Pole_Star

The Samudra Manthana (The churning of the Great Ocean).....

Eons ago, the Devas (the Gods) and the Asuras (the Demons) had come together to churn the Great Ocean in quest of the Ultimate Drink-- The Amrita, the Elixir of Immortality.

But before they could get it, what was produced was the most lethal poison ever known-- The Halaahala. It was powerful enough to destroy the creation in a matter of a few moments. But fortunately, they were saved-- saved by the graciousness of the Great God.

However, the quest for the Elixir did not end after Amrita was obtained for once. Many centuries later, when the search for the divine nectar starts once again, the world is faced with the terrible threat of another poison-- one that can wipe off all life from the face of the Earth. 

That is when a princess whose life had been seemingly simple realises how deeply she is connected to the fate of the world. A meeting with a mysterious stranger upturns her entire world, only to elevate her from a human to a Goddess!

Will Mallika succeed in solving the mysteries of her birth? Will she be able to play her role in saving the creation from imminent destruction once again? Will she be able to reunite with the one for whom she has been born again and again-- across the boundaries of time?

Read on to find out...

NOTE: The characters of this story are based on inspirations from Indian Mythology. The setting too is in ancient India... Hope you enjoy the novel!!

MALLIKARJUNA

In the last chapter, I used certain terms that require a little elaboration. So here is the short bonus chapter for that purpose. Keep reading and share your ideas in the comments below!!


Yoga-- It is a very extensive and intricately designed process for spiritual development. It originated in India and encompasses a set of eight primary steps that act as eight limbs of this ancient science. They are together called 'Ashtanga Yoga'.


In today's world, the term yoga is commonly used as a reference to yogasanas, or the various physical postures involved in yoga that can not only aid in spritual growth, but also keep the body and mind in a state of health and well-being. However, the science of Yoga is much more than just that.


A yogi is one who follows the path of yoga.


Ashta Siddhis-- The word 'Siddhi' literally translates as accomplishments. However, the Ashta Siddhis refer to eight divine abilities or powers. These include--


Anima-- This gives one the ability to shrink the size of his body down to even atomic scales. 


Mahima-- It enables one to increase the size of his body, even gaining gigantic forms.


Garima-- It allows one to increase the weight of his body. One can even become immovable using this Siddhi.


Laghima-- This makes the user decrease in weight. One can become as light as a feather and even be able to fly using this Siddhi.


Prapti-- It allows one to immediately get the things they desire, as if out of thin air. (Lord Arjun speaks of this Siddhi while producing the set of clothes).


Prakamya-- This Siddhi enables the user to adjust and adapt to the situation they are in. For example, it gives one the ability to survive for extended periods of time even under water.


Isitva-- This allows one to influence and have control over natural phenomenon. One having this Siddhi can cause it to rain as per his will, or stop it from raining altogether.


Vasitva-- This gives one the ability to influence and control the minds of other people and also of animals. 


These Ashta Siddhis can be gained through Sadhana (spiritual exercise) or through pure and strong devotion. However, even if one gains them, they should never be used for harming others or inflicting injury upon the forces of nature.


Pancha Tattva-- This is a reference to the Five elements, namely-- Prithvi (or Earth), Agni (or Fire), Vayu (or Air), Jal (or Water), and Aakash (or space). 


It is believed that creation is primarily composed of these five elements. Mastery over these can help one to take complete charge of his faculties.


!!BONUS CHAPTER -2!!