‘No, I am not. You people are just exceptionally predictable.’
Nandi smiled as Shiva continued. ‘So what are they?’
‘What are what, my Lord?’
‘The symbols for the Brahmins, Vaishyas and Shudras.’
Well, if the lines are drawn to represent the head of the Parmatma, it would mean the
wearer is a Brahmin. The symbol for a Vaishya would be the lines forming a symbol of the
thighs of the Parmatma. And the feet of the Parmatma on the amulet would make the wearer a
Shudra.’
‘Interesting,’ said Shiva with a slight frown. ‘I imagine most Shudras are not too pleased
about their placement.’
Nandi was quite surprised at Shiva’s comments. He couldn’t understand why a Shudra would
have a problem with this long ordained symbol. But he kept quiet for fear of disagreeing with his
Lord.
‘And the other amulet?’ asked Shiva.
‘This second amulet depicts my chosen-tribe. Each chosen-tribe takes on jobs which fit its
profile. Every Meluhan, under the advice of their parents, applies for a chosen-tribe when they
turn twenty—five years old. Brahmins choose from birds, while Kshatriyas apply for animals.
Flowers are allocated to Vaishyas while Shudras must choose amongst fishes. The Allocation
Board allocates the chosen-tribe on the basis of a rigorous examination process. You must
qualify for a chosen-tribe that represents both your ambitions and skills. Choose a tribe that is
too mighty and you will embarrass yourself throughout your life if your achievements don’t
measure up to the standards of that tribe. Choose a tribe too lowly and you will not be doing
justice to your own talents. My chosen-tribe is a bull. That is the animal that this amulet
represents.’
‘And if I am not being rude, what does a bull mean in your rank of Kshatriya chosen-tribes?’
‘Well, it’s not as high as a lion, tiger or an elephant. But it’s not a rat or a pig either!’
‘Well, as far as I am concerned, the bull can beat any lion or elephant,’ smiled Shiva. And
what about the pendants on your chain?’
‘The brown seed is a representation of the last Mahadev, Lord Rudra. It symbolises the
protection and regeneration of life. Even divine weapons cannot destroy the life it protects.’
‘And the Sun?’
‘My Lord, the sun represents the fact that I am a follower of the Suryavanshi kings — the
kings who are the descendants of the Sun’
‘What? The Sun came down and some queen...’ teased an incredulous Shiva.
‘Of course not, my Lord,’ laughed Nandi. ‘All it means is that we follow the solar calendar.
So you could say that we are the followers of the “path of the sun”. In practical terms it denotes
that we are strong and steadfast. We honour our word and keep our promises even at the cost
of our lives. We never break the law. We deal honourably even with those who are
dishonourable. Like the Sun, we never take from anyone but always give to others. We sear
our duties into our consciousness so that we may never forget them. Being a Suryavanshi
means that we must always strive to be honest, brave and above all, loyal to the truth.’
‘A tall order! I assume that Lord Ram was a Suryavanshi king?’
‘Yes, of course,’ replied Nandi, his chest puffed up with pride. ‘He was the Suryavanshi king.
Jai Shri Ram.’
‘Jai Shri Ram,’ repeated Shiva.
singke
(singke)
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