Vritrahan

Some books leave you in contemplative mode long after you have finished reading them. Ratul Chakraborty’s Vritrahan belong to that unique category. The finesse in writing and expertise in intertwining Cosmic balance, Civilisation and the modern world can awe the reader. Written in fast-paced poetry, the sharp, crisp, and pointed messaging has particularly appealed to me. I re-read some of the verses to assimilate and relish the philosophical depth.

Indic civilisational treasure is embellished with several tales meticulously crafted to impregnate the collective conscious with dharmic values. Passed on for generations, these tales served as a moral compass for Bharatiyas to renew and rejuvenate themselves periodically and steer forward despite various onslaughts and vicissitudes. This psychological attuning to the cosmic principles of dharma and karma inherently attests the unimpeachable truths of the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of a balance or order. Essentially, this dharmic framework served as the fount of energy from which Bharatiya civilisation drew strength.

Subtly pushing the Bharatiya concepts of ‘Purusartha’ and Rta with an imaginative retelling of the ancient tale, the author gently prods the reader to derive strength from our civilisational moorings. Employing the time-tested Katha style of story-telling of yore, the book takes a deep dive into the legendary Indra-Vritra battle, a Pauranik story of the Rg Vedic times, central to the creation and dissolution narrative. Set in six parts with an epilogue, the book deliberately omits the endnotes and an explanation to Indic untranslatables, perhaps underscoring the author’s resolute conviction to mainstream the Indic vocabulary.

Bold, pulsating and rhythmic, the verses make a strong impression on the reader.  Invoking the blessings of Maa Saraswati, the book dwells on the timelessness of Hiranyagarbha. Then, it starts with the story of Indra killing Trishira or Vishwarupa, the son of Tvashta, the Maker. Grieving over the death of his son and seeking vengeance, Tvashta creates Vritra to strike at Indra. Vritra benumbs Indra in a sudden and powerful attack and parches humanity by withholding the entire waters of the Earth. Dejected, defeated and remorseful, Indra then prays to Narayana. Bhagwan Vishnu guides him to Dadichi, who gives up his body to build a powerful weapon from his bones, which accumulated mighty powers due to his intense Tapas. Wielding the weapon, Vajra made from these bones, Indra slays Vritra, bringing back prosperity to the Aryans.

The book vividly captures the centrality of the theme of the adharmic killing of Trishira by a conceited Indra, the Asura-Devata battle toppling the cosmic balance, a depleted Indra consumed by penitence and his gradual march onto the dharmic path with the grace of Narayana with exemplary brilliance. All attributes like greed, arrogance, conceit, anger, revenge, grief or the Arishadvargas, the inner enemies that cause stagnation, are much the same, be it the cosmic story or personal life.

These enemies cause a loss of sense of direction and must be overcome with resilience. Be it a modern life overwhelmed by a lack of clarity or a nation with a moral obligation to uphold the civilisational values the stumbling blocks of apathy and lassitude must be bested. The book gently goads readers to realise sense of purpose, confront the challenges in life and look within.

Expertly marrying the dharmic principles and their potent role as an anchor to modern living the book neatly layers it with civilisation duties with an element of obtrusive patriotism. Borrowing from the book, “the three building blocks of civilisation- value of oaths, value of law and value of brotherhood”.

Referring to the World when Devatas were driven away from Svarga by Vritra, the author writes-

“Fear controls the hearts of the living;

The rabid mob has become the law,

Wisdom is now a crime

Logic and respect, taboo

When their lives get divorced from nature

The mortals lose sight of Rta

Inevitably, the Law of the Fish

Holds sway over civilisation”

 

The book has so many elements. The reader can imaginatively cling to any aspect that enkindles them. Be it a commiserative message to an inconsolable father at the murder of his son- 

“All things begin with Death

All Death ends in Birth

Between the two is Life

Fleeting, glorious, inconsequential;

It is whatever you wish it to be”

 

Or Indra’s realisation of sense of duty-

“Along with his senses, returned his perception;

The anguished cry of innocents

The pangs of hunger of the poor

The stench of all-pervasive corruption

The caustic poison in the air-

Each one a hammer blow

Hitting Indra all at once

Until at last the floodgates opened

Revealing in garish detail

The true horror of reality.

With newfound clarity,

Indra saw Vritra for what he truly was-

Not just a spirit of vengeance

Not just a reaction to Adharma,

But the very incarnation of Avidhya,

The primordial un-knowledge that is the source of Chaos”.

 

It is impossible to sign off without acknowledging the author’s mastery of words and his unparalleled craft. The brevity of the book stands out.  Challenging the thought process, the book rejigs lazy intellect, forces you to think, contemplate, connect and rediscover. Words have been carefully chiselled. The book is a work of art and deserves the highest honours for brilliantly mediating through the Chaos within and in the Universe.