The Secret of the Chalisa

by Subhanand, Dr. Runjhun Saxena

  “Let’s see what he has to offer us. He said he had something very important, what could be more important than the ingredient which he sent to the wrong person. We need to wait and watch,” suggested Pawan.

  It was almost noon when they received Satyavrat and reached Pawan’s house.

  “You can change and take some rest, the guest room is on the right,” Pawan said.

  “Oh no, there’s no time to rest. I’m still feeling guilty for the blunder I made. I ordered some more Shankh Bhasm and antimony extract of a better variety and got it for you. But that’s not the point, I’ve got something madam especially ordered me to deliver it to you, Sanjeev,” he said as he opened his suitcase and took out a cardboard box. Within it was a sculpture covered with paper and bubble wrap. He cautiously removed the cover to display a beautifully carved statue of Lakshman. It was dressed in saffron colored clothes and held a bow on his shoulder. On his back was a quiver of arrows. The statue was serene and portrayed a calm look on its face. It was almost the same size as the statue of goddess Sita and likewise had an indentation in its feet.

  “Oh you had this too?” Bhumija cried out in surprise. While Satyavrat was confused at her remark, Pawan and Sanjeev exchanged puzzled glances.

  “How did you get this?’ asked Bhumija.

  Madam had sent a courier to me sometime back with a note that I should hand it over to Sanjeev when the time comes,” answered Satyavrat.

  “I think it’s time to let you in to the secret,” Pawan said and explained him the story so far. Meanwhile Bhumija brought out the wooden box from inside and placed the other statue over it in the same manner. “I think it will go on the leftmost side,” said Pawan. The statue again fitted like a thud, and was locked into its place. Satyavrat was befuddled to see all this.

  “I’m not sure if I should be surprised at this or not, but there’s one more thing I have to give you.” This time he took out a red velvet square box of the size of one’s palm. He opened it to reveal the most beautiful looking ring studded with a bright red gemstone. It glistened as light fell on it.

  “This is Padparadscha Sapphire, found specifically in Sri Lanka. It is a very rare stone and is known for its peculiar pink yellow shade which resembles salmon. The term Padparadscha means lotus bloom and the stone is as beautiful as that. If you see this ring in sunlight you will see ‘Ram’ embossed on it. Probably it was made like this on special order by Madam. The order was placed by her at a much known jeweler; she had asked me to collect and sent it to you. But this is such a precious thing that I thought I should personally give it to you,” explained Satyavrat.

  The ring took everyone in a state of awe. While they were busy gazing at it, Satyavrat took the booklet and started reading further.

  “Can anyone explain me the meaning of these verses?” he asked. “Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu.”

  “It denotes the distance between the sun and the earth,” said Pawan.

  “Are you kidding me? Who would calculate that distance in those times,” Satyavrat argued.

  “Someone who has actually been there, and that is none other than Hanuman,” Pawan replied confidently. “You don’t believe me, right?” said Pawan seeing the bewildered look on Satyavrat’s face. “Why don’t you check your Wikipedia?”

  Satyavrat couldn’t believe what he just heard, but just to find out the sanctity of the verse, he googled. He was equally amazed to find the answer so correctly explained that he read aloud, “juga means the sum of Four Yugas (1 complete Mahayuga) with unit in divine years.

  Satiyuga= 4800 divine years;

  Tretayuga=3600 divine years;

  Dwaparyuga=2400 divine years;

  Kaliyuga=1200 divine years;

  So 1juga= 12000 divine years;

  Now next is sahastra which is a common Sanskrit word meaning "1000"

  Next is jojan also known as Yojan that equals to 8 miles

  Let’s calculate distance of sun from earth

  Juga X Sahastra X jojan (in miles) = 12000X1000X8= 960,00000 miles

  Now 1 mile= 1.6km

  So 960,00000 miles= 960,00000X1.6 km = 1536,00000km.

  Today estimated distance is approximately 15,0000000 km which is close to above.”

  “Was it such a close estimate?” Sanjeev inquired.

  “Yes it is, the proof is right in front of you,” said Pawan.

