Legends and myths
No moment ever returns in life. Time flies like an arrow, forever forward. “Impermanence is the hallmark of existence,” said Buddha. And as goes one saying, “You can’t take bath in the same river again,” as the water you have bathed with has gone away downstream and you are bathing the second time in the water that has freshly arrived. But there are certain moments that you can’t even recreate. I am sharing one such moment in my life that I can only relive in my memory.
It was on March 15, 2007. President APJ Abdul Kalam took me with him to Arunanchal Pradesh. We landed at Guwahati Airport and then boarded helicopters to visit Kibithu, the last post in the eastern centre of the Indo-China border in Arunachal Pradesh. Chief of Indian Army General Joginder Jaswant (JJ) Singh was escorting Dr. Kalam. Five helicopters in a formation flew through the Lohit Valley, a few hundred meters above the river, with tall mountains on both sides. It was a breath-taking view that one sees only in films, or in one’s dreams.
Kibithu is one of the easternmost permanently populated towns of India, located on the LAC (Line of Actual Control) west of Diphu Pass near India-China-Myanmar tri-junction. The Lohit River enters India north of Kibithu and merges with the Brahmaputra after reaching the plains in Assam. There was a telescope installed there and I was watching the Chinese flags on the other side, while President Kalam interacted with our soldiers, when three Army officers of Major rank, among them was a lady, approached me and asked if I was the co-author of ‘Wings of Fire.’ I blushed.
One officer took control of the telescope and guided it to show me a water body below called Parshurama Kund. I was told that when Lord Parshurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, on the orders of his father, Rishi Jamadagni, beheaded his mother Renuka, his axe got stuck to his hand. His father, pleased with his obedience, decided to give Parshurama a boon, to which he asked for his mother to be restored to life. But the axe would still not leave his hand. Finally, Parshurama arrived at the banks of the Lohit River and got cleansed of his sin.
Now, comes the interesting part of the story. The two gentlemen Army officers were from Kerala and Punjab, and the lady was from Uttaranchal. Each of them claimed the ancestry of Parshurama. I found in these three officers and their claim on Parshurama the irrefutable testimony of Indian civilization and the charade of the Aryan-Dravidian rift and the discovery of India through European eyes collapsed in that one moment. Another realization I had was that India is surrounded by enemies and people enjoying their lives in the comforts and pleasures of cities must know that there are vigilant soldiers living in the most hostile conditions, taking care of their secured world.
I later had a brief chat with General JJ Singh. A true persona of a warrior, he remembered his father, Lieutenant Colonel Jaswant Singh Marwah, who was posted in the princely state of Bahawalpur, under British India, when he was born. After the partition, he came to India with him as a two-year-old child. His grandfather, Atma Singh Marwah, fought in the Mesopotamian Campaign during the First World War. General Singh said that he was a cadet at the National Defence Academy when China attacked India in 1962. The deputy commandant of the NDA at the time, Brigadier Hoshiar Singh, was given command of a brigade under the 4th Infantry Division and was killed in action.
We returned to Delhi in the evening, and I had a late-night walk in the Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhawan with President Kalam. It was Ekadashi (the 11th day of the Lunar calendar) and the bright moonlight created a surreal atmosphere. I narrated Parshurama’s story to Dr Kalam and he surprised me by saying that he knew it all. Then he added that during the twenty years he had spent in Thiruvananthapuram, while working for Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), he had learnt about Parshurama, who indeed is considered the “Father of Kerala.” When Parshurama threw his battle axe into the sea, the land of Kerala was reclaimed from the waters.
Later in 2011, I stayed at the Leela Kovalam Beach Hotel. There was a big painting of a majestic king in the lobby. When I inquired who he was, the receptionist told me with a “who-else-could-it-be” look that it was that of Parshurama. While returning, I made it a point to visit the ancient Parashurama temple about six kilometres from the hotel. It is famous for Balitharpanam, where one can pay tribute to one’s ancestors, I was told.
