! Guru Dharmagupta is one of the finest, sharpest and most remarkable minds ever produced by our country. He teaches and trains students completely free of cost at his Gurukul. It was rumored even during the times I used to study under him that he possessed complete mastery over the legendary Ashta Siddhis like Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Praapti, Praakaamya, Ishatva, and Vashatva. And that is not all. He is a master of alchemy and has the power of Agni Arka Ambu Vishaadhinam Prathistambhah, Anoormimattvam, Ajna aprathihathaagathih, and Sankalpa Siddhi."

Narasimha was greatly curious to know what these legendary Ashta Siddhis and other powers were. Subahu continued, "Many call them supernatural powers but those who have acquired mastery over these Siddhis aver that these are latent yogic powers within every human being that can be awakened by hard work, practice and perseverance. Anima means you can voluntarily reduce you body size smaller than the smallest, Mahima - increasing your body size larger than the largest, Garima- making your body weight heavier than the heaviest, Laghima- making your body weight lighter than the lightest, Praapti- the power to acquire whatever you want from anywhere, Praakaamya- the ability to fulfill one's dreams and aspirations, Ishatva- absolute lordship and control over all of creation and Vashatva - mastery over the five elements of Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Ether. A master alchemist can produce almost anything including gold by mixing chemicals in the right proportions; Agni Arka Ambu Vishaadhinam Prathistambhah- the ability to control and stop fire, sunlight, water and poison; Anoormimattvam- to be untouched by hunger, thirst, sleep and other body-related cravings; Ajna aprathihathaagathih - where one's commands are not disputed and absolutely obeyed; and Sankalpa Siddhi - to be victorious in all of one's endeavors."

"Father do you possess mastery over all these powers just like your Guru" asked Narasimha.

"To some extent.....but not fully! You automatically and gradually acquire certain powers through learning, persistent and continuous practice and hard work. But for them to fully work and act in full force, you need the Guru Upadesha or the Guru giving these powers personally to you. Guru Dharmagupta used to tell us that he would give all of them one day to a student or pupil whom he deemed worthy of carrying forward his legacy. But till date, no student....including your own father has reached his benchmark. We have all stopped at some level before reaching this touchstone. I hope that you will fulfill this unfulfilled dream of mine and reach this touchstone. Will you, Son?"

Narasimha said, "Of course, I will, Father! Anything for your sake!"

"Come, let's go! The journey is long and we have a long way to go!" Subahu said.
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At the foothills of the Himalayas,
In the peaceful, plush and beautiful environs of a hermitage surrounded by snow capped mountain peaks, tall grasslands and dense forests sat a maestro in the posture of meditation. He sat immobile for hours together; his eyes and body closed and shut off from the external world. He suddenly opened his eyes and informed the student who was sitting in front of him, "He is coming!"

The startled student asked, "But who?"

The maestro smiled enigmatically without saying anything in reply, closed his eyes again and resumed meditating.
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He was Guru Dharmagupta. Dharmagupta was over sixty years now but he had a very young, fit and agile appearance. He had thick and flowing beards. He was just of medium height, broad-chested, a skin hue dark like the monsoon clouds, but radiant in appearance with a divine and brilliant aura illuminating his whole countenance.