The skies of Bhūloka had never seemed so vivid. As Manu and Lava stepped through the
gateway from Patala, they were greeted by a world transformed. The horizon was painted with
brilliant hues of gold and crimson, the sun casting its warm light over rivers that sparkled like
f
lowing gems. Villages nestled among the green hills seemed alive with renewed vitality, their
people bustling about with a sense of joy and purpose.
Lava stood on the edge of a high hill, his gaze sweeping across the scene before him. He let out
a low whistle. “I don’t remember it looking this good when we left.”
Manu stepped up beside him, his expression calm but content. “This is the world as it should
be. Vidya’s light has restored what Mahikesh’s chaos corrupted.”
Lava turned to him with a smirk. “So what you’re saying is… we saved the world?”
Manu glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “We upheld dharma. That’s what matters.”
“Right, right,” Lava said, waving a hand. “But you know, it’s okay to pat yourself on the back once
in a while. Just this once, maybe?”
Before Manu could respond, the sound of distant drums and horns reached their ears. Lava
turned, his eyes widening as he saw a procession making its way toward them. Villagers clad in
bright colors carried garlands of flowers and banners bearing the symbols of the gods. At the
head of the procession were elders and priests, their faces alight with reverence and gratitude.
“Looks like they heard about our little adventure,” Lava said, adjusting his posture as if preparing
for a performance.
The procession stopped a short distance away, and the eldest of the priests stepped forward,
bowing deeply before Manu and Lava. “Great warriors,” the priest said, his voice trembling with
emotion. “The heavens themselves bore witness to your victory. You have delivered us from
darkness and restored balance to the Lokas. For this, we owe you our eternal gratitude.”
Manu inclined his head respectfully. “The victory is not ours alone. It is the will of the gods and
the strength of dharma that has prevailed.”
Lava stepped forward, grinning. “And maybe a little bit of us, too. You know, just saying.”
The priest chuckled, his reverence undiminished. “Indeed, your bravery and unity will be
remembered for generations. Please, allow us to honor you.”
The villagers began to place garlands around their necks, their cheers and chants rising into the
air like a hymn of gratitude. Children ran forward with wide smiles, offering small clay lamps and
f
lowers as tokens of thanks.
Lava accepted the offerings with a flourish, winking at the children and ruffling their hair. Manu,
though quieter in his gratitude, accepted the honors with a humble nod, his gaze thoughtful as
he watched the people celebrate.
As the festivities unfolded, Lava leaned toward Manu. “So, what now? I mean, saving the world’s
a big deal, but we can’t exactly retire, can we?”
Manu’s expression softened, and he looked out over the crowd. “Dharma is eternal, Lava. There
will always be more to do. But for now, we can let the world rejoice in peace.”
Lava raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying we get to take a break?”
Manu chuckled softly. “A brief one, perhaps.”
The villagers continued to celebrate, their songs and laughter echoing across the hills as the sun
began to dip below the horizon. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the world seemed
whole, and Manu and Lava stood at its heart, knowing they had played their part in its
restoration.
As night fell over Bhūloka, the stars began to emerge, their light clearer and brighter than ever
before. The air carried a serene stillness, broken only by the soft murmur of the villagers as they
lit lamps and placed them along the riverbanks. Each lamp floated gently downstream, a prayer
of gratitude carried toward the heavens.
Manu and Lava stood apart from the crowd, their garlands now resting on a nearby rock. The
f
lickering lamps cast warm reflections on their faces, though their expressions were calm and
contemplative.
“You feel that?” Lava asked, his voice quieter now. He gestured to the river. “It’s like the whole
world is… breathing again.”
Manu nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “Balance restored. This is Vidya’s light, spread
across the Lokas.”
As if in response to his words, a soft glow began to emanate from the heavens above. The
villagers gasped, falling to their knees as a column of radiant light descended, bathing the area
in a golden aura. From within the light, Vidya’s form appeared, her presence filling the space
with warmth and tranquility.
Manu and Lava both knelt instinctively, bowing their heads as the goddess approached. The
villagers watched in awe, their hands folded in reverence.
Vidya’s gaze swept across the gathering before resting on Manu and Lava. Her smile was gentle,
her voice carrying the resonance of wisdom. “Rise, my champions. You have earned this
moment.”
Manu and Lava stood, their eyes meeting the goddess’s serene gaze.
Vidya turned first to Manu, her expression one of deep respect. “Manu, embodiment of dharma,
you have upheld the sacred path even in the face of insurmountable odds. Your wisdom and
resolve have ensured the survival of not just this realm, but all the Lokas. For this, I grant you a
boon.”