The legend of Parshurama may be all imagination, but it withstood time – thousands of years! That a water body in remote Arunanchal Pradesh bears his name, three officers from the Indian Army claim him, and that he is considered the “Father of Kerala” cannot be brushed aside. Myths carry their own power as they do not happen all at once. They form slowly, and are told and heard by successive generations, grounded in the mill of time until they turn into very fine powder that is everywhere and cannot really be dusted off.
When we look at our own life and times, how do we know what is real and what is imaginary and yet believed to be real? Right in front of my eyes, I saw nine big tech companies, six American and three Chinese, taking the control of the world. We are sucked into global supply chains by online retail and door delivery systems. Our food, or grocery, a plumber, and even a driver for an hour is available by touching the screens of our smartphones a few times. There is a menu for everything, even our emotions. I wonder for how long we would be able to feel our emotion correctly after conveying it through an emoji on the screen day in and day out!
Who imagined this life where a few powerful corporations, say one lakh people, or a million people put together, construct underlying structures and digital machinery that decides, sorts, and controls eight billion people? When I speak to Alexa and my TV shows me what I want, it is a myth coming true for my mother but fun and a given reality for my grandson. But what about a poor, hungry person, or a sick patient without the means for medical care- whom do they call, and would anyone ever respond? Can we escape a future where big nine, ten, or hundred companies have taken over the control of our planet and made a myth out of our own very life!
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Thank You, Sir, for an insightful narration. Curiosity and expectations – your blog exceeds it every time. This time it broadens my mythological understanding of India. My mother told me that Ram and Krishna – names, symbols and temples are everywhere in India. She was alluding to her father’s reflections, who after his retirement in early 1960’s took to an India tour of Char Dham yatra. Your blog takes it forward – even other mythological figures as of Parushram is an all India phenomenon. It points to our deep cultural roots that perhaps were lost in the madness of wars, oppressive feudalism and colonization.
The present-day Indian computer, IT and other knowledge working expert seems hardly aware of such wonders and identify themselves with any other person doing similar work in the world.
The impermanence of our personal existence does not imply forgetting these myths. So when rediscovered, we must relive them and create newer legends and just not end up serving and making the big nine even bigger.
A thought provoking insight into the power of Legends and Myths in our civilization Prof Tiwariji !
Your interpretation of making true the myth of old generation with current technological advancement is superb !!
Respected Arun Sir , Thank you very much for The blog. This blog is an excellent amalgamation of various discipline. It talks about old wisdom in first para , History , Geography , Technology & our Mythology, In successive Which not only superbly digestive but also enhances hunger (Read Curiosity) And elastic & strong substratum of knowledge & understanding .
Yes “No moments ever return in life”, No one knows why? As some basic law of Nature like Cause of gravitational law, Why we are born ? Why ones Dies ? etc . But its extraordinary ( As you beautifully calls Add extra to ordinary ..) ability of us Homo sapiens , to Imagine, to recall, to memorize , To interconnect & to a good extend interpret the complexity about past ,present & future , Makes ruler of this planet & In future may be of other planet. Among many causes of this effect ,One certainly is power of story. As in last para you explained A myth may became truth for your mother But fun & reality for grand son. Nassim Nicolas Taleb wrote in first chapter of his book Black swan, Ideas may come & go , But story are to stay.
But there are people likes You across the globe Who makes humanity convinced to get imprinted the story of past in minds (For few it may be myth & for others belief) By becoming oxygen to life of story. Which makes Legends & Myth .So thank you very much for recalling & representing in yours beautiful way.
Your blog makes me to infer, Our Culture is diversified enough to survive. Intense enough to matter. Like in Past nobody ever dominated humanity far too long gives hope nobody can in future , Because time to time, People like you , will certainly inoculate us with wisdom full story which will make us resistant enough to stand against all dominating power, Gives way to rise, prosper & preserve. PICTURE TO BAKI RAHEGI JAB TAK STORY RAHEGI.
