Ok doing the #ghoststory now only, since I have a bit of time. A long one today so will take a bit of time. It is also slightly different because it is more on the lines of an urban (or rural?) legend. Should we begin?
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https://twitter.com/BhagwaanUvacha/status/1599367381339369473
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Time for another #ghoststory? Anyone up for it? Slightly different one today, more in the lines of an urban (or rural) legend. Treat this as for entertainment purposes only, and standard disclaimers apply.
The story takes place around 60-70 years ago in a remote village
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Time for another #ghoststory? Anyone up for it? Slightly different one today, more in the lines of an urban (or rural) legend. Treat this as for entertainment purposes only, and standard disclaimers apply.
The story takes place around 60-70 years ago in a remote village
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in Konkan, whose name I shall not reveal as it is now a thriving town. But back then it was a then-typical village where day used to begin with sunrise and end with sunset, as electricity was largely an alien concept.
The village itself consisted of some 100-150 houses.
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in Konkan, whose name I shall not reveal as it is now a thriving town. But back then it was a then-typical village where day used to begin with sunrise and end with sunset, as electricity was largely an alien concept.
The village itself consisted of some 100-150 houses.
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Old style with thatched roofs, and cow dung floors. Most people living there farmed on small plots of land, and some general stores and money lenders. The children there had to go to out-of-town colleges. The well off ones went to main Ratnagiri city and Chiplun and
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Old style with thatched roofs, and cow dung floors. Most people living there farmed on small plots of land, and some general stores and money lenders. The children there had to go to out-of-town colleges. The well off ones went to main Ratnagiri city and Chiplun and
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others to smaller facilities in smaller towns.
It goes without saying that jobs were hard to come by, and when farm holdings came to a size that simply could not be subdivided, the children had to move to Mumbai or Pune to seek work. Our story concerns just such a woman
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others to smaller facilities in smaller towns.
It goes without saying that jobs were hard to come by, and when farm holdings came to a size that simply could not be subdivided, the children had to move to Mumbai or Pune to seek work. Our story concerns just such a woman
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who worked in a Fort, Mumbai office as an accounts clerk. But this incident did not happen to her in Mumbai, but in her own village where she was born.
With most of her education being done outside her village, she did not ‘know’ the village like people who grew up there.
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who worked in a Fort, Mumbai office as an accounts clerk. But this incident did not happen to her in Mumbai, but in her own village where she was born.
With most of her education being done outside her village, she did not ‘know’ the village like people who grew up there.
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And this is what caused the ensuing events to transpire.
The story happened when she was on a late-night S.T. on her way to her village. She didn’t realize that she was travelling on an Amavasya and hence the only thing illuminating the roads were the lights of her bus,
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And this is what caused the ensuing events to transpire.
The story happened when she was on a late-night S.T. on her way to her village. She didn’t realize that she was travelling on an Amavasya and hence the only thing illuminating the roads were the lights of her bus,
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that seemed too dim for comfort. The bus seemed to be driven more by the drivers instinct than visuals. Ahh, the glories of socialism.
Anyway, the village being so small wasn’t on the route, and the bus stop was on the main highway (if one could call it that) about 3 km
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that seemed too dim for comfort. The bus seemed to be driven more by the drivers instinct than visuals. Ahh, the glories of socialism.
Anyway, the village being so small wasn’t on the route, and the bus stop was on the main highway (if one could call it that) about 3 km
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away from the village border. The road quality, low light, and motivation levels of the ST staff meant that the bus would not reach at its scheduled 5PM but was late by about 4 hours. When she got off on that lonely stretch of the road at 9PM, there were 6 people inside
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away from the village border. The road quality, low light, and motivation levels of the ST staff meant that the bus would not reach at its scheduled 5PM but was late by about 4 hours. When she got off on that lonely stretch of the road at 9PM, there were 6 people inside
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the ST, and 0 people on the road outside.
It was already jet black, and if people go to Konkan even today they can image the thick green, moist foliage that covers the lands. Its quite literally, a jungle out there. The girl knew the way to her village, and with her small
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the ST, and 0 people on the road outside.
It was already jet black, and if people go to Konkan even today they can image the thick green, moist foliage that covers the lands. Its quite literally, a jungle out there. The girl knew the way to her village, and with her small
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battery-operated torch in hand, she started the trudge. She wasn’t worried, because Konkan even though poor was not a dangerous place and robberies and such wasn’t a regular occurrence. Most people hadn’t seen a police officer in their lives in that region unless during
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battery-operated torch in hand, she started the trudge. She wasn’t worried, because Konkan even though poor was not a dangerous place and robberies and such wasn’t a regular occurrence. Most people hadn’t seen a police officer in their lives in that region unless during
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elections.
Normally the walk should not have taken more than 30-40 minutes for her, say 45-50 given the late hour. But this time, after walking for almost 75 minutes, she was unable to reach her village. She stood perplexed. The surroundings seemed familiar to her, but
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elections.
Normally the walk should not have taken more than 30-40 minutes for her, say 45-50 given the late hour. But this time, after walking for almost 75 minutes, she was unable to reach her village. She stood perplexed. The surroundings seemed familiar to her, but
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also vague enough for her not to get firm bearings. It was all so confusing. Was this the famous “chakwa” that she had heard some stories about? Not believing where her mind was going, she decided to trudge on.
“Didn’t I pass that tree earlier?”, “hang on didn’t I just
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also vague enough for her not to get firm bearings. It was all so confusing. Was this the famous “chakwa” that she had heard some stories about? Not believing where her mind was going, she decided to trudge on.
“Didn’t I pass that tree earlier?”, “hang on didn’t I just
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+cross the brook”? “Should I try to find my way back to the bus stop and start afresh?” Various thoughts crossed her mind. She was now hungry, and sweating (though it wasn’t that warm outside), and really worried. It was well past 10:30 now. Forget Konkan, she hadn’t been
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alone outside her house at this time ever in her life even in Mumbai.
