The Shakti Saga: Rise of Smritihani, Demon of Oblivion
Sage Shakti stood at the banks of the sacred Ganga, his face impassive. In his arms, a baby girl wailed, her cries cutting through the stillness. Before him stood the enchanting apsara Menaka, her hands clasped and head bowed in regret.
“Oh, Maharshi,” she said softly, her voice tinged with sorrow. “I had no choice. It was under Lord Indra’s command that I disrupted your Brahmarshi penance. If I had defied him, he would have cursed me severely. Please, forgive me.”
Without waiting for a response, Menaka turned and ascended to the heavens. Sage Shakti gazed helplessly at the crying, hungry infant in his arms.
Lord Indra, observing the scene from his heavenly abode, was elated. With a mocking smirk, he addressed his court, his tone dripping with disdain.
“Not every mere mortal can ascend to the rank of Brahmarshi,” he began, his voice laced with derision. “A Brahmarshi is a sage who has attained enlightenment, becoming a Jivanmukta by fully comprehending the essence of Brahman. They possess the highest divine knowledge, boundless wisdom, and true self-awareness. Such a being, upon death, attains Paramukti, liberating themselves from Samsara—the endless cycle of birth and death—and becoming equal to the gods.
“And yet, this Sage Shakti dares to aspire to such a station?” Indra scoffed. “It’s a miracle he even reached Maharshi status. He isn’t worthy of being a Rajarshi! The moment Menaka dropped her saree, he dropped his penance.”
The court erupted into laughter, the gods revelling in the humiliation of Sage Shakti.
Just then, Narada Muni entered Indra’s court, holding a rolled, gold-coated magical scroll in his hand.
“Oh, revered Sage Narada! What brings you to my court?” Indra asked, curiosity lacing his tone.
“A new Brahmarshi has been appointed by my father, Lord Brahma,” Narada replied calmly. “I came to deliver the official intimation.”
Gasps filled the court as the assembled gods exchanged shocked glances.
“What? Without my knowledge? Who is this new Brahmarshi? What is his name?” Indra demanded, his voice rising with disbelief.
“Why ask for his name when you can see for yourself?” Narada said, handing the magical scroll to Indra.
Indra unrolled the scroll, his eyes widening as he saw Sage Shakti’s face appear. “Impossible! This is absurd! How could Shakti become a Brahmarshi? He was so easily ensnared by my apsara, Menaka!” Indra exclaimed.
“Who told you it was Shakti?” Narada replied with a sly smile. “It is Yukti, Shakti’s identical twin elder brother.”
A stunned silence engulfed the court. “Wait… What? So, both performed the Brahmarshi penance together?” Indra asked, still trying to grasp the revelation.
“Not exactly,” Narada explained. “While Yukti undertook the true Brahmarshi penance, Shakti used his own powers to deceive you gods and protect his brother’s penance.”
Indra was left both astounded and impressed. “Clever… utterly unexpected! I must meet this Shakti,” he declared, his curiosity piqued. Mounting his celestial elephant, Airavata, Indra descended to Earth, eager for the encounter.
As Shakti walked along the Ganga's banks, he stumbled upon a Munda tribal village. Carrying a crying infant, he noticed the village had mostly women and children. Children playing nearby stopped and gathered around, their curiosity turning to mockery of his saintly attire. Leading them was a bold five-year-old boy, Maskal Baba.
Unfazed, Shakti continued with a serene smile. The women, recognizing the sacred Upanayana thread on his chest, understood his divine nature. Alarmed by the children's teasing, they quickly scolded them and, with respect, bowed before the sage.
Shakti, undisturbed, blessed them and humbly asked, "Could one of you kindly breastfeed my daughter?"
As one of the tribal women stepped forward to take the baby from Shakti, the air suddenly grew heavy with awe. Indra descended to the earth on his majestic elephant, Airavata. The sight left little Maskal Baba wide-eyed, his amazement shining through as he watched the divine spectacle unfold.
The tribal women and elderly men immediately bowed, their heads low in reverence as Indra entered the village. Confused, Maskal tugged at his mother’s arm. “Who is he? Why are we bowing?”
“He is Indra, the King of the Gods,” his mother whispered. “He commands the five elements of nature and is among the most powerful deities.”
Indra dismounted gracefully, his every step radiating authority, and began walking toward Shakti. But before he could reach him, Maskal dashed forward and stood firmly in Indra’s path, his small form trembling but resolute. Dropping to his knees, he looked up at the god with pleading eyes.
“Oh, mighty Indra,” Maskal began, his voice trembling but earnest, “please help us! The tyrant king Smritihani has taken my father, my brother, and the other men of our tribe as forced labourer to build his temple. Please, I beg you! I miss my father so much!”
