“You are right Bhairavi….” The Acharya said, “Rikshavi is shooting intuitively. Her archery almost seems effortless. This is because all her senses simultaneously get focused on the target. Many yogis have to struggle for years to achieve this state. But………..”
The Acharya took a long pause and looked at Rikshavi, as if in deep thought. “But what Acharya? Please guide me!” Bhairavi impatiently broke into his thoughts. “Your apprehension is not misplaced my dear” the Acharya said, “this way of shooting has its own disadvantages. There are many things in this world that can dilute her focus. The list of these things will keep increasing as she grows. And if she loses her inherent focus, she will not be able to shoot effectively.”
“Should we then force her to learn the technique by rote, Acharya?” asked Bhairavi. “No my dear… Such gifted people are not able to learn by technique. If you force the technique on her, that too, at this age, she will lose her interest in archery itself!” the Acharya replied. “Then what do we do, Acharya?” Bhairavi was perturbed.
“Well” said the Acharya, “we should teach her to control the things that dilute her focus. Before that, we need to teach her to identify the things that can dilute her focus!” Bhairavi was thoroughly confused. “I don’t know how to achieve this Acharya! And we do not have enough time to spend under your able guidance. Will she ever excel in archery?” Bhairavi’s words were full of disappointment. “Calm down child” Acharya Shashwat smilingly said, “She will learn this. If she can grasp what I tell her now, she will definitely learn it. And I am sure that she is intelligent enough.” “And I am sure you have a novel way of simplifying what you tell her!” Bhairavi replied, knowing the teaching methods adopted by her teacher.
The Acharya called out to Rikshavi. “You have to show me your skills again, my child. But this time, the target will be a little different. Will you obey me Rikshavi?” he asked. “Yes Acharya” Rikshavi replied. “Do you see that bird sitting on that tree?” the Acharya pointed out, “You have to shoot that bird!”
Rikshavi was shocked. “But Acharya, why should we kill that bird? It is so beautiful…. Look Maa – it has such lovely colourful feathers!” Rikshavi tried to reason. “Lift your bow and arrow Rikshavi! You have promised me that you will obey me! Shoot that bird! Now! And make sure that you don’t miss the target!” the Acharya sternly ordered.
With moist eyes, Rikshavi raised her bow and released an arrow towards the bird. But the arrow missed the bird. The bird simply flew away, shocked by the arrow which zipped past it. Rikshavi desperately shot another arrow in the direction of the flying bird, but in vain. “Hadn’t I told you to ensure that you do not miss the target, Rikshavi?” the Acharya sternly asked, “You purposely missed the target, didn’t you?” “No Acharya, I tried my best. Believe me; I did not do it purposely! Forgive me Acharya!” Rikshavi tearily said and looked at her mother for validation. “She is not lying Acharya! I know my daughter!” Bhairavi added.
The Acharya suddenly broke into a smile. “I know that Bhairavi. Rikshavi is not lying. But tell me child, if you had earnestly tried to target the bird, why did you miss it? I have not seen you missing a single target till now!” Rikshavi was confused. She had made up her mind to shoot the bird. Why couldn’t she still hit the target?
The Acharya continued…“You are an intuitive archer my child. Unless your subconscious mind accepts a target, your body will not align itself towards it. Though you had consciously decided to shoot the bird as per my order, your heart felt compassion for it. Hence your subconscious mind did not allow you to shoot it. Even if you try this again, you will not be successful!
Rikshavi listened intently as the Acharya continued further… “There will be so many such emotions and distractions which will prevent you from hitting your target, my child. You will have to overcome such emotions my dear….”
“But can I not have simple things like compassion in my heart Acharya?” Rikshavi asked. “Of course, child, it’s human to have such emotions...” the Acharya replied, “Your emotions withhold you from committing a wrong deed. The same way, your emotions prevented you from killing the innocent bird. But your emotions, if misplaced, can make you completely inefficient. What if the situation was different? Imagine you were in a situation where your convoy was lost in the forest with no food around. Would you allow them to go hungry because you felt compassion for the bird? No. You would need the bird’s meat to survive. You should be able to judge whether your emotions are misplaced, Rikshavi. And you should also know your own limitations. You cannot shoot the bird, when it is flying high in the sky. There is a certain distance after which your aim would not work. You need to allow the bird to come close enough to shoot. Once you are able to grasp your emotions and your limitations, you will never miss your target!”