Just as she was about to despair and start chanting Sri Ram’s name, she heard some leaves rustle behind her. Startled, she turned back to look, half expecting a wild boar. Yes, they are probably
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alone outside her house at this time ever in her life even in Mumbai.
Just as she was about to despair and start chanting Sri Ram’s name, she heard some leaves rustle behind her. Startled, she turned back to look, half expecting a wild boar. Yes, they are probably
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scarier than most ghosts if you are in their path. Resigned to her fate she looked back and instead saw a woman, fair slim and with green eyes. Dressed really well coming out of the thicket. There was a weird glow about her.
The woman looked pleasantly surprised to see
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scarier than most ghosts if you are in their path. Resigned to her fate she looked back and instead saw a woman, fair slim and with green eyes. Dressed really well coming out of the thicket. There was a weird glow about her.
The woman looked pleasantly surprised to see
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her. “tumhi nau chya bus ni aalat ka?” she asked (“did you come by the 9 PM bus?”. The conversation started in marathi, in the typical slightly nasal twang of the Konkan region. I will of course give just the English version of the story now on.
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her. “tumhi nau chya bus ni aalat ka?” she asked (“did you come by the 9 PM bus?”. The conversation started in marathi, in the typical slightly nasal twang of the Konkan region. I will of course give just the English version of the story now on.
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replied. And you?
“I came with the 10PM one, but what are you doing here? You should have been home by now”?
Yes, yes, but I got lost. Nothing seems familiar.
Aah no problem, the rains sometime cause some routes to shift. But I know the way.
Accha, ok. Our girl thought
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replied. And you?
“I came with the 10PM one, but what are you doing here? You should have been home by now”?
Yes, yes, but I got lost. Nothing seems familiar.
Aah no problem, the rains sometime cause some routes to shift. But I know the way.
Accha, ok. Our girl thought
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it very odd because this was the first time she heard about rains shifting routes so much that she couldn’t recognize it at all. Afterall this wasn’t her first trip back home was it?!
Do you need my help, I am going in that direction the glowing woman asked.
Are you from
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it very odd because this was the first time she heard about rains shifting routes so much that she couldn’t recognize it at all. Afterall this wasn’t her first trip back home was it?!
Do you need my help, I am going in that direction the glowing woman asked.
Are you from
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my xyz village?
I’m going in that direction. Do you want my help?
The girl felt very odd. Seemed very contractual. If she was anyway going in that direction, why would she keep asking if she needed her help. Just help anyway! But already driven to point of desperation
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my xyz village?
I’m going in that direction. Do you want my help?
The girl felt very odd. Seemed very contractual. If she was anyway going in that direction, why would she keep asking if she needed her help. Just help anyway! But already driven to point of desperation
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and very afraid, the girl said “yes I want your help”
The glowing woman’s wide fair face broke into a satisfied smile, The smile seems to stretch wider than normal into her face and towards her ears, our girl though. Or maybe it was just the lights playing tricks.
They
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and very afraid, the girl said “yes I want your help”
The glowing woman’s wide fair face broke into a satisfied smile, The smile seems to stretch wider than normal into her face and towards her ears, our girl though. Or maybe it was just the lights playing tricks.
They
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both started walking, mostly in silence. Suddenly the roads, seem to align themselves to their destinations. Trees and mountains that seemed alien to her just 10 minutes ago, all seemed familiar. However, the lady started veering away from this known path saying “the
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both started walking, mostly in silence. Suddenly the roads, seem to align themselves to their destinations. Trees and mountains that seemed alien to her just 10 minutes ago, all seemed familiar. However, the lady started veering away from this known path saying “the
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rains have shifted the route, you come with me”.
What else could the girl do? She simply followed. The lady took her over small hillocks, bending under fallen trees, jumping over small brooks, and past some of the darkest corners of the forest.
“The rains have shifted
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rains have shifted the route, you come with me”.
What else could the girl do? She simply followed. The lady took her over small hillocks, bending under fallen trees, jumping over small brooks, and past some of the darkest corners of the forest.
“The rains have shifted
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the route” was the only sentence she would repeat whenever the girl asked about how much time this was taking. The girl now began to suspect if the woman was part of some new gang of thieves and was taking her to have her killed. But then looking at how well dressed she
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the route” was the only sentence she would repeat whenever the girl asked about how much time this was taking. The girl now began to suspect if the woman was part of some new gang of thieves and was taking her to have her killed. But then looking at how well dressed she
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was, jewelry and all, why would she need this plain jane to loot?!
Anyway, just as doubts and fears began to cloud her mind, she saw that she was coming upon a settlement…wait…no…it was her village! This woman had brought her to her village from some weird route that came
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was, jewelry and all, why would she need this plain jane to loot?!
Anyway, just as doubts and fears began to cloud her mind, she saw that she was coming upon a settlement…wait…no…it was her village! This woman had brought her to her village from some weird route that came
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to nearly the opposite side that the normal entrance.
The girl, could not believe her eyes. All the doubts she had about chakwa, and then this woman being a robber, and what not! All to naught! She was home. She wiped her brow with her tiny handkerchief as the woman said
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to nearly the opposite side that the normal entrance.
The girl, could not believe her eyes. All the doubts she had about chakwa, and then this woman being a robber, and what not! All to naught! She was home. She wiped her brow with her tiny handkerchief as the woman said
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“see theres your village”.
The girl thanked her profusely. Asked her if she is from that village and will she be coming in it with her? The woman replied, “no no I cant enter!”. The girl was shocked, but the woman quickly corrected herself to say “I mean I told you na, I
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“see theres your village”.