At the mention of Smritihani, Indra froze. His expression darkened, and a heavy silence fell. Maskal’s mother, horrified, rushed to her son. “Forgive him, my lord! He’s just a child—he doesn’t understand!” she said, her voice shaking as she knelt before Indra.
But Indra simply smiled and placed a comforting hand on Maskal’s head. “Do not fear, my child,” he said gently. “Even my own siblings have been held captive by Smritihani. But once his temple is complete, all shall return home safely.”
Maskal’s face fell, his young heart sinking in despair. He looked helplessly at his mother, who pulled him into an embrace, her tears falling freely. “Smritihani is even more powerful than the King of Gods,” she whispered through sobs. “We must endure, my son. No one can save us.”
Maskal’s gaze turned back to Indra, who continued toward Shakti. To his astonishment, Indra knelt before the sage in a gesture of deep respect, honouring Shakti for his victory over him. That moment seared itself into Maskal’s mind.
“Can this Shakti defeat Smritihani?” The question blazed like a spark in Maskal’s young thoughts as he watched Shakti bless Indra, his eyes filled with newfound hope.
“Defeats are not unfamiliar to me,” Indra began, his tone tinged with frustration. “I’m often bested, thanks to some boon granted by the Trimurti to random mortals. But this defeat… this one is different. I wasn’t defeated by a boon—I was defeated by intellect.
“Lately, I’ve been more vigilant, even harsh, in disrupting human penance. Smritihani’s unrelenting assaults on my heaven have made me wary of humans growing as powerful as him. Yet, despite my watchfulness, you outwitted me. But tell me, Shakti, why did you allow your elder brother, Yukti, to become a Brahmarshi when you could have easily claimed that title yourself? I know you’re capable of achieving it without anyone’s help, unlike your brother,” Indra asked.
Shakti smiled faintly. “The answer lies in our origins,” he replied. “My mother died giving birth to us, and though our father raised us well, he was more of a guru than a parent. He taught us the Vedas impartially, treating us like any other disciples, but we longed for the selfish, nurturing love only a mother can give.
“As we grew older, my brother and I decided to marry and use our penance powers to bring our mother back as one of our daughters, so we could raise her with the love and care we missed. We planned to complete our lives’ journey together and attain Brahmarshi status, ending the cycle of life with her as the last descendant of our family.
“However, a problem arose. When Yukti sought a bride, no Brahmin father would offer their daughter to a forest-dwelling ascetic who begged for food. They preferred men who worshipped idols in temples and served corrupt kings for wealth. My brother, being true to his values, refused to compromise. Heartbroken, he abandoned the idea and began penance to become a Brahmarshi.
“I knew you’d use every trick to disrupt his penance. Fearing that another heartbreak might destroy him, I devised a plan. I started my own ‘penance,’ a false one, to distract you. Using my powers, I concealed my brother’s presence from you.
“But as time passed, I realized Yukti’s penance was bearing no fruit. Deep within, he still longed for our mother’s rebirth. That’s when I decided to act. I resolved to marry, even outside my caste, to have a daughter who could bring our mother back. Then I thought—if I must break my virginity anyway, why not choose the most beautiful woman in existence?
“When Menaka came to distract me, I surrendered willingly. Using my powers, I ensured my mother was reborn as my daughter. The moment Yukti heard the baby’s cry, all his anguish melted away, and he finally became eligible to achieve Brahmarshi.
“So, Indra, my defeat was never about losing to you. It was about fulfilling a greater purpose,” Shakti explained.
“Wow… So, you used my distraction to remove distraction for your brother,” Indra said, his tone a mix of admiration and shock. “For such a remarkable victory, I wish to reward you with this golden upanayana.”
With that, Indra replaced Shakti’s upanayana with a radiant golden one.
“As long as you wear this upanayana, you shall possess the powers of the gods,” Indra declared grandly. “No weapon, not even the Brahmastra, can harm you. You can traverse any part of the universe with ease. But these powers come with a condition—they are yours only as long as you uphold dharma. Should you stray into adharma, they will vanish instantly. With these gifts, I believe you can even defeat Smritihani,” he added, his voice rising intentionally so that Maskal could overhear.
Shakti’s eyes narrowed slightly as he caught the subtext in Indra’s words. Smiling knowingly, he replied, “Challenge accepted.”
“Challenge? It’s not a challenge—it’s a gift of power,” Indra said, feigning innocence, his smile betraying a hint of mischief.
“I can sense your wounded ego,” Shakti replied in a low voice. “Don’t pretend otherwise. But let me make one thing clear—I have no intention of fighting Smritihani. He’s your problem, not mine.”
Indra laughed heartily, masking his frustration. As he turned to leave, he paused beside Maskal. Looking directly at the boy, he said with a smile, “Shakti can bring your father and brother back. He is the chosen one.”
With that, Indra climbed onto Airavata and ascended back to the heavens, leaving Maskal staring at Shakti with renewed hope and determination.