Rikshavi was stunned. She hung on to every word that the Acharya said. “But how would I know what is wrong and what is right… whether my emotions are misplaced…. and what are my limitations? She asked. “You have to figure it out yourself, my dear. What is right and what is wrong is a very subtle question. The answer can differ as per the situation and context” the Acharya replied. “So what should we do Acharya?” Rikshavi asked. “Ask God!” the Acharya replied.
Rikshavi was puzzled. The Acharya smilingly continued, “Yes my dear. Each one of us is born with an element of God inside us… It’s called the conscience. As they grow up, many people lose the ability to converse with this God within them. Such people end up committing bad deeds. But you have the ability to listen to your conscience Rikshavi… Just keep this voice open in your heart always…”
The Acharya smilingly looked at the bewildered Rikshavi. After all, she was just a ten year old girl. He placed a hand over her shoulder and said “Someday, when you grow up, you will understand the meaning of my words, princess! Till then, just remember two things – One, meditate everyday and keeping listening to your inner voice. Two – keep practicing archery every single day. You should have so much practice in archery that once the target is decided, your arrow should be released involuntarily, without any thought or effort” Rikshavi nodded and bowed to touch the Acharya’s feet. He blessed her.
The mother and daughter silently went back to the palace, as if in a trance. Bhairavi kept stealing glances at her daughter as they walked. Her little Rikshavi suddenly seemed to look more mature…..
*****
“Stop your practice, Rikshavi. Sit near me calmly and close your eyes” Acharya Shashwat sternly ordered. Rikshavi was missing her targets during one of her regular practice sessions. Acharya Shashwat approached her. Rikshavi obeyed him. As she closed her eyes, she saw General Taarak, the wily commander – in – chief of the Kosal army. They were standing at the courtyard in the premises of the royal palace of Kosal. “Don’t be under the false impression that you can match Kshatriya men in archery little girlie” he sneered, “its better that you learn the art of pleasing your husband instead… Women are born to serve and entertain men and to produce babies…. Not to wield bows and arrows!”
The flash of that incident sent an angry pulse in Rikshavi’s head. But she kept her eyes closed…. Slowly, she calmed down… her breath slowed down… She saw her mother and Acharya Shashwat encouragingly smile at her as she held a bow and an arrow. She pulled the bowstring… the arrow was released… and it hit the bull’s eye! Rikshavi slowly opened her eyes. “I will not let the perceptions of other people affect me!” she resolved and got back to her practice. Acharya Shashwat watched her with contentment.
*****
“Your mother is calling you back Rikshavi” Baijaamaa called out, “Queen Chandrika has arranged for kheer to celebrate your eleventh birthday!” “Who is this little boy?” asked Rikshavi, as Baijaamaa walked towards her in the Kosal palace garden, with a little boy holding her finger. “He is my grandson, Rikshavi! said Baijaamaa, “His name is Suketu. He is six years old. My family resides here in Sravasti!” “Hello Suketu!” Rikshavi cheerfully g
reeted the little kid. “Hello Licchavi! Greetings for your birthday!” he said. Everyone laughed at his pronunciation of Rikshavi’s name.
“I have seen you practice bow and arrow Licchavi, Suketu said, “you are so good!” Rikshavi smiled. “Will you teach me bow and arrow Licchavi?” he asked. Baijaamaa panicked. She quickly glanced at the people around her. Samarjit and General Taarak were staring at her grandson. Baijaamaa hurriedly picked him up and turned to leave.
“You are not allowed to learn archery Suketu!” General Taarak derisively called out…, “You are not a Kshatriya!” Rikshavi was annoyed. She turned to Samarjit. “Are the rules regarding this same in Vaishali Samarjit?” she asked. “Yes, Your Highness!” Samarjit replied, “Only Brahmins, Kshatriyas and royal families can learn archery! Suketu is neither a Brahmin, nor a Kshatriya. He will have to own a kingdom to learn archery…” “Sorry Suketu, forget a kingdom, I cannot gift you even a small piece of land!” Rikshavi said to a forlorn Suketu. “But I can surely teach you bow and arrow!” she whispered to him as they walked back. Both of them giggled and shook hands.
*****
Finally, after seven long and eventful months, Queen Bhairavi and Princess Rikshavi took leave of King Mahendra. Suketu also decided to come along to Vaishali with Baijamaa. He looked very happy. At last, he would be learning “bow and arrow” from “Licchavi”.