Dear sir, as usual, it’s a wonderfully written article. Thanks to you, I am reading more about Parasuram.
One thing that has stuck to my mind and rings very true in the article is: “Myths carry their own power as they do not happen all at once. They form slowly, and are told and heard by successive generations, grounded in the mill of time until they turn into very fine powder that is everywhere and cannot really be dusted off.” – very beautifully expressed.
Thank you for writing this insightful and informative blog. I read and heard the story of Lord Parasuram in my childhood. The image of Parasuram in my mind is quite in contrast to the image of Ram. I was often told about his anger and his irritable nature. I think there are similar legends in other cultures as well.
In the concluding paragraph of the blog, you have mentioned the growing dominance of technology in our lives. There is a steady onslaught on our individuality and self-direction. The difference between humans and robots may diminish over time. Your blog provides food for thought for us.
Dear Sir, Another thought provoking article from your pen.
In last 2 to 3 years things have changed very fast in terms of technology. Due to Covid-19 restrictions we are forced to stay at home and manage daily work and household work by using smart phones. Sometimes I feel everythings have been planned at a higher level its not happening naturally.
Recently USA has taken a big decision to move out from Afghanistan , this is going to affect the peaceful situation across the world specially in Indian subcontinent.
At one place we are talking about Covid-19 restrictions and at other side there is mass movement of people happening in Afghanistan to other countries including India, are they Covid-19 safe? The whole world seems a myth to me at this moment. Warn Regards
Well quoted Prof Tiwari Ji from the teachings of Buddha: “Impermanence is the hallmark of existence”. Technologies are changing rapidly and each decade is a new decade. We have seen the nation moving so swiftly in our life time. Those above 75 years of age, have even seen a journey from slavery to independence. With this change, we have seen remarkable adaptive capacity of human race. May be the hidden teaching of myths offer these capacities!
Yet another important issue you touched upon is diminishing writing, speaking and expression capabilities. It needs serious attention by all fronts, society, schools, and colleges.
Thank you for sharing your thought provoking and insightful write up on how technology and the American and Chinese companies have made life easy and miserable in another way. Situation has come to such a state that even to buy a packet of milk and bread by going out to market has become a big task. People have become so lazy especially the youth. I was there with you on this trip. Your ability to keep in memory even minute things happened 13 years ago in such detail is really wonderful.
Another fascinating story from your personal life Prof. Tiwari blended in with a nice mythical story of Lord Parshurama! Thank you for sharing as I learn from every one of your great posts.
Technology is accelerating change in our lives like never before – mainly for the better. However, the concentration of power in managing such technology in the hands of governments and large corporations is worrisome. I leave it in God’s hands to enable technology to improve the lives of all those on our planet.
Dear Sir, I can’t even imagine life without legends. I grew up hearing stories about Alluri Sitarama Raju (1898 –1924) a revolutionary born in Bhimavaram in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. He revolted against the British and mobilized thousands of youths in an armed struggle. A great archer, he was the modern age Parasurama. He was eventually trapped by the British in the forests of Chintapalle, tied to a tree and shot dead. When as a child I saw a Telugu film made on him with actor Krishna playing his role, I had goosebumps. I would sing the “Telugu Veera” song of Ghantasala for many months while playing around. Though he lived for merely 26 years, he is indeed immortal for us.
Dear Sir, my personal legend is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, and I could tell him that he visited Care Hospital in 2007. He asked me why I feel that way and I replied that I can see greatness in him. I will forget his answer. He told me, “You have to cut off a little piece of yourself no matter how much it hurts, in order to grow, in order to move on.” The entire story came alive after reading this wonderful blog. I feel one doesn’t need to be legendary all the time. Even if one can just be legendary for ten minutes a day, there would be transformation around.
Dear Sir, thank you for a very interesting blog. A poem comes to my mind:
Legends never die
When the world is calling you
Can you hear them screaming out your name?
