MOTHER NATURE CULT

This story is set in the island of Rambu in planet GAIA2 which is earth’s twin about 8 centuries behind but is still evolving. The king of Rambu summoned his prime minister (PM) who came. The king said “Can you tell me about that man named Poly?”

“He is the head of Mother Nature cult and has introduced new types of worship of Nature. He venerates trees and plant life and halts pollution of waterways and rivers. It was he who introduced Nature day when he wants the entire population to bathe naked in the sea to avoid polluting water bodies like rivers. A large number of people are following him and are worshipping his way. He is becoming very powerful.”

“I want to talk to him. Summon him to be present in my palace tomorrow morning.”

“I can do it but he will come only along with his 5 Divine Daughters.”

“Okay, I’m hoping to see him tomorrow.”

The next day as the king and queen were holding court, Poly came in. He was accompanied by 5 young women.

The queen asked “Who’re those women?”

The king said “Those are his divine daughters whom he has enlightened into the ways of his cult. He has taught them the way to heaven.”

“The girls look beautiful and he himself looks young and strong. I’m sure the girls can themselves take him to heaven”

“Be serious. Remember he is a Man of God.”

MAG bowed before the king and the king in turn wished him. The king asked “Will you explain about your Mother Nature cult?”

MAG gave a lengthy exposition of his efforts towards conserving the bounties of Nature. The king was very impressed though the queen wasn’t interested.

The king gave MAG a gold coin and said “I agree in principle to support your teachings.”

The audience ended.

MAG went back to his quarter and summoned Suq the witch. She lived nearby and appeared almost instantly before him. She was dressed in the usual style of the islanders only below the waist. She looked only about 30 and well-preserved.

 Poly said “Suq, I want you to do me a favour. You’ve always cooperated in furthering my interests.” He fished out the gold coin the king had given him and giving it to her said “You’ve the reputation of being a good fortune teller. Go and tell the king that bad times are approaching and that he should retire leaving his son, the prince, to rule.”

Though MAG wasn’t specific, she guessed that he wanted the inexperienced prince to rule so that he could easily dethrone him and become king.

Suq merely bowed and left. MAG was sure she would carry out his instructions.

Suq had a 12 year old daughter Lyra who had just come of age. Suq asked for an audience with the king which was immediately granted as the king patronised her.

 She said “I have a humble request. My daughter Lyra is now ready to be married. She is very beautiful and talented and above all she has been gifted with three instead of the usual two which women grow. It is an auspicious sign indicating that she will marry royalty. She would be a good wife to the Prince.”

The queen said “Suq, how is it none have noticed the anatomical feature?”

“She keeps it covered as it could cause jealousy among women and curiosity among men. It has started causing comment.”

The queen said “I’ve seen Lyra and approve of the Prince marrying her provided the king consents.”

The king nodded when Suq who was very happy said “Your majesty, some discontents in your kingdom are trying to rebel. Your defences need to be very vigilant.”

After Suq had left the king summoned his military commander and said “Increase vigilance and see that rebel elements are eliminated.”

“I’ll do so immediately.”

When the Prince’s engagement to Lyra was announced, MAG attempted to abduct Lyra using his divine daughters but he failed as security had been stepped up. MAG was arrested and questioned with torture when he confessed to plotting the dethronement of the king. On the king’s orders MAG and his divine daughters were exiled from the kingdom.

The proposed wedding of the Prince with Lyra had an effect on females of the kingdom. Several of them of different ages including the queen met.

The queen said “We’re going to discuss about the upper cloth for women. I remember the joke of long ago that a young girl was passing by on the road when she saw the prince approach in his chariot. She was so overcome by his appearance that she pulled up the cloth at the waist and covered her top. The prince noticed it and asked his minister who said it was only a natural reaction and she had only covered what had come in adolescence instead of what existed since birth. We women are very sensitive about exposing feminine parts.”

The following are some of the comments of women who participated:

 “People want to know why we also shouldn’t cover up like Lyra.”

 “Lyra’s need is different. We’ve no problem.”

“It’s men who have decided about female garments. They hide their family jewels and tell us to cover up unnecessarily.”

“I’m proud of what I have and don’t need to cover up.”

“If we cover up, men will be cheated as some of us could make meagre, ample. Such falsification of women’s possessions could lead to marital unrest.”

“We may never know those who have more than two unless information is leaked.”

“Covering up is not the only issue. If a tailored garment is prescribed for the top, it is very important that it allows quick and easy access to what is concealed.”

“It is likely the covering up could add to the eagerness of the male to explore and..........”

Females did not allow this woman to continue and hushed her up.

The queen apprised the king of the views expressed and added “Women are divided about covering up.”

The king heard it all and said “It’s against our tradition and culture to cover up.”

The queen said “Let us give the freedom to women to show or conceal.”

It is understood the option is spreading to other parts of that planet as well! Earth’s twin is still evolving!

END

NOTE: A story about a three breasted princess occurs in THE PANCHATANTRA , a Sanscrit  classic, translated into English by Arthur W.Ryder and has been borrowed to produce this story.

*