“Take care, father….” Bhairavi told King Mahendra. “Take care Maa!” she told Queen Chandrika, and sought their blessings. Rikshavi hugged her dear grandparents. “God bless you my child, may you have a long life” King Mahendra blessed her. “See you at my coronation, sister!” Indraneel said to Bhairavi as she took his leave. “His Highness would be sending his royal representatives, brother! I may not be able to come again so soon. I have already spent a long time here. My good wishes shall always be with you! Take care of father and mother…” she replied. The royal entourage set off for Vrij….
*****
CHAPTER 5
THE BATTLE OF KAAWAR
“Keep your feet perpendicular to the target Suketu… and keep them apart at your shoulder length… Good!.... Now focus on the target… Pull the string, and shoot!”
“It is indeed a challenge to teach archery to a little boy…” Rikshavi thought to herself. She was a tall twelve year old girl now and had started using regular weapons. She gradually gave all her childhood weapons to Suketu. Soon, little boys and girls from the neighbourhood started accompanying him. Rikshavi’s classes were full…. All were welcome at the huge courtyard at the backside of the palace! Queen Bhairavi arranged smaller weapons for Rikshavi’s little friends. Prime Minister Prabhavsen discreetly gave special instructions to the guards at the backside of the palace….
*****
“We have conquered the Gurjara kingdom, Your Highness!” King Vrajesh smiled with contentment as he heard the messenger. He happily removed his gold anklet and gave it to him. “I am proud of Commander Vajrasen!” the King exclaimed, as he turned to Prime Minister Prabhavsen. “This is indeed excellent news, Your Highness! But I had a request…” Prabhavsen replied, avoiding eye contact with the King. “Tell me, Prime Minister…” the King asked with a grim look. “Well, I request that the army be given some rest now… We need to retain them in Vaishali for some while…. Our intelligence reports indicate that Magadh is secretly conspiring against us…. There might be an attack. We have to be well equipped….” “I agree…” the King said after a long pause, “We can begin our search in the Gurjara kingdom in the meanwhile….” “I will make the required arrangements!” Prabhavsen eagerly responded. “Also make arrangements for a grand welcome of our victorious commander!” the King ordered.
*****
It was just a few months after Rikshavi’s fifteenth birthday. Rikshavi was feeling a little sick since morning. But she managed to attend her daily archery practice. Suddenly, she felt that her stomach was churning. She felt tiny cramps in her lower abdomen. She kept her bow and arrow aside and sat down for awhile holding her abdomen. She was aghast to see tiny crimson droplets trickle down her thighs, drenching the long antariya draped on her legs. She rushed back to her chamber in the palace…….
*****
The ritual of Ritu Shanti was performed in the royal palace of Vrij for Princess Rikshavi. Ritu Shanti commemorated the beginning of the menstrual cycle of a girl. Rikshavi became increasingly depressed after her first menstrual cycle. She stopped her archery practice. She stopped teaching archery to kids. She confined herself in her chambers for days and refused to meet anybody. Queen Bhairavi initially ignored this, with a hope that Rikshavi will soon be drawn out towards her bow and arrows. But she was alarmed when fifteen days passed by like this. She and Baijaamaa visited Rikshavi one morning.
“What’s the matter Rikshavi? Have you forgotten your promise made to Acharya Shashwat? Why have you stopped practicing your archery?” Queen Bhairavi asked. Baijaamaa sat down near Rikshavi and simply placed a hand on Rikshavi’s back to console her. Rikshavi looked at her mother and exclaimed, “General Taarak was right Maa! Women are not born for learning archery!”
“General Taarak is a big fool” Bhairavi thundered. “Would Acharya Shashwat have told you to practice archery if it was so, Rikshu?” she asked. “But this is so unfair Maa! Why am I supposed to suffer every month like this? Why is God so unfair?” Rikshavi asked.
Baijaamaa looked sympathetically at Rikshavi. She was about to say something, but Bhairavi stopped her. “Please Baijaamaa, don’t start preaching now that women should learn to bear all such sufferings!”, she said; and turned to Rikshavi, “Rikshavi, who told you that it is a suffering in the first place? It is NOT!” “No Maa. It is frustrating!” howled Rikshavi.