The girl thanked her profusely. Asked her if she is from that village and will she be coming in it with her? The woman replied, “no no I cant enter!”. The girl was shocked, but the woman quickly corrected herself to say “I mean I told you na, I
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have to go elsewhere, so I don’t have time now”. But, she added, I helped you because you asked. Now what will you give me in return?
The girl was again shocked. She said, I don’t have a lot of money, but whatever I have I can give you. Her eyes betraying her deep fear of
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have to go elsewhere, so I don’t have time now”. But, she added, I helped you because you asked. Now what will you give me in return?
The girl was again shocked. She said, I don’t have a lot of money, but whatever I have I can give you. Her eyes betraying her deep fear of
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this weirdly luminous woman. The woman’s eyes suddenly seemed a little too big for her sockets and even her wide face as she stared at the girl for a few seconds (that felt like hours). Then she broke into a laugh. She said, you think I did this for money? No no…I will be
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this weirdly luminous woman. The woman’s eyes suddenly seemed a little too big for her sockets and even her wide face as she stared at the girl for a few seconds (that felt like hours). Then she broke into a laugh. She said, you think I did this for money? No no…I will be
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happy if you call me home for dinner. I live very close by and can come.
The girl now was feeling intense fear and she blurted out, yes yes, please come home for dinner. I will make good food for you. Will you come tomorrow? The girl would have said anything to get out of
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happy if you call me home for dinner. I live very close by and can come.
The girl now was feeling intense fear and she blurted out, yes yes, please come home for dinner. I will make good food for you. Will you come tomorrow? The girl would have said anything to get out of
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this situation.
No, not tomorrow. I will come in exactly 3 days. I would also like to meet you family, your mother, grandmother, little brother, everyone.
Ok come in 3 days the girl said as she clutched her little holdall to her chest and ran into the village. As soon as
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this situation.
No, not tomorrow. I will come in exactly 3 days. I would also like to meet you family, your mother, grandmother, little brother, everyone.
Ok come in 3 days the girl said as she clutched her little holdall to her chest and ran into the village. As soon as
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she crossed the border, she felt a sense of relief and realized she never asked the woman her name. She turned around to ask and saw that the woman had gone. She must have left in a big hurry she thought to herself as she finally walked to her door. “And how did she know
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she crossed the border, she felt a sense of relief and realized she never asked the woman her name. She turned around to ask and saw that the woman had gone. She must have left in a big hurry she thought to herself as she finally walked to her door. “And how did she know
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my family members”…was the last question that popped into her mind as she fell into an exhausted slumber.
The next morning, early at around 7AM the family gathered around their beloved daughter plying her with endless cups of sweet milky cardamom tea, and thalipeeth –
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my family members”…was the last question that popped into her mind as she fell into an exhausted slumber.
The next morning, early at around 7AM the family gathered around their beloved daughter plying her with endless cups of sweet milky cardamom tea, and thalipeeth –
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loni (white butter) for breakfast. The inevitable question “so…how was the journey?” came up, and the girl gave a detailed account of all that transpired, including her dinner invite in 3 days.
She could see eyebrows steadily rising as her story progressed and eyes going
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loni (white butter) for breakfast. The inevitable question “so…how was the journey?” came up, and the girl gave a detailed account of all that transpired, including her dinner invite in 3 days.
She could see eyebrows steadily rising as her story progressed and eyes going
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from curious to petrified. After she completed her story, her grandmother asked her younger brother to go out and play. When they were alone, her family turned gravely towards her.
Beloved daughter you have brought grave trouble upon this family, you do not know what you
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from curious to petrified. After she completed her story, her grandmother asked her younger brother to go out and play. When they were alone, her family turned gravely towards her.
Beloved daughter you have brought grave trouble upon this family, you do not know what you
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have done. The girl was surprised to see her parents and even her granny speak with her like this. Why what did I do?! The granny mumbled “once these children go to the city, they think they know everything”. What did you think you were dealing with when that woman led
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have done. The girl was surprised to see her parents and even her granny speak with her like this. Why what did I do?! The granny mumbled “once these children go to the city, they think they know everything”. What did you think you were dealing with when that woman led
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you through all those forgotten trails to come here?!
“But what happened? Who is she?!!!”, the girl wailed. The family answered simply: She was the Phutlelya Tondachi Bai” (The woman with the broken mouth).
Hain!? The girl said. What is that. Her face was alright when I
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you through all those forgotten trails to come here?!
“But what happened? Who is she?!!!”, the girl wailed. The family answered simply: She was the Phutlelya Tondachi Bai” (The woman with the broken mouth).
Hain!? The girl said. What is that. Her face was alright when I
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met her. She was very beautiful, well dressed. Her mouth was definitely not broken! She wasn’t a phutlelya tondachi bai. The family said, get ready quickly, we have no time to waste and must go to meet the village priest. He will tell you everything.
That afternoon the
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met her. She was very beautiful, well dressed. Her mouth was definitely not broken! She wasn’t a phutlelya tondachi bai. The family said, get ready quickly, we have no time to waste and must go to meet the village priest. He will tell you everything.
That afternoon the
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family gathered with the priest of the local Bhairav baba temple under a small banyan tree just outside the temple. The same story was recounted. If the priest was scared, he managed to cover it well. After it ended, he started telling the legend of the phutlelya tondachi
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family gathered with the priest of the local Bhairav baba temple under a small banyan tree just outside the temple. The same story was recounted. If the priest was scared, he managed to cover it well. After it ended, he started telling the legend of the phutlelya tondachi
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bai.
He said, about 100 years back, there used to be a lady who lived outside in the jungle. Her name was lost to time, but the villagers then referred to her as just “maushi” (aunty). She used to look at certain aspects that we don’t dare venture into. Everyone has their
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bai.