Legends never die
They become a part of you
Every time you bleed for reaching greatness
Relentless you survive.
My personal legend is Samuel in The Bible. I tried to look at both sides in any situation in life.
Lord Parasurama always intrigued me. He was a great tapasvi and a warrior. He carried several traits, which included aggression, warfare, and valor: also, serenity, prudence, and patience. On one hand he is the child of Kshatriya mother Renuka and Brahmin father Jamadagni and on the other the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. When Shri Rama meets him on the famous occasion of his marriage after breaking Shiva’s bow, Lord Parshurama recognizes him as the seventh incarnation and retires to Mountains. One of my friends is a ‘Vatsa’ gotra brahmin and he says that people of this gotra are direct descendents of Parshurama. Very interesting blog Tauji.
Fantastic writing Sir. I envy the experience. May I add that the area between Vapi River to Tapi River in South Gujarat is called “Parshuram ni bhoomi.” I read in my school this poem of Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar,’ describing Lord Parasurama: मुखमें वेद पीठ पर तरकस ,कर में कठिन कुठार विमल / शाप और शर दोनों ही थे जिस महान ऋषि के संबल. India must celebrate this spirit of Lord Parasurama. We are surrounded by very wicked nations and unless we take an aggressive stance, things may turn bad in future.
One look at the Justice emblem is enough to conclude ….. Justice for all. The balancing factor kicks in. Verdict can-not be biased. The fulcrum whether man held or machine controlled has to be absolutely straight in the center. That’s what I infer from your new Blog – Legends and Myths.
One thing for sure in your blogs Arun ji besides a plethora of varied interesting topics are your official travel trips and episodes highlighting countries, places and anecdotes from world over. Your association with Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam and the windows you open time and again to let us peep in is like a ray of that bright sun light leaving a happy pattern on the Blog readers mind. Do continue please, we love and like these peek-a-boo. Especially when a lady Major of the Indian army checks if you are the co-author of Wings of fire – your blushing is well taken.
Legends I agree if it appears time and again and from different and varied places, through different people, different religion, cults and sources do have some basis. There has to be some power some truth and some unknown force which pierces it in to make one believe in its value and its authenticity. The legend of Parshurama appears one of such legends. It forces one to take notice and believe in the power behind such reappearances, though needing a thought and a belief.
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All myths are not fable and several in today’s time and era have proved to be true. You have rightly put it : “It is a myth coming true for my mother but fun and a given reality for my grandson.” Our parents not to talk about grandparents could never have thought about the hurdle race to be so easily run and straddled by the world – creating and making a super Olympic record. The digital revolution of the last twenty five years has made impossible and a myth not long ago into possible and reality. Unbelievable though it is it hasn’t stopped. The next twenty five years may find us taking a honeymoon trip to the moon. Possible. Anything and everything is possible. It is no longer a myth but a reality. Life expectancy just after a decade or two could be a century on an average. It tends to redefine myth. Puts it in ‘a believe it’ situation. It may now not need patience over generations and the belief to say it’s not a myth but reality.
That’s why my conjecture – Legends and Myths, The past and the present. The present and the future all need a stable balance, a stable and an open mind to accept and absorb the intricacies of life.
Respected Sir, a very beautiful picture and an excellent story. Lord Parashurama is the most enigmatic hero in Indian mythology. He is considered as the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Guru of three great warriors Bhishma, Dronacharya and Karna.
Parasurama legends are notable for their discussion of violence, the cycles of retaliations, the impulse of anger, its inappropriateness, and repentance. I am from Uttarakhand and would like to go by the lady Major you mentioned. He indeed lives in Uttarakhand. According to Shrimad Bhagavata Purana (9.16.26):
आस्तेऽद्यापि महेन्द्राद्रौ न्यस्तदण्ड: प्रशान्तधी: ।
उपगीयमानचरित: सिद्धगन्धर्वचारणै: ॥
Lord Parashurama still lives as an intelligent brahmaṇa in the mountainous country known as Mahendra. Completely satisfied, having given up all the weapons of a kṣatriya, he is always worshiped, adored and offered prayers for his exalted character and activities by such celestial beings as the Siddhas, Caranas and Gandharvas. Keep writing such refreshing blogs Sir.
