Storybook Favorites

The first story I read is the Shadows of the Ishvara. This story is about the Vikrama’s journey to find four ancient gods. Vikrama did this because he wanted to know the truth, the truth why those gods disappeared and left cities to ruin. He firstly visited Brahma, the creation god of Hindu. However, Brahma made him lose consciousness after telling him the conflicts among gods. When the author woke up, his next target was Vishnu. Vishnu told Vikrama about his story before his disappearance. After that, Vishnu just vanished in the air and Vikrama was heading to the lord of death, Yama. Yama said that it was not he who decided life or death; he thought he was just a guide who led souls to their resting places. Vikrama left without a word since he understood Yama’s important work. His final target is Shiva, the Supreme Being. Shiva told Vikrama about god’s limit and encouraged him to tell people that they were actually supporting themselves. Finally, Shiva sent him back to where he came.

My second favorite story is the Yama's Souls. Maricha chooses to fight with Rama to finish his unavoidable death, which is inevitable. He finally chooses to be defeated by Rama since it will be a glory to die in Rama’s hand. Rama then freed Jatayu’s soul. As a result, Jatayu transformed into a bird; Jatayu was actually reborn.  Bhishma, child of Santanu and Ganga, was unable to meet Yama because of Santanu’s blessing to him. At last, Lord Yama meted all the souls he wanted to meet and did everything necessary to them.

The third story is the Ganga the River Goddess. I like it since it mentioned sacrifice action, which is a noble thing. Ganga helps people to wash away their sins and keep kindness. In the story, Ganga’s birth was unusual; she was created by Vamana, Bali, and Lord Brahma. When she came to earth, she was worry about if she cursed the water on the earth. Luckily, Shiva helped her to avoid damaging the river. And Shiva purified Ganga, so Ganga’s sins of her soul were gone. After that, Ganga saved millions of souls and Bhagiratha was moved with such noble action. Ganga got married with Santanus. She drowned her seven children in pain; however, Santanus would not let her drown the eighth child. Hence, Ganga had to leave her husband and the child, who would be known as Bhishma in the future.

Artwork by: MoonElf