“Calm down child!” Bhairavi consoled her, “This is a boon in disguise, young lady!” Rikshavi wiped her tears and looked quizzically at her mother. “Yes dear…. It gives you the power to give birth to another life! God creates new life through women, Rikshavi. As time passes, this will become routine, just like your daily ablutions. And if you remain physically active in general, your abdomen pain will be negligible. Don’t worry child. Everything will be fine.” Rikshavi curled up in her mother’s arms. She felt calm after what seemed like a long turbulent time….
*****
“Bhairavi, I wanted to speak to you about Rikshavi”, Baijaamaa said, as they came out of Rikshavi’s chambers. Queen Bhairavi simply looked at Baijaamaa quizzically. “Don’t worry dear” Baijamaa said, “I am not going to preach anything. I was just suggesting that Rikshavi may feel better if you take her for an outing somewhere…… may be to Sravasti”. “You are right Baijaamaa. I think we should take her out. I will speak to His Highness about this. Thank you, Baijaamaa!”
*****
“So my Queen wants to go for an outing!” Vrajesh playfully exclaimed. “Yes Vrajesh. I want to take Rikshavi out somewhere. How about Sravasti?” asked Bhairavi. “I will make arrangements for your travel, but only on two conditions” replied Vrajesh. “And what are they?” Bhairavi asked with a half frown. “Hmmm… Condition one, instead of Sravasti, you women should go to Kaawar and condition two, you should take me along with you!” Bhairavi broke into a broad smile. “Thank you so much Vrajesh”, she said, “Kaawar is a beautiful place. We have a palace there on the banks of a beautiful lake….. Oh, I forgot its name….” “It’s the Vihanga Taal, Bhairavi. Do you remember the time when we had stayed there?” Vrajesh dreamily asked, as he looked longingly at Bhairavi. As Vrajesh came close to her, the bells of the palace sounded the seventh prahara. The half moon barely lit the sky outside. The royal couple gazed into each other’s eyes in the dim oil lamps of the palace…..
*****
Vihanga Taal was an idyllic lake located at Kaawar, a place on the northern banks of the river Ganga and the southern border of the kingdom of Vrij. It was a huge freshwater lake with a unique geographical formation – it was an elongated meandering curve - shaped lake with mushy land in the middle. It was
surrounded by tiny pockets of forest lands.
“This is the largest freshwater lake in the entire Bharatkhanda, Your Highness! It has a distinct curved shape with mushy land in middle. It would take around two days to travel the entire circumference of the lake!” Shanmukh, the old caretaker of the royal palace in Kaawar, was enthusiastically telling the royal family about the place, as they proceeded to the palace along the banks of the lake. “Birds of different species are found in and around this lake. It has around a hundred resident species. Around sixty species of birds migrate from far and wide to this place in winter…” he added.
“Oh! Hence the name Vihanga Taal!” exclaimed Rikshavi. ‘Vihanga’ was a Sanskrit word which meant ‘a bird’ and ‘Taal’ meant ‘a lake’. “But why is this lake curved in shape Shanmukhji?” asked Rikshavi, “This is very unusual!” “This place is located on the northern banks of the river Ganga, Your Highness! People say that this lake was formed due to flood water of the Ganga. When the waters receded, the contours of the region and the meandering action of the water flow created a huge curved water body with silted mushy land in the middle. You will not be able to see that piece of land easily due to the vast expanse of the lake. That land is covered with vegetation and is a habitat of birds… Such are the wonders of mother nature, Your Highness!” “Amazing!” exclaimed Rikshavi. The royal entourage, complete with Samarjit and his soldiers; quietly followed the royal family, savoring the natural beauty around them.
*****
The palace at Kaawar was a beautiful two storied structure, situated on one of the banks of the Vihanga Taal. It offered a picturesque view of the vast lake, the surrounding forests and the myriad birds flying across this tranquil scene. The palace was surrounded by a small garden which had scented flowers. As they entered, Rikshavi saw a few rectangular wooden blocks strewn at the entrance. The blocks had two equidistant shallow holes on the top and were carved out in a curvature at the bottom, to make them stand. They looked like tiny wooden benches with holes. “What are these strange wooden blocks Shanmukhji?” Rikshavi enquired, “I have seen a lot of them on our way”. “They are torch holders, Your Highness!” said Shanmukh, “The tapering wooden handle of a torch is fixed in the shallow hole made inside the wooden blocks. These blocks are used in Kaawar to hold torches which illuminate places after dark. They are also helpful to ward off animals from the forest at night”
The Rigveda Code Page 5