"The ancient world once harbored many wonders. But no matter the beauty of their nature, their legacy is shrouded from the modern world, thus becoming a captivating mystery. Eight hundred years ago within the south of the Indian subcontinent, in the region now known as Hyderabad, there existed the mystic temple village known as Paddaghatham. Paddaghatham is nestled within the Siddhavanam forest, which is inhabited by devout Hindu followers who specialize in traditional ayurvedic medicines. These people gather the ingredients for their traditional medicines from the bounty of the forest and from the fertile Jeevadhara river. The cool forest breezes and abundance of lush plant life makes Paddaghatham a sanctuary for man and beast alike."
The village continues to prosper for centuries, but one day, a vicious tribe of Rakshasas attacked. The malicious, carnivorous ogres sought to plunder the village, claiming it's plentiful bounty and reducing it to ashes. However in the midst of the chaos, the people turned to their deity Gattamma, the goddess of rain. In gratitude for their devotion and prayer to her, the goddess manifested. The villagers felt the Earth shake and braced themselves, as an enormous and aggressive cyclone manifested. As the people, households, and temples of the village stood still, the Rakshasas were swept away, cast into the air and out of the borders of the forest by the vicious winds. The villagers turned to the nearby hill, where the enormous hand of Gattamma, manifesting as a hand of literal Earth rose in the horizon and blocked out the light of the sun. They were in awe as the land around them transformed, the trees and vegetation grew, vines and bushes manifested in many layers and rows outside of the village walls and the village is sealed. The forest hides the village from above, as the hand slowly descends back into the Earth and the crack seals itself. The village would prosper forever more, until the legends and beings of the ancient world have long been obscured with the rise of humanity.
Eventually, Paddhagatham evolved into a larger city and accompanying hamlet known as Dharmasthali, which would over time adopt the cultural values of Paddhagatham. Dharmasthali outgrew Paddhagatham, and the villages and towns within the Siddhavanam would carry out their duties and pass on their culture and sanctuary to their descendents. However, the twenty first century would see a change to the nature of both villages. Every once in a while there will be a diversion from what Paddhagatham and Dharmasthali were meant to be, and over time, they saw instances of disfunction, theft, and even violent assault. The villages seemed to be losing their purpose, and the people, their dharma. When time passes humanity become dishonest, greedy, corrupt, and selfish, and the villages found themselves being a sanctuary for crime and wrongdoing as time passed. The age of Kali Yuga, when the desire for dominion and power became a dominating ideology and the dark path of humanity was taken. But when the plague of corruption finds it's way to Paddhagatham, the people will need a hero to stand up for them. The villages pride themselves on happiness and peace, on striving to keep the people relaxed and at ease, to remove themselves of the physical world's troubles. But they will find that in order to preserve themselves, they will need encouragement from a good man. Their hope, restored by a hero..."
In the bright morning manifests a breeze that cools the village of Paddagatham, as the sun rises and the birds begin to sing their serine and beautiful toons. The young children, the future generation of their faith are seen playing and the smells ranging from sweet fruit to the scented herbs and medicine fill the air. All the senses kick in as the four visitors walk down the sandy street from the village gates. They cannot help but slow down and take in the scenery, despite the setting appearing as any other village, the vibe of tranquility and joy that emitted from it was indeed worth the visit. Veda, one of the village leaders, is resting outside of his household, reading until he is greeted by his acquaintance the MLA, as he guided the visitors to his porch. The visitors in question consisted of two older men and two women wearing professional uniforms, the men both sporting formal collared shirts with ties over them
"Hello" he says, offering his greetings by putting his hands together in a praying pose, and he bows. The village leader Veda places the book down and responds alike, happy with his arrival.
"I hope you don't mind my interruption" he says. "But these are instructors from the Ayurveda university that contacted us. They wish to research and learn about life in Paddhagatham." he continues to say with pride. The elder turns to greet the teachers as well and motions his hands to his left.
"Please, right this way" he says. He continues to walk down the dusty and sandy road, with the teachers following. As they stroll down the road they pass by multiple shops, each selling many different fruit and vegetables, furniture, handmade goods, and pots, alongside many huts and households of the people working in them as well as placing their service to maintaining the town temples.
"So what exactly do you want to know about Paddhagatham?" asks Vedha. The leading teacher following from behind proceeds to ask his question"
"Well, we are aware that the villages, that is, the people of Paddhagatham and Dharmasthali pride themselves immensely on their heritage and history. We just want to share your values with the world." Vedar turns his head and sports a smile in response to the curiosity.
"We just want to know, what exactly is so special about the villages of this forest? In addition, we understand that the people of Paddhagatham welcome visitors and guests in the recent years but none of the residents ever choose to leave.
"Well you said it yourself"- he says, as they walk towards the temple at one of the border walls of the village. "We hold this sacred village dear to our hearts. I'm aware of the existence of many others like it, but that is only from an outside perspective. Here we pride ourselves with helping each other, giving our people the upmost happiness but without taking too much from nature. We worship the goddess Gattamma and we get the fertile soil we need for our food and the wood for our shelters. This is all that we need from the Earth to satisfy us."