He said, about 100 years back, there used to be a lady who lived outside in the jungle. Her name was lost to time, but the villagers then referred to her as just “maushi” (aunty). She used to look at certain aspects that we don’t dare venture into. Everyone has their
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karma after all. While most villagers avoided her completely, land division can make even brothers into enemies. One such brother went to her to eliminate his elder brother’s family using the entities at her bidding. And she did, she gave him something to put inside the
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karma after all. While most villagers avoided her completely, land division can make even brothers into enemies. One such brother went to her to eliminate his elder brother’s family using the entities at her bidding. And she did, she gave him something to put inside the
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elder brother’s hut that slowly drove everyone living there mad. How each family member died horrifically is not important now, but the elder brother who was travelling then was saved. When he came back, he somehow found out who had caused this. He went blind with rage.
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elder brother’s hut that slowly drove everyone living there mad. How each family member died horrifically is not important now, but the elder brother who was travelling then was saved. When he came back, he somehow found out who had caused this. He went blind with rage.
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His younger brother had fled the village knowing that he had not eliminated the entire family. So the elder brothers anger turned to Maushi. Blinded by rage he ran to her hut with a huge stick. This was an old thick walking stick.
She saw him coming and ran into the
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His younger brother had fled the village knowing that he had not eliminated the entire family. So the elder brothers anger turned to Maushi. Blinded by rage he ran to her hut with a huge stick. This was an old thick walking stick.
She saw him coming and ran into the
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forest. When he cornered her. He saw she was mumbling some mantras, maybe calling her minions. He swung the stick. She ducked backwards to protect her head, but her jaw could not escape the tremendous force. The jaw cracked on impact, her teeth flying in all directions.
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forest. When he cornered her. He saw she was mumbling some mantras, maybe calling her minions. He swung the stick. She ducked backwards to protect her head, but her jaw could not escape the tremendous force. The jaw cracked on impact, her teeth flying in all directions.
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Her lower jaw came completely loose and was left hanging by just the skin, giving her a face a weird distended look. Unable to move her jaw she was unable to chant any mantra. She was howling in immense pain, but her howls were more like an animal than a human. The elder
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Her lower jaw came completely loose and was left hanging by just the skin, giving her a face a weird distended look. Unable to move her jaw she was unable to chant any mantra. She was howling in immense pain, but her howls were more like an animal than a human. The elder
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brother then decided to leave her and came back to the village. What happened to the brothers and even to her after that is lost to time. But we believe she wandered for days in the forest, unable to speak, unable to eat, or drink, and in immense pain. Unable to do her
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brother then decided to leave her and came back to the village. What happened to the brothers and even to her after that is lost to time. But we believe she wandered for days in the forest, unable to speak, unable to eat, or drink, and in immense pain. Unable to do her
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rituals or chant, the entities she had enslaved left, the more malevolent ones, did unspeakable things to her to avenge their imprisonment. And finally, I guess she must have died alone somewhere in the forest.
As Krishna has said, यान्ति देवव्रता देवान्पितॄ न्यान्ति
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rituals or chant, the entities she had enslaved left, the more malevolent ones, did unspeakable things to her to avenge their imprisonment. And finally, I guess she must have died alone somewhere in the forest.
As Krishna has said, यान्ति देवव्रता देवान्पितॄ न्यान्ति
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पितृव्रता: | भूतानि यान्ति भूतेज्या यान्ति मद्याजिनोऽपि माम्
People attain to the yoni they worship, she attained to a pishachi yoni. She now roams the forest with her broken mouth taking various forms and beguiling travelers. This is why no one travels here after dark,
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पितृव्रता: | भूतानि यान्ति भूतेज्या यान्ति मद्याजिनोऽपि माम्
People attain to the yoni they worship, she attained to a pishachi yoni. She now roams the forest with her broken mouth taking various forms and beguiling travelers. This is why no one travels here after dark,
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especially on Amavasya. Did you not notice that yesterday was an Amavasya? Or does your city not have any such thing any more?
The granny asked the poor brahmin, guruji please give some upaaya. There must be something. He replied gravely, a 100 year old pissacha that was
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especially on Amavasya. Did you not notice that yesterday was an Amavasya? Or does your city not have any such thing any more?
The granny asked the poor brahmin, guruji please give some upaaya. There must be something. He replied gravely, a 100 year old pissacha that was
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already very strong when in a body, is not easily handled. Nor can I do it, nor do I know anyone who can. See you have already been stung by a cobra, now you can only wait for your death. The worst that can happen has already happened, your daughter and your family is
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already very strong when in a body, is not easily handled. Nor can I do it, nor do I know anyone who can. See you have already been stung by a cobra, now you can only wait for your death. The worst that can happen has already happened, your daughter and your family is
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already marked for a fate worse than death.
What do you mean guruji, the girl asked.
It means, that at the stated date, phulelya tondachi bai will visit our village. She can now enter the village without fear of Bhairubaba (he turned around to do a namaskar to the
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already marked for a fate worse than death.
What do you mean guruji, the girl asked.
It means, that at the stated date, phulelya tondachi bai will visit our village. She can now enter the village without fear of Bhairubaba (he turned around to do a namaskar to the
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fearsome bhairav vigraha), because she is now your guest. You invited her didn’t you? These children go to the city, and they invite trouble into their lives looking at their outward appearances, in the name of modernity.
She will come to your house after dark, which is
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fearsome bhairav vigraha), because she is now your guest. You invited her didn’t you? These children go to the city, and they invite trouble into their lives looking at their outward appearances, in the name of modernity.
