Amish_Tripathi_-_[Shiva_Trilogy_01_-_The_Immortals

Shloka: CoupletShudhikaran: The purification ceremonySindhu: The first riverSomras: Drink of the godsSutlej: Known as Dhrishadvati in ancient times; modern name Sutlej is used for the convenience of readers. Many believe that the Sutlej was the main Saraswati river and when Yamuna, its tributary, merged into it, it became the mighty river of yoreSvarna: GoldSwadweep: The Island of the individual. This is the land ruled by the Chandravanshi kingsSwadweepans: People of SwadweepSwaha: Legend has it that Lord Agni’s wife is named Swaha. Hence it pleases Lord Agni, the God of Fire, if a disciple takes his wife’s name while worshipping the sacred fire. Another interpretation of Swaha is that it means offering of selfTamra: BronzeT hali: PlateVarjish graha: The exercise hallVarun: God of the water and the seasVijayibhav: May you be victoriousVikarma: Carrier of bad fateVishnu: The protector of the world and propagator of good. I believe that it is an ancient Hindu title for the greatest of leaders who would be remembered as the mightiest of godsYagna: Sacrificial fire ceremony

Episode from The Secret of the Nagas The Gates of Branga ‘Why are you back so soon? You have enough medicines for a year.’ Divodas was shocked at the manner in which Major Uma was speaking. She was always strict. Butnever rude. He had been delighted that she had been posted on the gates. Though he hadn’t met her inyears, they had been friends a long time back. He had thought he could use his friendship with her togain easy passage into Branga. ‘What is the matter, Uma?’ asked Divodas. ‘It is Major Uma. I am on duty.’ ‘I’m sorry Major. I meant no disrespect.’ ‘I can’t let you go back unless you give me a good reason.’ ‘Why would I need a reason to enter my own country?’ ‘This is not your country anymore. You chose to abandon it. Kashi is your land. Go back there.’ ‘Major Uma, you know I had no choice. You know the risks to the life of my child in Branga.’ ‘You think those who live in Branga don’t? You think we don’t love our children? Yet we choose tolive in our own land. You suffer the consequences of your choice.’ Divodas realised this was getting nowhere. ‘I have to meet the King on a matter of nationalimportance.’ Uma narrowed her eyes. ‘Really? I guess the King has some important business dealings withKashi, right?’ Divo das br eathed in deeply. ‘Majo r Uma, it is ver y impo r tant that I meet the King . Yo u must tr ustme.’ ‘Unless you are carrying the Queen of the Nagas herself on one of your ships, I can’t see anythingimportant enough to let you through!’ ‘I’m carrying someone far more important than the Queen of the Nagas.’ ‘Kashi has really improved your sense of humour, Divodas,’ sneered Uma. ‘I suggest you turn backand shine your supreme light somewhere else.’ The snide pun o n Kashi’s name co nvinced Divo das that he was facing a chang ed Uma. An ang r yand bitter Uma, incapable o f listening to r easo n. He had no cho ice. He had to g et the Neelkanth. Heknew Uma used to believe in the legend. ‘I’ll come back with the person more important than the Queen of the Nagas herself,’ said Divodas,turning to leave. The small cutter had just docked at the Branga office. Divodas alit first. Followed by Shiva,Parvateshwar, Bhagirath, Drapaku and Purvaka. Uma, standing outside her office, sighed. ‘You really don’t give up, do you?’ ‘This is very important, Major Uma,’ said Divodas.