  “What does the remaining verse means,” asked Satyavrat.

  “It’s a story of Hanuman’s childhood. As a child he loved eating mangoes. One day when he gazed outside the window he saw the image of sun peeping through the leaves on a tree. He mistook it as a giant fruit and started flying towards it in order to eat it. However, little did he know that it was the sun and couldn’t be eaten by him. With his strong willpower he reached in space and ate the sun. When Indra heard about it he hit Hanuman with his Vajra which broke the chin. Sun was rescued and Hanuman was free from his ignorance. This story explains how the mind of a child is, free from any impediment with a strong willpower to achieve anything as big as the sun. However, it should be free from arrogance and pride which is signified by the broken chin,” Pawan explained. “The next verse is also very informative. When Hanuman had to go to Lanka in search of Goddess Sita, he took with him Lord Ram's ring in his mouth as a token of identification. He then did the most difficult task of crossing the ocean and reaching Lanka. Keeping the ring in the mouth actually means chanting the name of Ram. With faith in His name, one can overcome the most difficult task and attain true intelligence. This pure intelligence, personified as Sita, helps an individual to blend into the soul, personified by Ram.”

  “I’ve never heard something as divine as this,” exclaimed Satyavrat.

  “I know I’m being kiddish, but the literal meaning of the verse is to put the ring in the mouth,” said Bhumija. “Shouldn’t we try putting this ring in the mouth too?”

  Everyone burst out into laughter, something which was missing since a few days. “You’re funny Bhumija,” said Pawan.

  “But there’s no harm in trying,” supported Sanjeev. “In fact the ring has ‘Ram’ written on it, so it won’t be wrong in placing it in one’s mouth.”

  With this Bhumija took the ring and placed it in her mouth. The moment she placed it in, there was a strange sensation. She felt a strange taste, a mix of sweet and sour blending in her mouth. There was a feeling of crackling as if numerous small fireworks were bursting in her mouth. Then there was a choking sensation as if something was blocking her windpipe and as a reflex she spitted out the contents. Sanjeev was startled at her response and was patting her back to relieve the choking.

  “It seemed that the ring melted in my mouth,” she said regaining her breath. Sanjeev hastily ran for a glass of water for her. While they were busy resuscitating her, Satyavrat observed something and said pointing to the floor, “The ring actually melted. The stone has come out of the ring and strangely the word ‘Ram' has disappeared from it.”

  Chapter 18

  Durgaam kaj jagat ke jete Sugam anugraha tumhre tete

  The burden of all difficult tasks of the world become light with your kind grace.

  Ram dware tum rakhvare, Hoat na agya binu paisare

  You are the sentry at the door of Shri Ram's Divine Abode. No one can enter it without your permission.

  “I can’t believe my eyes. All this is so strange yet true,” remarked Satyavrat. “I suppose you should keep the stone safely with you Sanjeev,” he said handing the velvet box to Sanjeev. “Have you got all the material needed or do you still need to procure some?”

  “The rightful owner of the stone is Pawan Sir. He can keep it safely in his home. We have all the needed stuff; however titration of the ingredients in their exact doses is remaining. I can’t even use the lab now as it is not safe to work there,” replied Sanjeev.

  “So you have the amount and volume required for medicinal properties?”asked Satyavrat.

  “No.”

  “What about the dura
tion and the medium required for heating them, do you have that? Type of vessel required mixing the materials, storage conditions, dilution volume, study subjects, have you worked out all the details?”

  “No, I don’t have any answer for that. The medicine needs to be prepared in earthen vessels which are there in lab. Rest I’ve not figured out how I’ll do,” Sanjeev said sincerely.

  “Ok, we’ll find out some solution. I think if Madam had collected the materials she would have worked out the composition and method also. Maybe she has left some trace of it somewhere,” asked Satyavrat.

  “There’s a personal lab of Bua in the house, we can check that,” suggested Bhumija.