She will come to your house after dark, which is
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when they are strongest. This time you will see her real form with her jaw hanging loosely near her chest and skin of her cheeks stretched thin. She will be accompanied by a foul smell, but you will be forced to let her in. She will start eating and drinking, what you
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when they are strongest. This time you will see her real form with her jaw hanging loosely near her chest and skin of her cheeks stretched thin. She will be accompanied by a foul smell, but you will be forced to let her in. She will start eating and drinking, what you
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have given her, but the food will all be falling to the floor through her broken mouth. After a while, she will get frustrated as her hunger is not satiated. She will then turn her angry eyes to all of you. Rest, there is not need to recount. This has happened once
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have given her, but the food will all be falling to the floor through her broken mouth. After a while, she will get frustrated as her hunger is not satiated. She will then turn her angry eyes to all of you. Rest, there is not need to recount. This has happened once
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before, several decades back before I became the priest, but we learned our lesson then. Yours will be the second family. She must be very hungry now.
Dejected the family turned to go home. But before parting, the father said one last thing that touched the priest, “even
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before, several decades back before I became the priest, but we learned our lesson then. Yours will be the second family. She must be very hungry now.
Dejected the family turned to go home. But before parting, the father said one last thing that touched the priest, “even
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a cobra’s venom has an antidote guruji”
Knowing no other way, they began an incessant paarayan of Maruti Stotra, Ram Raksha, and finally guru charitra. They just had two days to live. With the news having spread, neighbours joined in, some bringing food, and others
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a cobra’s venom has an antidote guruji”
Knowing no other way, they began an incessant paarayan of Maruti Stotra, Ram Raksha, and finally guru charitra. They just had two days to live. With the news having spread, neighbours joined in, some bringing food, and others
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joining in to sit for the paaths.
Whether it was the 48 hour chant or something else, I do not know. But on the fateful morning there appeared a ray of hope. Someone from the small temple had come to call the family to the temple. “Guruji has called you, he may have an
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joining in to sit for the paaths.
Whether it was the 48 hour chant or something else, I do not know. But on the fateful morning there appeared a ray of hope. Someone from the small temple had come to call the family to the temple. “Guruji has called you, he may have an
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antidote”, was the simple one-line message.
The tired looking family crowded around the priest with hope in their eyes. He looked at them and asked “mag, aaj cha menu kai ahey?” (What have you decided to cook for tonight). The family was angry when he said this, and
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antidote”, was the simple one-line message.
The tired looking family crowded around the priest with hope in their eyes. He looked at them and asked “mag, aaj cha menu kai ahey?” (What have you decided to cook for tonight). The family was angry when he said this, and
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turned away. He gently stopped them. “I am not making fun of you, come, sit, and I will explain”
Last night, after I fell asleep, I heard scratching on the door to my hut inside the temple complex. Half asleep I opened the door and was shocked to see a lion outside. It
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turned away. He gently stopped them. “I am not making fun of you, come, sit, and I will explain”
Last night, after I fell asleep, I heard scratching on the door to my hut inside the temple complex. Half asleep I opened the door and was shocked to see a lion outside. It
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was huge, with a flowing golden mane. I couldn’t even think out of fear. The lion was growling but without any aggression, but even that was enough to scare a poor temple brahmin. Then he turned around and started walking, stopping from time to time to look back, as if
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was huge, with a flowing golden mane. I couldn’t even think out of fear. The lion was growling but without any aggression, but even that was enough to scare a poor temple brahmin. Then he turned around and started walking, stopping from time to time to look back, as if
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beckoning me to follow. I followed as if in a trance. He took me out of the village and I don’t know how long I walked. But I eventually came to a clearing where I saw someone sitting. The being was so dazzling that I could not even look at it directly. I only saw the
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beckoning me to follow. I followed as if in a trance. He took me out of the village and I don’t know how long I walked. But I eventually came to a clearing where I saw someone sitting. The being was so dazzling that I could not even look at it directly. I only saw the
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lion go and sit by its feet. The lion was purring like a cat and appeared to be licking the toe of whatever this was.
Suddenly the being spoke to me saying “aho badawe, chappal tari ghalayche hotey ki…hya vaatevar khoop kaatey ahet”. (Oh Pujari, you should have at least
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lion go and sit by its feet. The lion was purring like a cat and appeared to be licking the toe of whatever this was.
Suddenly the being spoke to me saying “aho badawe, chappal tari ghalayche hotey ki…hya vaatevar khoop kaatey ahet”. (Oh Pujari, you should have at least
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worn your chappals, on this path there are many thorns”. Was this statement literal or figurative, was anybody’s guess.
Anyway that being told me a way out for your situation. When his instructions ended I suddenly woke up with a start and sweating all over, and I was in
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worn your chappals, on this path there are many thorns”. Was this statement literal or figurative, was anybody’s guess.
Anyway that being told me a way out for your situation. When his instructions ended I suddenly woke up with a start and sweating all over, and I was in
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my bed. I thought it was all a dream, and went back to sleep. But this morning, when I got up and put my feet on the floor, intense pain hit me. I realized my feet were bleeding and I could see a few thorns sticking from them. It was then that I realized that what had
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my bed. I thought it was all a dream, and went back to sleep. But this morning, when I got up and put my feet on the floor, intense pain hit me. I realized my feet were bleeding and I could see a few thorns sticking from them. It was then that I realized that what had
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happened was all true. I had actually walked into the deepest part of the jungle. This is why I sent someone to fetch you, as I am still not able to walk comfortably.
The family now eagerly awaited his next words. The pujari started with a grave demeanor: Cook many dishes
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happened was all true. I had actually walked into the deepest part of the jungle. This is why I sent someone to fetch you, as I am still not able to walk comfortably.
The family now eagerly awaited his next words. The pujari started with a grave demeanor: Cook many dishes
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tonight. When she comes, do not appear startled at her appearance. She is a very powerful being, but what I saw yesterday is the one beyond all. So when she comes….the priest detailed everything out. Then all the family could do was wait.
That night, the entire village
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tonight. When she comes, do not appear startled at her appearance. She is a very powerful being, but what I saw yesterday is the one beyond all. So when she comes….the priest detailed everything out. Then all the family could do was wait.