She extended her hand, and a soft light enveloped Manu. When it faded, he felt a newfound
clarity, his mind sharper, his thoughts more ordered. Vidya’s voice echoed in his mind. “May
your wisdom guide humanity through the next cycle of existence. Your words will inspire, and
your actions will lead.”
Manu bowed deeply, his voice steady. “I will use this gift to serve the Lokas and uphold dharma,
as long as I live.”
Vidya’s smile widened, and she turned to Lava, whose usual confidence was replaced by a rare
moment of uncertainty.
“And you, Lava,” Vidya said, her tone lighter but no less sincere. “You doubted yourself, yet you
rose to face your fears. Your courage, wit, and loyalty were as vital to this victory as any relic or
weapon. I see in you the spark of leadership, a fire that can inspire others.”
Lava blinked, caught off guard. “Me? A leader?”
Vidya’s soft laughter seemed to soothe his nerves. “Leadership takes many forms, Lava. You will
f
ind yours in time. To aid you, I grant you a blessing of courage and resilience.”
She raised her hand, and a glowing mark appeared on Lava’s chest, faint but warm, like an
ember waiting to ignite. “No fear will chain you, and no doubt will cloud your path. Walk forward
with confidence, and others will follow.”
Lava stared at the mark for a moment before meeting Vidya’s gaze. “I—I don’t know what to say.
Thank you.” Then, with a sheepish grin, he added, “I’ll try not to mess it up.”
Vidya placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch light but grounding. “You will find your way, Lava.
Of this, I have no doubt.”
As the goddess stepped back, her light began to grow, spreading outward to envelop the entire
area. The villagers felt its warmth, their prayers answered as the harmony of the Lokas
resonated through the air.
“My work here is done,” Vidya said, her form beginning to fade into the light. “But the path of
dharma is eternal. Protect it, nurture it, and it will guide you through all trials to come.”
Manu and Lava bowed once more as Vidya ascended, her light blending with the stars. The
villagers erupted into cheers and chants, their joy echoing across the hills.
Lava turned to Manu, his grin now more confident. “Well, looks like you’re officially the wisest
guy in Bhūloka. How does it feel?”
Manu raised an eyebrow, the faintest hint of a smile on his face. “Exhausting.”
Lava laughed, slinging an arm around Manu’s shoulders. “Guess I’ll have to balance it out by
being the fun one.”
Together, they watched as the last of Vidya’s light faded, leaving the world brighter than it had
been in a long, long time.
The first light of dawn broke over Bhūloka, bathing the land in golden hues. The villagers had
returned to their homes after a night of celebration, leaving the rivers lined with lamps still
f
lickering in the gentle current. Manu and Lava stood on a hill overlooking the village, the cool
morning breeze rustling the grass around them.
Lava stretched, his movements slow but deliberate. “You know, I’m starting to miss the chaos,”
he said with a wry grin. “At least it kept things interesting.”
Manu raised an eyebrow, his expression calm. “After all we’ve been through, you find quiet
unsettling?”
Lava shrugged, picking at a loose thread on his tunic. “It’s not that. It’s just… now that it’s over, I
can’t help but wonder what’s next. We saved the Lokas, got blessed by a goddess—what do you
even do after that?”
Manu’s gaze swept over the horizon, his expression thoughtful. “The battle may be over, but
dharma is eternal. There will always be those who need guidance, a world in need of balance.”
Lava made a face. “So, you’re saying more responsibilities, more rules, and no breaks? Sounds
like a blast.”
Manu turned to him, his calm demeanor softening slightly. “Your path doesn’t have to mirror
mine, Lava. Vidya saw something unique in you—a leader, yes, but one who leads in his own
way. You’ve grown into that role without even realizing it.”
Lava hesitated, uncharacteristically quiet as he considered Manu’s words. “I don’t know,” he
said finally. “I’ve spent so much time following your lead, trying to keep up with you. Being a
leader… that’s a lot of pressure.”
Manu placed a hand on Lava’s shoulder. “Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about
understanding what’s right, even when it’s difficult, and inspiring others to walk that path with
you. You’ve already done that, Lava—many times.”
Lava looked up, his usual grin returning, albeit smaller and more sincere. “Alright, wise guy.
You’ve convinced me. But don’t expect me to start giving big speeches or anything.”
Manu smiled faintly. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Lava straightened, brushing imaginary dust off his tunic. “So, what about you? Going back to
your kingly duties?”
Manu nodded, his gaze steady. “The people of Bhūloka will need guidance as they rebuild. The
trials we’ve faced have left scars, but they’ve also taught us resilience. That’s a lesson I intend
to share.”
Lava sighed dramatically. “Great. That means I’m stuck being the traveling hero type, right?
Fighting monsters, inspiring villagers, maybe rescuing a princess or two?”