  Sanjeev, Satyavrat followed Bhumija to the back of the house where the lab was. The lab was a small space occupied neatly by wooden cupboards, workstation and glassware in cabinets. They searched the drawers, cabinets and cupboards but couldn’t find anything. Neither there was earthenware nor any document for drug formulation.

  “I have to go to the department to get earthenware pots. But I want to go only after Kamalbali has left the department,” said Sanjeev.

  “How will you go after college closes?” asked Satyavrat.

  “I have a spare key, I’ll sneak in somehow.”

  It was almost evening by the time they discussed about the drug, and the college was about to close. Sanjeev went to the college alone and slowly swept into the department without coming in anyone’s notice. He looked here and there and then slowly took out the key to open the lock. As he inserted the key in, he felt a hand touching his shoulders. He froze in fear of being caught in his theft. As he turned he saw the gatekeeper.

  “Chaubeyji,” he exclaimed.

  “Sanjeev babu? I never thought you would become a thief one day,” said Chaubey ji.

  “I have always worked late hours in the lab, it’s nothing new, you know it too,” Sanjeev defended himself.

  “But I know your work is over now. After Madam expired I don’t trust anyone, so I don’t allow anyone in the lab after college hours. I’ll take you to the principal,” he said trying to drag Sanjeev away.

  “Please listen to me once,” Sanjeev said pulling him from his grasp. “I’m doing this for Madam. If I don’t do it on time her nephew will die. It’s her unfinished work which I’m doing,” Sanjeev explained.

  The mention of Anjana's name changed Chaubey ji's demeanor. He softened a bit and said, “What do you want?”

  “I just want some earthenware pots,” answered Sanjeev.

  Chaubey ji opened the door and came inside with Sanjeev cautiously locking the door behind him. Sanjeev took some pots and placed it in his backpack. While he was leaving, Chaubey ji stopped him.

  “Wait,” he said. “I have some more important thing. Madam gave me before her death, and said give to the one who came looking for something in the lab. I have a strange feeling that she meant you.”

  Sanjeev stood there in amazement and in anticipation that something valuable may come up. He saw Chaubey ji going to one of the corners where a wooden cupboard was kept. Probably he used it for his paraphernalia as it had a personal lock. He took out a brown envelope which encased something of indefinable shape. He handed it to Sanjeev and said, “Be careful, it’s fragile.”

  Sanjeev opened the envelope and from it emerged a beautiful statue of Lord Hanuman. The statue was in a kneeling posture with his palms joined together in reverence. His meticulously carved long tail was twisted in the shape of ‘S’. His face was tranquil, peaceful and compassionate. A faint smile was intricately carved on its puffed face which left no doubt that he was the greatest devotee of Lord Ram. The feet had a peculiar indentation just like the other statues.

  Chapter 19

  Sub sukh lahai tumhari sarna Tum rakshak kahu ko dar na

  All comforts of the world lie at your feet. The devotees enjoy all divine pleasures and feel fearless under your benign Protection.

  Aapan tej samharo aapai Teenhon lok hank te kanpai

  You alone are befitted to carry your own splendid valour. The entire three worlds (entire universe), tremor at your thunderous call.

  Night was creeping in with its coldness when Sanjeev returned from the college with the statue and pots. Bhumija went back to her home; however Satyavrat was still waiting at Pawan’s house. When they saw the statue, they immediately realized that it was the missing part of the vault. It fixed well on a spot in the left in front of the statue of Lakshman.

  “Only one statue is remaining and it’s very obvious that it should be of Lord Ram,” remarked Pawan as he saw the vault.

  “When do you have to return Dr Satyavrat?” asked Sanjeev.

  "I have an early morning flight tomorrow. I have given whatever information I had; if you need any more help you can call me on my private number.”

  “Thanks, you have been of great help. I’ll also leave Pawan Sir; I guess there’s nothing I can do tonight. I will sit in my room and try to work out the volumetric analysis. Ravi said that he has some valuable information for me. I’ll go to my room and talk to him. Meanwhile, I’m leaving this vault and booklet here in safe hands,” said Sanjeev as he picked up his backpack to leave.

  “Wait, have food and go. I’ve made some dinner. We can discuss our next modus operandi over the meal,” said Pawan as he went inside the kitchen.