That night, the entire village
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was empty. Everyone had pitched in to make 21 separate dishes. Different types of sweets, various sabjis, puris, polis, three types of rice, aam panha, the works! They had even helped look for that one implement that would separate life from death. After scouring nearly
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was empty. Everyone had pitched in to make 21 separate dishes. Different types of sweets, various sabjis, puris, polis, three types of rice, aam panha, the works! They had even helped look for that one implement that would separate life from death. After scouring nearly
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all the houses in the village, it was finally found just in time.
At 10PM, there was a knock on the door. The girl answered, “who is it?”. The answer from outside was “mi…maushi aali ahey…daar ughad”. (Its me, maushi, open the door).
The girl opened the door and what
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all the houses in the village, it was finally found just in time.
At 10PM, there was a knock on the door. The girl answered, “who is it?”. The answer from outside was “mi…maushi aali ahey…daar ughad”. (Its me, maushi, open the door).
The girl opened the door and what
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she saw horrified her. Unkempt hair, bulging eyes like that of a toad. Foul stench everywhere. Her jaw was drooping all the way to her chest. Long strings of thick saliva were dripping to the floor like that of a rabid animal. Her entire body was emaciated and her attempt
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she saw horrified her. Unkempt hair, bulging eyes like that of a toad. Foul stench everywhere. Her jaw was drooping all the way to her chest. Long strings of thick saliva were dripping to the floor like that of a rabid animal. Her entire body was emaciated and her attempt
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to smile through the broken jaw made her countenance even more disgusting. This was the “phutlelya tondachi bai”.
But as per instructions, the girl took a little water and poured it on her twisted feet, and welcomed her like she would to any revered guest. When the entity
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to smile through the broken jaw made her countenance even more disgusting. This was the “phutlelya tondachi bai”.
But as per instructions, the girl took a little water and poured it on her twisted feet, and welcomed her like she would to any revered guest. When the entity
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was shown in, all the family members did namaskar one by one, and the phutlelya tondachi bai eyed them greedily one by one. The father showed her to the short wooden ‘paat’ and she sat down. The ‘taat’ (plate) was put in front of her and one by one small ‘vaatis’ (bowls)
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was shown in, all the family members did namaskar one by one, and the phutlelya tondachi bai eyed them greedily one by one. The father showed her to the short wooden ‘paat’ and she sat down. The ‘taat’ (plate) was put in front of her and one by one small ‘vaatis’ (bowls)
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of various dishes were put in front. This was a crucial step for what was to come next. She would try everything at least once, giving the girl time to do what came next. While her mother and granny stood on serving duty and her father with a jug of water, the girl
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of various dishes were put in front. This was a crucial step for what was to come next. She would try everything at least once, giving the girl time to do what came next. While her mother and granny stood on serving duty and her father with a jug of water, the girl
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slipped out of the hut by the back door. It was crucial that she do this since she was the one who brought this affliction to their doorstep.
When she came back, she could see from behind that the phutlelya tondachi bai was almost finishing her meal, man was she fast,
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slipped out of the hut by the back door. It was crucial that she do this since she was the one who brought this affliction to their doorstep.
When she came back, she could see from behind that the phutlelya tondachi bai was almost finishing her meal, man was she fast,
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good that they had prepared so many dishes. She could see the puddle of food on the ground in front of the entity, and increasingly frustrated sounds emanating from her. The rancid smell seemed to have intensified and putrefied the entire hut. It was all everyone could do
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good that they had prepared so many dishes. She could see the puddle of food on the ground in front of the entity, and increasingly frustrated sounds emanating from her. The rancid smell seemed to have intensified and putrefied the entire hut. It was all everyone could do
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from throwing up.
For what the girl needed to do, she needed a lot of courage. And suddenly she felt sick. Sweat broke out, vision turned to tunnel vision and she felt real fear. Taking Lord Ramas name on her lips, she gathered whatever courage she could and proceeded to
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from throwing up.
For what the girl needed to do, she needed a lot of courage. And suddenly she felt sick. Sweat broke out, vision turned to tunnel vision and she felt real fear. Taking Lord Ramas name on her lips, she gathered whatever courage she could and proceeded to
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do the hardest thing she would ever do in her life.
She gripped the beam of oak wood that was sourced just earlier that evening from an elderly neighbor’s chair, just in the nick of time. Just as the entity was about to turn her eyes to the family, the girl raised the
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do the hardest thing she would ever do in her life.
She gripped the beam of oak wood that was sourced just earlier that evening from an elderly neighbor’s chair, just in the nick of time. Just as the entity was about to turn her eyes to the family, the girl raised the
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short stump of the wood above her head and brought it down with all her strength on maushi’s head. She felt the sick crunch of hardwood on bone, and instantly saw maushi turn around and stare through her bulging eyes as if she didn’t know what hit her. The girl pried the
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short stump of the wood above her head and brought it down with all her strength on maushi’s head. She felt the sick crunch of hardwood on bone, and instantly saw maushi turn around and stare through her bulging eyes as if she didn’t know what hit her. The girl pried the
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stump out from the mess of her head, and with tears of fear and anger in her eyes, swung it once more and got the phutlelya tondachi bai on the side of her head. Now that bai let out the most horrendous howl that would strike fear in the entire village for a generation.
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stump out from the mess of her head, and with tears of fear and anger in her eyes, swung it once more and got the phutlelya tondachi bai on the side of her head. Now that bai let out the most horrendous howl that would strike fear in the entire village for a generation.
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The Pujari with his bandaged feet sat in the temple verandah, holding a mala and looking on in the direction of the girl’s house. Praying.
The broken mouthed woman now turned to pleading asking to be let go, she was here only because she was invited for dinner. It was
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The Pujari with his bandaged feet sat in the temple verandah, holding a mala and looking on in the direction of the girl’s house. Praying.