“If anyone can handle that, it’s you,” Manu said with a rare touch of humor.
Lava laughed, the sound carrying over the hills. “You know what? I think I’ll give it a shot.”
The two stood in companionable silence for a moment, the rising sun warming their faces. The
world felt different now—quieter, steadier, as if the chaos they had battled had truly been driven
away.
“Well,” Lava said, slinging his bow over his shoulder. “Guess I’d better get moving before this
hero thing starts without me.”
Manu turned to him, his expression unreadable. “Take care, Lava.”
Lava smirked, offering a mock salute. “You too, wise king. Try not to get too boring while I’m
gone.”
With that, he started down the hill, his steps light and purposeful. Manu watched him go, a faint
smile on his lips.
The sun rose higher, its light casting long shadows across the land. Manu turned toward the
horizon, the weight of his duty settling comfortably on his shoulders. A new beginning awaited,
not just for him, but for all of Bhūloka.
The balance between the Lokas resonated like a divine symphony. In Bhūloka, the rivers flowed
clearer, the forests grew lusher, and the air carried the freshness of renewal. Across the higher
Lokas—Svarga, Maharloka, and beyond—celestial beings celebrated the triumph of dharma,
their voices raised in hymns that echoed through the cosmos. Even the shadowed realms of
Patala and Naraka were quieter now, their energies subdued as chaos retreated into the farthest
corners of existence.
Manu sat in quiet reflection at the base of a sacred tree, its ancient roots winding deep into the
earth. The relics, once scattered fragments of Vidya’s essence, had dissolved into pure light,
returning to the heavens as a single radiant sphere. He had watched it ascend the night before,
a brilliant star disappearing into the sky, leaving behind a sense of completion.
The memory was fresh in his mind: Vidya’s final words, her reminder that balance was a cycle,
not a destination. Manu understood this more clearly now than ever. The Lokas were stable, but
their harmony would always require vigilance, wisdom, and the courage to act when needed.
A voice broke his thoughts. “Hey, don’t tell me you’re meditating again.”
Manu turned to see Lava striding up the hill, his bow slung over his shoulder and a mischievous
grin on his face. “Thought you were off to be the traveling hero,” Manu said, a hint of humor in his
tone.
“I was,” Lava replied, dropping onto the grass beside Manu. “But then I remembered I left
something behind.”
Manu raised an eyebrow. “And what’s that?”
“Goodbyes,” Lava said simply. “You’re stuck with me for one last moment of wisdom or
whatever it is you do. Then I’m gone for real.”
The two sat in silence for a moment, watching the breeze ripple through the fields below.
Villagers were tending to their crops, children played along the riverbanks, and a sense of peace
radiated from the land.
“You did well, Lava,” Manu said finally, his tone sincere. “The Lokas are better for having you
among them.”
Lava looked at him, surprised, then chuckled. “Careful, Manu. People might think you actually
like having me around.”
Manu smiled faintly. “I do. But I also know you’ll do more good out there, finding your own path.”
Lava leaned back, staring up at the sky. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. But don’t think you’ve seen
the last of me. Someone’s gotta keep you on your toes.”
“Looking forward to it,” Manu said.
Lava stood, brushing the grass off his tunic. “Alright, time for the hero of Bhūloka to hit the road.
Try not to let the kingdom fall apart without me.”
Manu rose as well, clasping Lava’s arm in a firm grip. “May your path be guided by dharma.”
“And may yours be a little less boring than usual,” Lava shot back with a grin.
He turned and began to walk away, his steps light and confident. Manu watched him go, the
smile lingering on his face.
As the day wore on, Manu returned to his duties, overseeing the rebuilding of villages and
ensuring that the lessons learned during their trials were not forgotten. He moved among the
people, his presence calm and reassuring, a steady hand guiding Bhūloka into its next chapter.
Above, the Lokas shone in harmony, their energies aligned like the threads of a cosmic tapestry.
The relics’ return to the heavens had left a glowing sphere that hung among the stars, a symbol
of unity visible to all realms.
In the farthest reaches of the cosmos, where chaos once threatened to consume all, there was
now peace.
For now, the cycle of balance held, and Manu stood ready to protect it, knowing that dharma
was an eternal path, one he was honored to walk.
The first stars of evening glimmered above as Manu stood on the balcony of his palace, the cool
night breeze stirring the folds of his robes. Below, the kingdom bustled with life. Merchants
bartered in the market square, the sound of laughter and song carried on the wind, and children
ran through the streets, their carefree joy a testament to the peace Manu and Lava had fought to
restore.
He leaned against the railing, his gaze drifting upward to the heavens. Among the constellations,
the radiant sphere formed by the relics’ return shone brightly, a constant reminder of the divine
balance they had fought to protect.
