The Legend of Ram - Sight Beyond Sight

An Average Day - Part1

Maharshi Markendeya came here along with them and took the hospitality of the Hermitage. Valmiki was a little concerned regarding his food and lodging in the Hermitage. They stayed a shorter time span in 'Somras', but they discovered that the living-standard there was way higher than they maintain here. Though the hermitage has plenty of air circulation and ample of shades all the time as large, tall trees all surrounding it overhead; still, won't that cause trouble to a man who is habituated to lead a luxurious life? When asked, Maharshi replied in a simple, abbreviated form – 'No'.

One may discover students representing different classes and casts come in Hermitage for education, in the purpose of learning. One may discover princes and the Elites among the students; but beside one will discover students from farmers, blacksmiths, carpenters and many more from backward communities. All of these students take education from the same teachers, under the same roof, irrespective of the learner's social and economic position. Maharshi Valmiki is a free believer of Democracy. At the end of the day, a major part of these students gets back to their home; a few stays here. They are resident students. The ritual of 'Varnashram', the social stratification was based solely on occupation; it had nothing to do with birth. The major point of relaxation is, students along with their parents are happy in this democratic view of the Hermitage.

The room allotted for Maharshi Valmiki is at the center of the Hermitage. For the time being, both the old sages are residing there; making of a guest-room for the guest is in process. He also delivered some lectures in the classes as a guest professor. His excellent lectures impressed both the students and the existing teachers in the Hermitage.

The Hermitage is situated in a relatively higher ground; from the edge of it, the plain land has started its vastness across miles. There are three villages surrounding the Hermitage – 'Kushmundi', 'Agrasen' and 'Sonachura'. All of these villages are enriched and well prospered. 'Village' – It is the pillar of Vedic Civilization! The entire Emperor of 'Aryabarta' is based upon rural civilization. There is no centralized power or cities so far to come forward yet, but Kings and the elites have built citadels and feel themselves safe staying behind these walls. Cities never control the villages so far.

-"Don't you fear to stay in this part of the vacant, lonely, less crowded zone at the feet of 'Himalaya', Maharshi?" – One day, Maharshi Markendeya threw this question at Maharshi Valmiki.

-"There's no need to panic, Maharshi Markendeya! It is the outer periphery of the Great Forest. Less wild animals are seen here; hence this place is outside the perimeter dwelled by the predators. Moreover, the Hermitage has a closer connection with these villages; they take care of us and protect us from any kind of potential threats. So far, there's no such mishap in this place, but..."

-"But??"

Maharshi Valmiki thought for some moments as if he is hesitating to say something to him; and then, he said-

-"We were a newcomer to this place back then, you know...less crowd here. One night, it was raining cats and dogs outside, a few flashes in the blue. I was in my bed, asleep. Suddenly, a mild sound of thump came across my ears from outside; this sound awakened me. I sat on my bed and listened closely to the sound; it appears to me as if something big, like an elephant, is walking across the yard, the same yard that you see now, outside. Now, where from the hell on Earth an elephant is supposed to stroll on it, in this part of less forestry zone, which is closer to human habitation? This made me curious and I came out of my bed to look into the matter. It could be dangerous for the rest of the inmates in the Hermitage if this supposed elephant is an isolated one. That is why I was determined and came out to investigate.

In the first place, I could barely notice anything at all in the darkness ahead, nothing seemed to be standing, walking or crawling outside. Moreover, it was raining as I told. I tried to look for something in the darkness around, but at last, I gave up. I was about to turn back to my place, and suddenly I noticed something that gave me a chill in my spine!

See, that banyan tree there? Almost at the edge of the jungle? For the last time, I had my eyes over there that night; suddenly, there was the flash of thunder thrice consecutively and I discovered in my utmost fear that something big, monstrous, biped animal is standing behind that tree! I couldn't see clearly, I just saw a silhouette or an apparition like something in a light and shadow ambiance; but I can swear that it was gigantic, such big biped animal that it is even bigger than the tree itself! It was practically leaning on it, with its hand over it, as if it is some kind of walking stick to him! And it is gazing straight at the Hermitage from that distance."

-"Then what happens?"

-"I kept looking at over there, but nothing shows off anymore. There were some more flashes in that direction, but nothing seemed to be within vicinity except the pitch darkness, some mystic fog, and raindrops. Another thing, Maharshi. I discovered some fresh footprints later on the mud, but I wiped them out. No need to make others scared."

-"What is your opinion regarding the factor, Maharshi Valmiki?"

-"Illusion perhaps, Maharshi Markendeya! Otherwise, there is no alternate explanation for this 'vision'. Anyhow, after meeting the Titans out there now, I am confirmed about the races with gigantic body stature, but that sighting somehow remains unconfirmed. This could have been...an error!! Perhaps those footprints belong to some larger apes, much bigger in size. I just...want to forget it and nothing else!"

-"Maybe Maharshi, or may not be! It wasn't an error after all. This may not be a delusion as you are thinking! Tell me one thing, Maharshi, have you ever confronted with this sighting again?"

-"That is why I am referring to it as 'illusion'. Ever since then, I never saw anything like this again in my life, Maharshi Markendeya. But why?"