"It is a humble lifestyle you lead here but there is much more to the world than what is here in Siddhavanam" The group arrives to the temple steps, leading to the inside where the idols are housed within the stone structure. Veda slowly proceeds to walk up the stairs. When he gets to the top, at the door entrance he turns around.
"We have experienced our fair share of the misfortune that the outside world has to offer." The teacher looks confused. "What do you mean?" he replies.
Veda realizes he would rather change the subject. He quickly changes his brief saddened demeanor and speaks.
"Well the point is we have everything we need in this village, and we couldn't ask for anything more than what the Earth has blessed us with. But to answer your question, aside from the protection of our goddess we have been blessed with our ancestral medicinal teachings. They are like none anywhere in the world, and we get the ingredients by rationing them from the forest beyond our gates." he says pointing behind the teachers, and to the horizon where the mountainous Siddhavanam forest expands like a green, never ending ocean.
"We all have our dharma, that is our duties in life to assure that the world around us prospers for the better. For the people of the Siddhavanam villages our sacred duties in life are to preserve our culture and the sanctuary we have to offer. According to legend we have lasted for centuries and with our will in our hearts we can last many more"
At the moment, the gates of the village next to the temple open very slowly. The loud, creaking sound coming from the opening gate catches everyone's attention as they turn to the gate.
"Forgive me my friends, I hope to carry this discussion later on, I should tend to the temple"- says Veda, as he hurriedly rushes down the stairs and past the crowd in front. The doors open fully, and the speech of the people as well as the yelling and cheering of children is cut abruptly when they see who walks through the gate. At a few households, some of the mothers are grabbing their kid's hands and urging them inside, and the small crowd clears the way for the visitor as he walks in the middle of the road. The heavily built and intimidating Basava walks down the steps, leading from the entrance gate down to the ground of the village, slightly less elevated from the gate. He smiles, and opens his mouth to inhale the fresh air, before loudly exhaling it in satisfaction. His unsettling smile quickly turns back into a serious expression, and without saying a word he walks quickly in a U shape, from the entrance gate to the small temple located next to it.
When Basava arrives in the main room, he finds himself in another depression as the temple's prayer setting is located slightly underground. He walks down the stairs where the elder stands praying to the 20 foot tall idol of Gattamma. The room is silent minus Basava's footfalls as makes his way in front of the idol and next to the idol priest.
"The torch please" he requests to the priest. "You mean, the arathi sir?" responds the unnerved priest, but he quickly picks up the object, a plate with a fire lit on the edge of it.
"Yes, of course" says Basava in his deep and cracked voice. He takes the plate, grabbing it by the handle and proceeds to gently wave it in front of him in circles as a symbolic prayer to the idol. He lets out a thick, and satisfying chuckle.
"My dear Gattamma," he says with sarcasm in his voice. "I suppose it's valid that the people of the village wonder why I do this every time I come to this idiotic village. Whether it would be why I'm walking in here barefoot, wearing this dhoti, my necklaces, or why I'm wasting my time talking to you" he emphasizes. "A stupid, inanimate statue." he says to the twenty foot tall idol standing before him. The priest next to him begins to shake, although offended, knowing he cannot protest.
"Well the reason is pretty simple. The people assume that you are supposed to be "their god"" he once again sarcastically emphasizes. "But how wrong they are. The truth is, I am god. I am the only god! I have officially become the lord of this municipality, and I legally own this place and everyone in this sorry village. My operations will accelerate, my empire will grow, and pretty soon, I'm going to be richer beyond my wildest dreams, and these flea bitten villagers will know the power that true wealth can give you. This is my village, and I can do whatever I want here, and I will for an eternity. So this will be the last time I have to pose as another rural lowlife pretending to be in your prayer." he says satisfied. He puts the arathi down abruptly on the floor and storms out of the room. When he steps outside he meets with his henchmen, all of which are varied in appearance but are intimidating and strong, and similarly dressed to him. Basava proceeds to walk to the outside of the temple and meets with his men.
Just outside the temple gates, a police jeep slows down and parks. Four men in formal clothing, collared shirts and pants exit and quickly walk to the entrance, with three police officers following behind, armed with batons. As they make their way inside the gates and towards the temple, one of the officers rushes up to stop one of the suited men. The officer puts his hand on his shoulder and the man turns around.
"Sir, I really think you should reconsider this. He's not an easy man to arrest, we need more time, and frankly I wonder if it's even possible." The other officers and suited officials then stop to see the conversation transpire. The lawyer who was turned around begins to speak.
"You're a police officer, don't you feel ashamed to say that?" replies the lawyer.
"Um, I mean, please don't get me wrong" replies the officer. "He is very influential, this district runs on his businesses. We're in his territory".
"We cannot allow his crimes to continue any further. If everyone cowers before him there will be no change, so we must act now." says the lawyer firmly. He and the other men begin to walk faster, urging to crowd to move aside. "Mr. Basava!" yells the leading lawyer. He rushes towards him and Basava and his men turn around to face him. The lawyer stops before him, showing the folder of documents he's carrying.