Maskal ran to Shakti and fell at his feet, tears streaming down his face. “Please, Maharishi! Save my family from the torment of Smritihani,” he pleaded desperately.
Shakti sighed and gently placed a hand on the boy’s head. “Oh, child, don’t let Indra’s deceptive words mislead you,” he said softly. “This upanayana he gave me holds no real powers. It’s nothing but a mirage—a symbol meant to convince others that I possess the strength to defeat Smritihani. But mark my words: if I were to go to war with Smritihani, Indra would surely use some cunning trick to ensure I’m killed in the process.”
Maskal shook his head vehemently, refusing to accept Shakti’s explanation. “No… no… please, Maharishi, I beg you!” he cried, clutching Shakti’s legs tightly.
Meanwhile, the woman breastfeeding Shakti’s infant daughter finished her task and approached, carefully handing the baby back to him.
Shakti looked down at Maskal, whose grip on his legs remained unyielding. With the baby in one arm and the boy refusing to let go, Shakti realized he had no other option. Closing his eyes, he invoked the power of the upanayana, despite his doubts.
In an instant, Shakti and the baby vanished from the spot, leaving behind a stunned Maskal, his cries of desperation echoing into the air.
“See! See! He has powers! Indra’s words were true—Shakti is the chosen one! He can defeat Smritihani!” Maskal exclaimed with joy, his face lighting up with newfound hope. His friends cheered alongside him, their excitement contagious.
But the tribal women and elders, weathered by years of suffering, remained skeptical. They shook their heads quietly and returned to their daily tasks, unwilling to nurture false hope.
Shakti reappeared, landing gracefully before his elder brother, Yukti, with the baby in his arms. Yukti’s face lit up as he took the infant, holding her close.
“Aditi…” Yukti whispered, repeating the name thrice like a blessing, his voice filled with love and reverence.
He looked at Shakti and said, “Promise me you’ll marry Aditi to the most powerful, caring man.”
Shakti smiled and nodded. “I promise, brother.”
Satisfied, Yukti handed the baby back, his expression serene. Without a word, he departed for Brahma Loka, leaving Shakti cradling Aditi in the stillness.
Shakti raised Aditi with boundless love. Women from the Munda tribe often visited his ashram to nurse and play with her. Shakti, however, barred Maskal from entering, tired of his constant pleas. Undeterred, Maskal came daily, mimicking Shakti’s meditation to gain attention, which Shakti found amusing.
On Maskal’s birthday, Shakti gifted him a flowering creeper, tying it around him like an Upanayana. Maskal clung to the hope that devotion would soften Shakti’s heart. But when Maskal’s father died, Shakti remained indifferent, leaving Maskal devastated.
Weeks passed, and Maskal stopped coming. The Munda women gradually ceased their visits too. Unfazed, Shakti focused entirely on Aditi, raising her not with worldly knowledge but unyielding love.
Meanwhile, Maskal had grown into a forced laborer, taking his late brother’s place in building Smritihani’s temple. Forced to leave his young, pregnant wife, Rasika, he faced a bitter separation. Maskal and Rasika, deeply in love, had vowed at their marriage never to part or betray one another. But Smritihani’s command now tore them apart.
With no choice, Maskal consoled his weeping wife. As a gesture of his eternal promise, he tied a flowering creeper around her belly, mirroring his own upanayana, symbolizing his unyielding vow to protect them both.
On the way to Smritihani’s capital, Malla, a soldier suggested Maskal marry a woman there instead of mourning his wife, whom he might never see again. Enraged, Maskal slit the soldier’s throat. This act led to his imprisonment and trial in Smritihani’s court—Maskal’s first encounter with the legendary ruler.
Smritihani entered with a mystical bird flying above him, its wings fanning him while acting as a canopy. He carried a coconut in his left hand and had no guards for protection. Though lean and youthful in appearance, seemingly under 25, his true age exceeded 200 years. Maskal had expected an imposing figure but found Smritihani’s casual demeanor, charming smile, and relaxed posture disarming. Ironically, Maskal himself appeared more intimidating than the king. The bird hovered above the throne, flapping its wings to cool him as he sat down.
Maskal’s eyes remained fixed on the bird, a creature unlike any he’d seen in the forest. Smritihani noticed. “Hey… Why stare at my bird like that? Worried it might ruin my hair if it poops?” he quipped, prompting laughter in the court—except from Maskal, who stood uneasily.
“Relax, my friend,” Smritihani continued, smiling. “We’ve all done questionable things. I killed my stepmother and brother for this throne. So, tell me—why did you kill my soldier?”
Maskal replied firmly, “He insulted my wife, told me to forget her and remarry. Polygamy is a sin in my tribe. I couldn’t betray her.”