  Pawan and Sanjeev prepared a simple meal and served it on the dining table. “I felt extremely sorry when I heard of Madam’s death that too in a mysterious way,” said Satyavrat as they sat down at the dining table. “It’s such a loss for the medical fraternity to lose such an eminent personality like her. However, all this treasure hunt has become even more interesting. Please keep me posted on your drug development. Pawan ji, I was impressed by your interpretation of Hanuman Chalisa. If you don’t mind can you explain me the next verses over dinner?” Satyavrat said as Pawan laid down the dinner.

  “Sure, the pleasure is all mine,” said Pawan as he sat down. “The next two verses talk about the fearlessness attitude of Hanuman. He is an epitome of valor, bravery and devotion. He never feared even when he was a small child. That just reflects the greatness of a brave mother who brought him up. While she taught him to recognize every good or bad thing around him, she never told him what fear is. Once when Hanuman was playing with his friends he came across the term fear which he went back and asked his mother. Confident as his mother was, she replied that it’s just an imagination of one’s mind.”

  “What a great thought, I admire such a woman,” praised Satyavrat.

  “Sure she is worth a thousand praises. If you view this concept in a metaphysical way, fear is actually an uncertainty of the mind. When the mind does not know about a situation or a person or anything for that matter, it generates within itself a fear of unknown. Most of the fear arises from the suspicion of defeat. We fear failure in our life because society condemns losers, and so any unknown thing creates fear in the mind. Suppose for a second if you think what is there to lose in life, at that very instant you get rid of fear, because primarily there’s nothing you can lose in life. If you understand the transitory nature of things around you and recognize the cause of fear, at that very moment you will overcome your fear.”

  “But people fear many things in life, like dejection from a loved one, failure to not get into a job, unable to earn money, name and fame, fear of losing a close relative or friend, fear of end of one’s own life. How can you justify overcoming those fears?” asked Satyavrat.

  “The first step in becoming fearless is to believe in your own self. Fear is like a flea on the body of a lion, though he may be undefeatable by other animals, his own body lice can kill him. It’s your own thought process which brings about your downfall.

  Your mind is a battery with energy of a horsepower. You can use that to light a thousand watt bulb or a night lamp, the choice is yours. Once you have made your choice there is no retreat possible. There are only two things which can happen, either you win or you lose. If you
lose you will be enhancing your knowledge. If you win you will be on a path to another discovery.”

  “So it’s like ‘All or None Law’, either you do or you don’t, there’s no middle way.”

  “Absolutely! In fact the next verse says that all the three worlds tremor at your thunderous call. This means that in front of a determined mind nothing can stand. However, there is one more explanation to it. There are supposed to be three planes of existence—bhuh (physical), bhuvah (mental) and swah (intellect and deep unconscious) which are under the control of Lord Hanuman. Since Hanuman means that one-pointed devoted mind, every entity in the world is under its control. Your physical, mental and unconscious mind will all be under your control when you teach your mind to be one-pointed.”

  “And how does one achieve that?”

  “We achieve that by constantly observing your thoughts, by meditating on the purity of your mind and soul, by continuously making an effort to free your mind from even the slightest negativity. I agree it’s not easy, but it’s not impossible either.”

  “Only a sage residing in Himalayas can do so.”

  “Yes he can and along with him every mortal living in this world in any geographical location can do that. You need to believe in the principle that earthly desires lead to enlightenment. Once you relate your everyday activity to the growth of your mind, to create value in your life, you can transform any mundane activity into enlightenment.”

  “So even I can do it. When do I start?” asked Satyavrat.

  “Anytime, now is the right moment,” said Pawan laughingly.

  They were busy with their dinner and discussion when there was suddenly a loud noise of shattered glass. Something hit the living room window so hard, that its window pane broke and there was glass all around.

  They all rushed to the window. Pawan had opened the door and shouted in a thunderous roar “Who did this nasty thing?”

  When he came inside he saw Sanjeev with a stone in one hand and a crushed paper ball in the other.