Very interesting, informative and thought provoking blog Arun bhai! Keep writing.
Dear Sir, Very thought provoking article from you as always. Your last paragraph sums it all. What is myth for my mother is a reality for my grandson is the most appropriate conclusion. But your concern for poor and have-nots is something which makes us pause and think. But I do believe that with right amount of education in right direction will enable to bridge the gap between haves and have-nots. But the bottom line is right education. In the last two to three decades we have seen some very poor students making mark in the corporate world and the general level( standard of living) of many has gone up reasonably high. Let us hope and pray that majority of the people will be at par. Thank you once again an excellent article sir.
Happy Independence Day Sir. And thank you for this excellent blog. I consider it the best from your pen.
Seven different beings were given the boon of being immortal.
अश्वत्थामाबलिर्व्यासोहनुमांश्चबिभीषणः।
कृपःपरशुरामश्चसप्तैतेचिरजीविनः॥
Rishi Vyasa, Lord Hanuman, Vibhishana, Mahabali, Ashwatthama, Kripacharya, and Lord Parashurama are the seven immortal beings.
I would not over worry about our lives being taken over by nine big high tech companies. The regulation of these companies must be undertaken by governments. The U.S. government, for example, through its executive, judicial, and legislative branches, is beginning to take aggressive antitrust action against offending tech companies, which now realize it is in their best interest to be regulated. And the European Union has taken major antitrust enforcement actions against U.S. tech companies. The greater concern is that repressive governments, such as today’s China run by the Chinese Communist Party, will use the Internet and social media to further the oppression of their own people.
Great piece of writing Sir!
Lohit valley is where I do farming. We grow ginger and haldi there. The finest people on earth live there. You stay few hours with the tribal people and you realize how small in our outlook we are towards nature, community, relationships, etc. Even today we have to travel only few hours to feel this difference.
Myths are created, especially in India, for benefits of one particular class. Parsuram was everywhere. And Pandavas, for sure, were traveling all over the country. Every big rock, anywhere, is Bhim Shila…”offer some money please”. Every unauthorized temple in middle of the road is a ‘ Pandav Kaleen Mandir’….don’t touch it please.
Corporations and technology are transient. But our myths will survive. Another ‘Pandav Kaleen Mandir’ in in making….
Great piece, thanks Prof!
In military science, we teach that “opportunities are fleeting in nature”. Soldiers are taught to seize opportunities in the “fog of war'”; that’s how victories come.
This beautiful piece on myths and legends is inspiring. many thousands of miles away from Indica, Rwanda has similar myths … What is also common and inspiring (especially for soldiers), is that tales of bravery and conquest live on. The current generation of Rwandan soldiers, spread across the continent of Africa in peacekeeping operations, from Central African Republic, Darfur, South Sudan and to Mozambique, is largely inspired by tales of their great great grandfathers’ heroic feats across the region. Most of the tales are myths. Why do myths and legends live on? Interesting …
Enjoyed reading your blog. As always very informative and at the same time throwing light on the diversity that we have in our great country.
Your ending para was quite thought provoking. Technology is advancing logarithmically, leaving us in the dark about where will this end. What will remain are emotions, values and respect for a fellow citizen of the world, or is thus a wishful thinking?
When we think about life today, the realms of yesterday and the future in the offing..the disconnect becomes a grave reality. It is complex one in the sphere of haves and have-nots. But stark reality is civilizations have prospered on the foundation of have-nots smothered to prosper the self. Need to learn from mistakes. Politics and economic disparities have always ruled the roost. I always live on foundation of hope that a day will come where we all become on par… God willing!!