Uma recognised Bhagirath. ‘Is this the person? You think I should break the rules for the Prince ofAyodhya?’ ‘He is the Prince of Swadweep, Major Uma. Don’t forget that. We send tribute to Ayodhya.’ ‘So you are more loyal to Ayodhya as well now? How many times will you abandon Branga?’ ‘Major, in the name of Ayodhya, I respectfully ask you to let us pass,’ said Bhagirath, trying hardnot to lose his temper. He knew the Neelkanth did not want any bloodshed. ‘Our terms of the Ashwamedh treaty were very clear, Prince. We send you a tribute annually. AndAyodhya never enters Branga. We have maintained our part of the agreement. The orders to me are tohelp you maintain your part of the bargain.’ Shiva stepped forward. ‘If I may...’ Uma was at the end of her patience. She stepped forward and pushed Shiva. ‘Get out of here.’ ‘UMA!’ Divodas pulled out his sword. Bhagirath, Parvateshwar, Drapaku and Purvaka too drew out their swords instantly. ‘I will kill your entire family for this blasphemy,’ swore Drapaku. ‘Wait!’ said Shiva, his arms spread wide, stopping his men. Shiva turned towards Uma. She was staring at him. Shocked. The angvastram that he had wrappedar o und his bo dy fo r war mth had co me undo ne, r evealing his nee/ kanth, the pr o phesied blue thr o at.The Branga soldiers around Uma immediately went down on their knees, heads bowed in respect,tears flooding their eyes. Uma continued to stare, her mouth half open. Shiva cleared his throat. ‘I really need to pass through, Major Uma. May I request yourcooperation?’ Uma’s face turned mottled red. ‘Where the hell have you been?’ Shiva frowned. Uma bent forward, tears in her eyes, banging her small fists on Shiva’s well-honed chest. ‘Wherethe hell have you been? We have been waiting! We have been suffering! Where the hell have youbeen?’ Shiva tried to hold Uma, to comfort her. But she sank down holding Shiva’s leg, wailing. ‘Wherethe hell have you been?’ A concerned Divodas turned to another Branga friend also posted at the border. His friendwhispered, ‘Last month, Major Uma lost her only child to the plague. Her husband and she hadconceived after years of trying. She was devastated.’ Divodas looked at Uma with empathy, understanding her angst. He couldn’t even begin to imaginewhat would happen to him if he lost his baby. Shiva, who had heard the entire conversation, squatted. He cradled Uma in the shelter of his arms,as though trying to give her his strength. ‘Why didn’t you come earlier?’ Uma kept crying, inconsolable. The entire crew on all five ships was crowded on the port and starboard side, watching theoperation in awe and wonder. Shiva’s men were totally astounded by the Branga gates. They had seenthe platform close in on their ship with frightening force. Then the hooks were secured to the chains.The Brangas, after the go-ahead from respective ship captains, began towing the fleet. Shiva was standing aft. Looking at the office at the gate entrance. Every Branga not working on the gate machinery was on his knees, paying obeisance to theNeelkanth. But Shiva was staring at a broken woman curled up against the wall in foetal position. Shewas still crying.

Shiva had tears in his eyes. He knew Uma believed that fate had cheated her daughter. She believedthat if the Neelkanth had arrived a month earlier, her child would still be alive. But the Neelkanthhimself was not so sure. What could I have done? He continued to stare at Uma. Holy Lake, give me strength. I will fight this plague. The ground staff got the signal. They released the accumulator machines and the pulleys beganturning, moving the ship rapidly forward. Seeing the vision of Uma retreating swiftly, Shiva whispered, ‘I’m sorry.’

Amish is a 36-year-old, IIM (Kolkata) educated boring banker turned happy author. The success of hisdebut no vel, The Immortals of Meluha (Bo o k 1 o f the Shiva Tr ilo g y), enco ur ag ed him to g ive up afourteen-year-old career in financial services to focus on writing. He is passionate about history,mythology and philosophy. He believes that there is beauty and meaning in all world cultures andreligions.Amish lives in Mumbai with his wife Preeti and son Neel.The second book of the Shiva Trilogy, The Secret of the Nagas, released in 2011. Amish is presentlyworking on the third book of the Shiva Trilogy, The Oath of the Vajuputras.Know more about the Shiva Trilogy books through:Web: www.shivatrilogy.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/shivatrilogyInteract with the author through:Twitter: www.twitter.com/amishtFacebook: www.facebook.com/authoramish



Table of ContentsCoverPraise for the The Immortals of MeluhaTitle pageCopyrightDedicationContentsAcknowledgementsThe Shiva TrilogyCHAPTER 1: He has comeCHAPTER 2: Land of Pure LifeCHAPTER 3: She Enters His LifeCHAPTER 4: Abode of the GodsCHAPTER 5: Tribe of BrahmaCHAPTER 6: Vikrama, the Carriers of Bad FateCHAPTER 7: Lord Ram’ Unfinished TaskCHAPTER 8: Drink of the GodsCHAPTER 9: Love and its ConsequencesCHAPTER 10: The Hooded Figure ReturnsCHAPTER 11: Neelkanth UnveiledCHAPTER 12: Journey through MeluhaCHAPTER 13: Blessings of the ImpureCHAPTER 14: Pandit of Mohan Jo DaroCHAPTER 15: Trial by FireCHAPTER 16: The Sun & EarthCHAPTER 17: The battle of KoonjCHAPTER 18: Sati and the Fire ArrowCHAPTER 19: Love RealisedCHAPTER 20: Attack on MandarCHAPTER 21: Preparation for WarCHAPTER 22: Empire of EvilCHAPTER 23: Dharmayudh, the Holy WarCHAPTER 24: A Stunning RevelationCHAPTER 25: Island of the IndividualCHAPTER 26: The Question of QuestionsGlossary