The broken mouthed woman now turned to pleading asking to be let go, she was here only because she was invited for dinner. It was
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evil that they have a oak wood stick in their house and were using it on her. She wanted to just finish her meal. Now the girl’s eyes had turned red with rage, and from crying the last 48 hours.
Now the second part of the plan was to be put into place. The father quickly
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evil that they have a oak wood stick in their house and were using it on her. She wanted to just finish her meal. Now the girl’s eyes had turned red with rage, and from crying the last 48 hours.
Now the second part of the plan was to be put into place. The father quickly
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took advantage of the entity’s turned back and lifted the plate off the floor. The daughter said, you want to eat na? Ok, I will give you food, but not here I will serve you myself again outside the village. You will let my family go. Your business is with me.
The entity
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took advantage of the entity’s turned back and lifted the plate off the floor. The daughter said, you want to eat na? Ok, I will give you food, but not here I will serve you myself again outside the village. You will let my family go. Your business is with me.
The entity
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demurred but agreed. The girl carried a plate, and tiffin of food outside the house, with the phutlelya tondachi bai following her. She could hear the angry wheezing right behind her left shoulder. The girl walked outside the border of the village. She was following the
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demurred but agreed. The girl carried a plate, and tiffin of food outside the house, with the phutlelya tondachi bai following her. She could hear the angry wheezing right behind her left shoulder. The girl walked outside the border of the village. She was following the
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brahmin’s directions, to the smallest detail. He had even told her which spot to take her to, and at what time. When she reached, she laid the paat on the ground. And the bai again sat down. The whole horrific thing was to be repeated again.
The girl realized that she was
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brahmin’s directions, to the smallest detail. He had even told her which spot to take her to, and at what time. When she reached, she laid the paat on the ground. And the bai again sat down. The whole horrific thing was to be repeated again.
The girl realized that she was
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slightly early than the time than told by the pujari. She started putting the food on the ground, but a little slowly. Taking her time. The phutlelya tondachi bai was impatiently seething for her meal. Finally, it was time. The girl put the last morsel of the serving on the
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slightly early than the time than told by the pujari. She started putting the food on the ground, but a little slowly. Taking her time. The phutlelya tondachi bai was impatiently seething for her meal. Finally, it was time. The girl put the last morsel of the serving on the
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ground, and stood back.
Now even if the pujari was wrong, at least it was just her who would be taken. The brave girl had at least saved her entire family. With this consolation, the girl stood aside resigned to her horrific fate.
Then, it happened. The stillness of the
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ground, and stood back.
Now even if the pujari was wrong, at least it was just her who would be taken. The brave girl had at least saved her entire family. With this consolation, the girl stood aside resigned to her horrific fate.
Then, it happened. The stillness of the
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night was broken by a gentle breeze. The tall trees were swaying gently, but not in a scary way. The cold air was soothing to the girl’s skin. This beauty and lightness of atmosphere was lost on phutlelya tondachi bai who kept trying to eat the food now mixed with
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night was broken by a gentle breeze. The tall trees were swaying gently, but not in a scary way. The cold air was soothing to the girl’s skin. This beauty and lightness of atmosphere was lost on phutlelya tondachi bai who kept trying to eat the food now mixed with
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soil.
Suddenly the girl heard someone call her by her name from behind her right shoulder. She looked back and saw an old, but study looking man. He was carrying a lantern, a thick staff, and wearing a old style topi. Around his left shoulder was a thick, rough kambal.
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soil.
Suddenly the girl heard someone call her by her name from behind her right shoulder. She looked back and saw an old, but study looking man. He was carrying a lantern, a thick staff, and wearing a old style topi. Around his left shoulder was a thick, rough kambal.
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He said to her, Pori, evdhya raatri baher kai karat ahes, ghari jaa, mi hila baghto, ti parat tula traas denar nahi. (Child, what are you doing out so late. Go home, I will take care of her, she will not bother you again).
The girl knew that was her cue, she simply
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He said to her, Pori, evdhya raatri baher kai karat ahes, ghari jaa, mi hila baghto, ti parat tula traas denar nahi. (Child, what are you doing out so late. Go home, I will take care of her, she will not bother you again).
The girl knew that was her cue, she simply
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turned around and started walking. As soon as she crossed into the village boundary, she heard an ear piercing shriek behind her and sounds like the phutlelya tondachi bai was being dragged away by someone. Instead of her home, she first went straight to the Bhairav
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turned around and started walking. As soon as she crossed into the village boundary, she heard an ear piercing shriek behind her and sounds like the phutlelya tondachi bai was being dragged away by someone. Instead of her home, she first went straight to the Bhairav
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temple as instructed. She saw there, that her parents, and some village elders had all gathered.
When she reached, her family hugged her, and the villagers gathered around them. They had all put aside their differences to take care of their family. The pujari was still
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temple as instructed. She saw there, that her parents, and some village elders had all gathered.
When she reached, her family hugged her, and the villagers gathered around them. They had all put aside their differences to take care of their family. The pujari was still
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seating on his little khaat, with a similing face. When the girl came to him to touch his feet, he surprised everyone by stopping her and bowing down to her instead! He said, its only because of you that I had the darshan of Him who is worshipped by even the celestials.
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seating on his little khaat, with a similing face. When the girl came to him to touch his feet, he surprised everyone by stopping her and bowing down to her instead! He said, its only because of you that I had the darshan of Him who is worshipped by even the celestials.
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Who knew after my years of worship of Bhairav baba, he will give me darshan in this way!
The villagers gathered around the pujari who explained the entire story from his dream/ non -dream to them. He added, the entity is very powerful, but a simple wooden stick was enough
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Who knew after my years of worship of Bhairav baba, he will give me darshan in this way!