"We're here to give you a warning. We have ample evidence of all that you've done here and we're here to tell you to stop" he says.
"Do you have any idea who you're talking to" says one of Basava's men firmly as he steps up. Basava puts his hand up and nudges him back, telling him to stand down.
"Please gentlemen, let's not make a scene here" he says. "It's not good on our part to storm into the temple village without performing the dharshan. Please, let's walk"
Basava puts his hand on the lawyer's shoulder and urges him to walk with him, and they proceed to circle around the temple building along with the rest of the crowd. The lawyer and investigators walk with Basava and his group consisting of twelve well built men, all wearing dhotis and cloths around their necks similarly to their leader.
"Please, tell me what is the problem?" he asks calmely to the lawyer.
"I'm not naive sir"- he replies immediately. "We have conducted weeks of investigation into the activity in this village and we have testimonies and photos. We have documented your men committing theft, assault, sexual violence, and on top of that we have found your smuggling procedures." Basava begins to frown and show an expression of disappointment.
"We won't let this go any further. We're here to tell you that you need to turn yourself in. We're going to take you to court, but if you confess to these atrocities yourself maybe there will be mercy." Basava proceeds to laugh at the lawyer's strict tone.
"I think it's very amusing that you're trying to act all tough and mighty." The lawyer becomes offended by the remark. The group continues to walk slowly behind the temple on their way to circle back to the front.
"But I understand your desperation for recognition you low class fool" he says.
"Excuse me? We're here to do the right thing. I don't care that I'm not rich, and I'll never be like you." he replies. Basava cracks a smile and chuckles.
"I'm aware of that, there's nobody here who can match my power" he replies. The lawyer finds himself walking with the building on his right side and Basava and his men on his left. He sees the men slowly crowding around him, separating him from his associates. Basava puts his hand on the lawyer's right shoulder, and pats it as if he's being cooperative. Suddenly, Basava reaches into his left pocket and pulls out a knife. He swiftly positions the knife upright and stabs the lawyer in the belly. Using his right hand, he also covers his mouth. The crowd beside Basava's men turn to look, and the men quickly take off the cloths on their necks and spread them out in the air. The rectangular cloths catch the wind and wave like flags, covering the scene completely. The surrounding crowd continues the dharshan and walks, unbeknownst of the horror taking place. The men then wrap one of the cloths around the bleeding lawyer's face and drag the body away as the crowd completely passes by them.. The three men carrying the body head to the back of the temple.
Basava and the men quickly rush to the investigator in front of the, distinguishable by the clothing he wears from the rest of the villagers. Basava runs up to the man, dealing a swift circle kick to his head. Following the impact the investigator begins to bleed. The men use their cloths to cover the scene, and the crowd members continue to walk away from the temple. At the corner of the temple stands a third. The men surround him at the corner.
"Hail Gattamma!" shout the men. "Hail Gattamma". One of the men proceed to stab the investigator. The man falls as Basava's henchmen continue to chant, wrapping the man up in the remaining cloths. The crowd completely disperses and nobody notices the unusual wrapped object being carried away by the men. Those who are curious about Basava however do not wish to land themselves in trouble. Basava looks into the crowd, and finds the fourth investigator. He walks to him with the knife hidden behind his hand.
"Come with me" he says as he approaches him, putting his arm around the man's shoulder. "Your friends and I came to an agreement, we should discuss our terms privately". He urges the man to come with him.
*** The next morning ***
Veda and the other village elders and sages rush to the source of the child's scream. As they run across the road to the Jeevadhara river, they're joined by the other nearby gatherer villagers who heard the scream. As Veda and the elders and village leaders run over a hill, they look down at the descent to the river where the young boy and his father hugging each other as they look out to the river, the ripples indicating sunken objects in it.. Veda makes his way down the hill, getting a better look at what the commotion was about. Four familiar bodies were now surfacing above the water.
"Oh my god" says Veda softly. He and the other elders then proceed to step in, urging the villagers to help remove the bodies.
"This was my fault, their blood is on my hands" says Veda, looking down at the ground with his shaking voice. He briefly looks up to see the local police who were called in, placing the bodies in bags and helping transport them back to the village.
"How can you possibly say that?" replies the elder sitting with him.
"I was the one who hired them. I paid much of the money I owned to have them investigate Basava, and now they're gone because of what I forced them into. I should have known that nothing can stop him. Even those cops up there" he motions his eyes in the direction of the police taking the bodies. "They're working on Basava's payroll. He's always going to run this place, there's nothing we can do to change that". The elder glares at him in disbelief and mild rage.
"You cannot possibly believe that. You know how dangerous and cunning Basava is, he has hurt us all. We cannot afford to live under him any longer." reassures the elder. "You tried to do the right thing but you can't blame yourself if it goes wrong. We have to find a way to get rid of that monster!" Veda sighs in acceptance, and straightens his posture.
"You're right. Maybe I can sit here in regret but I also have a responsibility to this village. I agree" he boldly declares. "I cannot think of living under that cruel man's thumb any longer" He sighs. "But I also don't know what we can possibly do about it. I can pray to the goddess for an eternity but I don't believe it will help us. We desperately need help".