Smritihani laughed, clapping his hands once. Maskal felt a strange sensation course through him. “What’s your wife’s name?” Smritihani asked. Maskal tried to recall but couldn’t. The court erupted in laughter.
“The great loyal husband doesn’t even know his wife’s name?” Smritihani mocked, clapping again. Suddenly, Maskal remembered. “Rasika! My wife’s name is Rasika!” he yelled. Smritihani smiled, clapped once more, and the court quieted.
“In all the noise, I didn’t catch that,” Smritihani said. “Say it again.” Maskal stammered, unable to recall her name a second time. The court jeered, and Smritihani added, “Men forget anniversaries, but you’ve outdone them all!”
“Do you at least remember her face?” Smritihani asked, clapping again. Maskal, now despairing, forgot even that. He pounded his head in frustration.
“Can you recall any moment of love with her?” Smritihani asked, raising his hands to clap once more. Maskal screamed, “No!” and fell to his knees, begging. “Please stop! Don’t take away my memories. She’s the only loved one I have left!”
Smritihani grinned. “Don’t worry. I respect marriage too. My wife died long ago, and I’ve never remarried. When I have needs, I simply find a random beautiful woman, clap, and ensure no one remembers her. A clean slate. But I’ve never touched a married woman. That’s my code. You’re free to return to work.”
As soldiers dragged Maskal away, he cried, “Please, return my memories—her name, her face, anything!” Smritihani, unmoved, dismissed him without a second thought.
Maskal was subjected to grueling labor, moving heavy rocks from place to place. Yet, the agony of losing his wife’s memory was far more unbearable than the physical strain. Two days later, Smritihani arrived at the temple site in his chariot. Summoning his strength, Maskal approached him with great effort. “Sir... please return my wife’s memories,” he pleaded.
Smritihani glared at him. “Who are you? Have you gone mad from this hard work?” he snapped, dismissing Maskal before departing. Confused and dejected, Maskal heard a voice behind him. “Are you new to this work?” an older man asked.
“Yes, sir. Smritihani took away my wife’s name and face. I love her deeply... but now...” Maskal’s voice cracked, and tears welled in his eyes.
“Don’t despair, my son. We’re all enduring this together,” the man said gently. “I am Vishvakarma, architect of the gods.”
Maskal fell to his knees, touching Vishvakarma’s feet for blessings. “Finally, someone who recognizes my work,” Vishvakarma said, visibly pleased.
“Oh, Deva! How did Smritihani gain such powers? What boon made him this monstrous demon?” Maskal asked.
Vishvakarma began his tale. “Smritihani was born as Smritesh, lord of memory. Ironically, he was cursed with a terrible memory, often forgetting everything. Mocked by his people, they nicknamed him Smritihani, lord of memory loss. Fearing he was unfit for the throne, his father remarried and sired a new heir. Smritihani, embittered by his stepmother’s cruelty, abandoned the kingdom and performed penance to Lord Brahma.
“Brahma appeared, impressed by his devotion, and granted him a boon. Smritihani asked for his memory to be fixed. But Brahma explained it was impossible, as it was a curse from Sage Vishwamitra after his father mocked the sage’s intellect. Furious at being punished unfairly, Smritihani requested a unique boon: that no one in the universe—not even Brahma or himself—would remember his wish. If anyone learned of it, they would die instantly. Brahma, bound by his power, granted the wish, and promptly forgot it. Even Smritihani doesn’t know the specifics, yet after his return, he became an all-powerful demon who’s conquered countless kingdoms including heaven just for happiness.”
“So, he uses powers he doesn’t understand? Is that even possible?” Maskal asked in disbelief.
“That’s the mystery. Even Brahma had no answers” Vishvakarma said grimly.
Just then, Smritihani called out to Vishvakarma. The god-architect rushed to him.
“Why did you raise this pillar in the east?” Smritihani demanded.
“My lord, you ordered it to be in east a week ago,” Vishvakarma replied carefully.
“Don’t lie! I said west, not east. Tear it down immediately,” Smritihani barked, storming off.
Vishvakarma, exasperated, turned to Maskal. “I doubt this temple will ever be completed,” he muttered in frustration.
At night, Maskal gazed at the starry sky, his thoughts drifting to Lord Indra's words about Sage Shakti. Indra had spoken of Shakti's golden upanayana, a powerful tool to defeat Smritihani. But Maskal knew that despite Shakti’s strength, he would never wage war on Smritihani. Just then, an idea struck him. He thought of his daughter, Aditi.
"What if I could create a rift between Shakti and Smritihani using her?" Maskal mused. "Shakti may not come to my aid in battle, but he would never let Aditi fall into danger. This could be my chance. If I don't act, I'll remain here as a forced laborer forever, never seeing my beloved wife or child again."
As Maskal's plans swirled in his mind, high in the heavens, Indra smiled. His scheme to eliminate both enemies was finally taking shape.