The villagers gathered around the pujari who explained the entire story from his dream/ non -dream to them. He added, the entity is very powerful, but a simple wooden stick was enough
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to scare it. This secret was also told to me by that Mahapurush. He said the stick used by the elder brother 100 years earlier made of Oak. The entity remembered its fear of it. Once we die, we carry the vasanas with us. As also the fears we had. Hence getting a wooden
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to scare it. This secret was also told to me by that Mahapurush. He said the stick used by the elder brother 100 years earlier made of Oak. The entity remembered its fear of it. Once we die, we carry the vasanas with us. As also the fears we had. Hence getting a wooden
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stick made of Oak was important, and we luckily found an oakwood chair in this small village. Perhaps the entity’s time to terrorize us had come to an end?
But guruji, who was the old man? Who came to my rescue now? The pujari answered, every village has its own protector
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stick made of Oak was important, and we luckily found an oakwood chair in this small village. Perhaps the entity’s time to terrorize us had come to an end?
But guruji, who was the old man? Who came to my rescue now? The pujari answered, every village has its own protector
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spirit. We call it a "Rakhandaar". It’s a noble soul who has pledged his existence in protecting an area from countless yonis that aim to do us harm. He walks around the perimeter and repels beings who are trying to gain unauthorized entry with the aim to do us harm.
Do you
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spirit. We call it a "Rakhandaar". It’s a noble soul who has pledged his existence in protecting an area from countless yonis that aim to do us harm. He walks around the perimeter and repels beings who are trying to gain unauthorized entry with the aim to do us harm.
Do you
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remember when she, that entity, brought you home through that long winded way? She was only avoiding the rakhandaar that day. On Amavasya all such beings have a heavier mass and manifesting in form, even taking different forms, for them becomes easier. This is why she
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remember when she, that entity, brought you home through that long winded way? She was only avoiding the rakhandaar that day. On Amavasya all such beings have a heavier mass and manifesting in form, even taking different forms, for them becomes easier. This is why she
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could tell which way the rakhandar was walking, and took you on a route so as to avoid him.
This time Lord Rama himself in his effulgent form that night told me which way and what time the Rakhandaar will be passing. I only conveyed the information to you and arranged for
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could tell which way the rakhandar was walking, and took you on a route so as to avoid him.
This time Lord Rama himself in his effulgent form that night told me which way and what time the Rakhandaar will be passing. I only conveyed the information to you and arranged for
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you to be there with the entity at that time. The Rakhandaar is a very powerful being, and he was able to drag her away and she wont be troubling you or your family again.
But Pujari ji, why didn’t Rama himself come to protect me? The priest chuckled, and added, the
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you to be there with the entity at that time. The Rakhandaar is a very powerful being, and he was able to drag her away and she wont be troubling you or your family again.
But Pujari ji, why didn’t Rama himself come to protect me? The priest chuckled, and added, the
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being that gave me darshan also told me you would ask this question, because in Kaliyuga, nothing will ever be enough, and people will want things and do nothing in return. He told me that today if Rama himself saves someone, they will complain why didn’t Dasharatha
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being that gave me darshan also told me you would ask this question, because in Kaliyuga, nothing will ever be enough, and people will want things and do nothing in return. He told me that today if Rama himself saves someone, they will complain why didn’t Dasharatha
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come?!
So the answer to that is simply this. The Rakhandaar, the gram devata, mool purush, Vastu purush, etc. are but forms of the supreme divine who are here for specific purposes. We make offerings to them, to show our gratitude for all the protection and bounty they
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come?!
So the answer to that is simply this. The Rakhandaar, the gram devata, mool purush, Vastu purush, etc. are but forms of the supreme divine who are here for specific purposes. We make offerings to them, to show our gratitude for all the protection and bounty they
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bestow upon us.
If we keep on expecting the supreme being will show up in person so protect us from every silly little mistake we make, then people will stop making offerings to these entities who have been here for countless centuries. Protecting us is their sadhana. If
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bestow upon us.
If we keep on expecting the supreme being will show up in person so protect us from every silly little mistake we make, then people will stop making offerings to these entities who have been here for countless centuries. Protecting us is their sadhana. If
+
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we negate them, stop their offerings, and instead want someone else to protect us, we are causing immeasurable harm to their sadhana.
How many people pass into a village without stopping for a second to bow down to the stone kept for Rakhandaar, or even the gram
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we negate them, stop their offerings, and instead want someone else to protect us, we are causing immeasurable harm to their sadhana.
How many people pass into a village without stopping for a second to bow down to the stone kept for Rakhandaar, or even the gram
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devi/devata? Even you didn’t. Yet he protected you only because you belong to this village and countless generations before you have expressed their gratitude towards him. As time goes on people will stop these offerings, and these entities will move on. Then the
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devi/devata? Even you didn’t. Yet he protected you only because you belong to this village and countless generations before you have expressed their gratitude towards him. As time goes on people will stop these offerings, and these entities will move on. Then the
+
+
attendant problems will increase, and the spiritual perimeter remains unprotected.
The villagers all stood silently for a moment contemplating what the priest had just said. The priest ended the meeting with the following shloka of the Gita:
पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे
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attendant problems will increase, and the spiritual perimeter remains unprotected.
The villagers all stood silently for a moment contemplating what the priest had just said. The priest ended the meeting with the following shloka of the Gita:
पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे
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भक्त्या प्रयच्छति | तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मन: ||
If one offers to Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even water, I delightfully partake of that item offered with love by My devotee.
After that day, no one from that village (now
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भक्त्या प्रयच्छति | तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मन: ||
If one offers to Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even water, I delightfully partake of that item offered with love by My devotee.
After that day, no one from that village (now
+
+
town) has encountered the phutlelya tondachi bai again. But they all keep a small block of oakwood near their main entrance just in case.
Because offerings to the Rakhandaar have now become rarer.
END
town) has encountered the phutlelya tondachi bai again. But they all keep a small block of oakwood near their main entrance just in case.
Because offerings to the Rakhandaar have now become rarer.
END
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