The door to the balcony creaked open, and Manu turned to see Narada, the celestial messenger,
step into the light. The sage’s veena hung over his shoulder, and his eyes sparkled with their
usual knowing mischief.
“Contemplating the cosmos, Manu?” Narada asked, his tone light.
Manu offered a faint smile. “Always. The trials we’ve faced remind me how fragile balance truly
is. Even with Vidya’s blessing, the path ahead is uncertain.”
Narada chuckled, strumming a playful note on his veena. “Uncertainty is the essence of
existence, dear king. The dance of creation and chaos, order and destruction—it is eternal. But
that is why figures like you exist: to ensure that dharma prevails, even in the face of uncertainty.”
Manu nodded, his gaze thoughtful. “Vidya said the same. Balance is not a destination—it’s a
journey. I understand that now.”
Narada tilted his head, his smile softening. “And does that understanding weigh on you, or give
you strength?”
For a moment, Manu was silent. Then he straightened, his expression calm but resolute. “Both.
It is a burden, but one I am honored to carry.”
Narada’s grin widened. “Well said, Manu. I’ll have to compose a song about you—‘The King Who
Walks the Path of Dharma.’ It has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”
Manu allowed himself a small laugh. “If you must, just keep the embellishments to a minimum.”
The celestial messenger strummed another note, the sound ringing out like the chime of a bell.
“Very well. But I’ll leave out the part where you scolded Lava for stealing fruit from a market
stall. Heroes deserve some mystique.”
Manu shook his head, though his smile remained. “Lava deserves his own song. He’s earned it.”
Narada’s expression turned thoughtful. “Indeed he has. His journey is just beginning. As is
yours, Manu. This is but one chapter in the great cycle.”
The sage stepped back toward the door, his veena cradled in his arms. “Until the next trial, dear
king. May your path be illuminated by wisdom and your steps guided by courage.”
“And may the gods watch over you, Narada,” Manu replied.
As the door closed behind the celestial messenger, Manu turned back to the sky. He let his
thoughts wander, not to the battles they had fought or the challenges ahead, but to the quiet
moments—the laughter he shared with Lava, the trust of his people, the light of Vidya’s
blessing.
The radiant sphere above twinkled, its light steady and serene. It was a symbol of the Lokas in
harmony, of chaos subdued and dharma upheld. But it was also a reminder that balance was an
ongoing journey, one Manu was prepared to walk for as long as the gods willed it.
The stars seemed to shine brighter as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, the cool night
air filling his lungs.
In the vast, eternal cycle of creation, Manu stood ready—guardian of dharma, protector of
balance, and servant of the cosmos.
Author’s Comments & Inspiration
“Mario Based on Sanatan Dharma” is an ambitious reimagining of the classic hero’s journey,
drawing inspiration from the adventure and challenge of Super Mario but deeply rooted in the
philosophy, mythology, and cosmic order of Sanatan Dharma.
The idea stemmed from the simple but compelling structure of Mario—a hero navigating
treacherous worlds, overcoming obstacles, and ultimately facing a great adversary to restore
balance. However, instead of a whimsical fantasy world, this story is shaped by the rich
traditions of Vedic philosophy, dharma, and the eternal cosmic struggle between order and
chaos.
Key Inspirations:
- Mario’s Journey → Manu’s Journey: Just as Mario moves through different levels to
reach Bowser’s castle, Manu and Lava traverse the Lokas, each realm testing them in
unique ways. But unlike a game, this journey is not about power-ups—it’s about
wisdom, inner strength, and the realization of dharma. - Relics as Divine Boons: Where Mario gains power-ups, Manu and Lava receive relics
imbued with divine blessings, each representing an aspect of balance—fire, wind,
wisdom, resilience. These aren’t just tools; they symbolize virtues essential for
maintaining cosmic order. - Mahikesh as Bowser, but Deeper: While Bowser is a classic villain, Mahikesh
embodies something more profound—chaos itself, the force that seeks to disrupt
harmony and challenge the principles of dharma. His transformation from buffalo to
dragon to hybrid form mirrors the layered threats of spiritual and moral corruption. - Vidya as the True Goal: Unlike the princess trope of Mario, Vidya is not a passive figure
waiting to be rescued. She represents wisdom itself, bound by ignorance and
imbalance, and her release signifies the restoration of cosmic order.
This novel is a tribute to both modern adventure storytelling and ancient wisdom, blending
action with philosophy in a way that respects both its inspirations.
I hope readers find within it not just an exciting journey, but a deeper understanding of how
dharma operates in our own lives—the choices we make, the fears we overcome, and the light
we strive to preserve.