The immortal sage

6.

The Himalayas,India

Lord Parashuram called for Gorakshak early. He normally met Gorakshak after his routine chores, and after having discussed spiritual matters with the other sages. Today, however, he was called in the sage’s hut for the first time.

Gorakshak always found Parashurama’s hut a bit larger than the others. He always tried to reason out, but he couldn’t find a satisfactory answer. As he entered the hut today- he got the answers. The sage was taller than all of them – a bigger hut was his need.

He saw the sage standing by the window on the other end of the hut. All he had in his hut was a sleeping mat, some utensils, a pot of water and his battle axe.

“Do I look old, Gorakshak?” Parashuram spoke suddenly.

“Milord?” Gorakshak didn’t know how to answer.

“Do you know my age, Gorakshak?”He repeated in a polite but firm tone.

“ My Lord.” Gorakshak hesitated.

“Don’t worry Gorakshak, tell me.” Parashuram comforted him.

Gorakshak still answered hesitantly, “Sir…. You are immortal!”

Parsashuram laughed mildly.

“That’s what everyone thinks. I will tell you the truth today.” He said.

“I die every two months.” He added.

Lines of  confusion crossed Gorakshak’s face.

“Touch me.” Parashurama said, removing his angavastram.

As Gorakshak  touched him, he felt a different kind of touch. It wasn’t skin. All he could feel was the pressure. It felt as if he had touched water.