All things must come to an end. A conclusion is unavoidable even for materials devoid of a soul. Hell is where the sinful ones go to suffer beyond death. Through immense suffering, the spirits achieve absolution. Yama is the lord of Hell (aka Paatal). Aided by Chitragupta who keeps a track record of all actions undertaken by a human, the God of Death keeps a tight watch on sinners.
The dungeons contain specially-constructed cells to harbor dangerous criminals. Arguably the most famous residents of this area include the Demon King Mahabali, the unruly perverted Mahisasura, the Guru of all Asuras Shukracharya, and many more. One such inhabitant is Meghnaad. The eldest son of the proud Demon King of Lanka, Indrajit had once defeated the King of the Gods and proved to be the toughest opponent of Rama and Lakshmana when the duo had attacked Ravana’s kingdom to avenge the kidnapping of Rama’s queen Sita. Lakshmana was able to vanquish Meghnaad only because he interrupted an important ceremony that would have rendered the latter invincible. Even during his final moments, the valiant son of Ravana never gave in to despair. More than 7000 years have passed since that great war that involved Asuras and other demihumans in the mortal realm. Indrajit refused to repent no matter how much torture he was subjected to, for serving the father is a son’s greatest duty.
Location - Cell No 5
Meghnaad: Could you go easy on the needles today Yama? Eons worth of suffering has been enough eh?
Yama: Sorry mate. We must abide by the orders of those who are more powerful than us.
Meghnaad: Alright. Just get it over with. I haven’t got all day.
Yama: Buddy, you are destined to be punished forever. Yet after all these years, your wicked sense of humor is yet to dissipate.
Meghnaad: Are you not entertained?
The demon had a smirk on his face when the cell door flew open. The God of Death was taken aback. In front of him stood the ruler of Kailasha, the first Yogi and the original God. Covered in ash from head to toe, the blue neck of His was consecrated by a fearsome cobra. The Lord of Ghosts had arrived to visit his favorite devotee’s ward. This was a rare occurrence as Shiva spent most of his time cultivating spiritual energy.
Shiva: Leave us alone Yama. And do not interrupt. You know what happened to Kamadeva when he messed with me don’t you?
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Yama let out a whimper and disappeared.
Shiva: Hahaha, I still frighten that poor fellow. So Meghnaad, how’s life beyond death?
Meghnaad: Oh the usual. I have gotten accustomed to the punishments now. After all, they aren’t going to end anytime soon.
Shiva: Tell me Meghnaad, what is the meaning of life?
Meghnaad: When I was in Lanka following the assault on my aunt by the young prince of Ayodhya, I remember getting into an argument with my father. You know him, my Lord, his rage knew no bounds. I warned him against taking action to alienate Rama but he wouldn’t listen. I frequently counseled him but this time he roared back, “Dignity is the most important thing one can have. Even if I were to lose my life in return for the journey I’m about to embark upon, we cannot be shameless.”
Shiva: So tell me, my dear Indrajit. Do you see your current predicament as dignified?
Meghnaad: Well, my Lord… I do not know. But if I ever had the chance to turn back time, I would never hesitate to aid my father in his misadventures.
Shiva smiled, satisfied by his answer. A portal resembling a black hole opened up behind him.
Shiva: Go, my friend. Your sentence has been reduced to time served.
Meghnaad couldn’t help but tear up, as the shackles binding him turned to dust.
Meghnaad: Won’t the other gods complain about you setting me free?
Shiva: You let me deal with them. A new life awaits you. Keep in mind that I cannot send you to Prithvi (Earth) as magic has all but vanished from that realm. Go ahead son, your abilities have been restored to full capacity. Don’t fret, proceed.
A hesitant but happy Meghnaad stepped into the portal. Everything turned dark for a few moments. Then he was greeted by a fresh horizon.
The son of Lankeshwara let out a delightful scream. After ages, freedom had arrived. He had left the dungeons far behind.
Meghnaad: Thank you, My Lord. Thank you for being benevolent.
The sky was kaleidoscopic signifying the mana-rich atmosphere. A beaming Indrajit took flight once again. He must explore the lands before figuring out what to do with this opportunity provided to him by his great lord. But first…
———
Automated Voice: Your next stop is Kailasha. Please mind the gap while the doors close.
Vishnu was enraged that Hara had helped Ravana’s son escape. Yama’s spy-clone had informed of what transpired in Hell.
Govinda: Let me give that Bholenath a piece of my mind.
Glossary:
Asuras: Demons in Hindu folklore. Paired opposite the Devas, they are often frowned upon. Mostly malevolent.
Shukracharya: The Guru of all Asuras and the man who helped Meghnaad become a great warrior.
Bali (Mahabali): Yet another Demon who defeated Indra. Was vanquished to Hell by the Vamana Avatar of Vishnu.
Mahisasura: One of the strongest opponents of the Gods (Devas). A humanoid water buffalo who was heroically slain by Devi Durga.
Shiva: Para Brahman (the Supreme Consciousness). The first to have been worshipped since the time of the Indus Valley Civilization. The strongest of the Tridev (the 3 principal deities). The Destroyer. Also known as Shankara, Mahakal, etc
Vishnu: Lover of humanity. Crafty yet compassionate. A member of the Tridev. The Protector. Also known as Govinda, Hari, etc.
———End of Chapter 1———