As the lunar dawn cast its ethereal glow over Tranquility Base, Dr. Aryan Verma gazed out of the observation deck, the vast expanse of space stretching infinitely before him. The recent chaos surrounding the blocked space highways had been a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life beyond Earth. Yet, amidst all the challenges, a deep stirring within urged him to embark on a different kind of journey—not one of mere distance, but of the soul.
Seated beside him, Meera sensed his introspection. “Penny for your thoughts?” she asked, her voice gentle.
Aryan smiled faintly. “Do you remember the stories my grandparents used to tell about the four great pilgrimage sites scattered across the Milky Way?”
Meera nodded, her eyes reflecting the soft luminescence of the stars. “The Galactic Char Dham,” she murmured. “Places of profound spiritual energy, each located at the cardinal points of our galaxy.”
“Yes,” Aryan affirmed. “As a child, I was carried to these sacred sites by my family. Though I was too young to comprehend their full significance, the serene and mystical environments left an indelible imprint on my consciousness. Completing this pilgrimage was considered highly auspicious, and those who undertook it were deeply respected—even revered. The spiritual energy of these places propelled me, at a subconscious level, onto the path of self-inquiry. I became self-led in my quest to find answers to the most sacred and mystical questions of the soul.”
Avni, their ever-curious daughter, looked up from her holo-book. “Papa, can you tell us about these places? I’ve read snippets, but I’d love to hear it from you.”
Aryan’s gaze softened as he began, “The first of these sacred sites is Mount Kailash on Earth. Revered across multiple religions, it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims undertake the arduous journey to circumambulate the mountain, seeking spiritual enlightenment and purification. The journey is challenging, but the serenity and sanctity of the place offer profound peace.”
Ansh, with a mischievous glint in his eye, quipped, “So, it’s like the ultimate hiking trip with a spiritual bonus?”
Meera chuckled. “In a way, yes. But it’s less about the hike and more about the inner transformation.”
Aryan continued, “The second site is Santiago de Compostela on Earth. It marks the end of the Camino de Santiago, a vast network of pilgrim routes leading to the shrine of Saint James. Pilgrims from around the world walk these paths, seeking personal reflection and spiritual growth. The sense of community and shared purpose along the way is truly transformative.”
Avni mused, “Walking such long distances must be tough. But I guess the journey itself becomes a meditation.”
“Exactly,” Aryan replied. “The third site is the Char Dham in India, comprising four sacred destinations: Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram. Each holds its own significance, and undertaking a pilgrimage to all four is believed to help achieve moksha, or liberation. The diverse landscapes and cultural richness encountered during this journey add to its profound impact.”
Ansh leaned forward. “And the fourth?”
Aryan’s eyes twinkled with mystery. “Ah, the fourth is unique. It’s not on Earth but on a distant exoplanet named Manasarovar Prime, located in the Andromeda sector. Discovered during the early days of interstellar travel, explorers were astonished to find a lake mirroring Earth’s Lake Manasarovar. The planet exudes an inexplicable spiritual energy, drawing seekers from across the galaxy. Pilgrims believe that meditating by its shores brings unparalleled clarity and enlightenment.”
Meera raised an eyebrow. “A pilgrimage site beyond Earth? That’s fascinating. But why hasn’t it been colonized?”
Aryan sighed. “That’s where things get even more mysterious. Settlers have tried, but none have been able to stay. It’s said that an unseen force compels outsiders to leave after a short stay, as if the planet itself rejects prolonged habitation. Some believe it is divine intervention, ensuring that Manasarovar Prime remains purely a place of pilgrimage rather than settlement. Others think it has to do with the planet’s extreme cold, which makes long-term survival impossible without extensive infrastructure.”
Avni shivered slightly. “So people can only go there for short visits?”
“Exactly,” Aryan confirmed. “Pilgrims travel to Manasarovar Prime only for brief meditative retreats. The journey itself is rare, with space travel to the planet highly restricted due to its hazardous location. The space roads leading there are narrow and fraught with dangers—meteoroid storms, gravitational distortions, and unpredictable cosmic radiation make navigation extremely difficult.”
Ansh, always excited by the mechanics of space travel, asked, “Are there even regular space buses going there?”
Aryan chuckled. “Back in the early days, space buses were slow, inefficient, and far from comfortable. Pilgrims had to endure grueling journeys, often waiting for years due to the long booking queues. Even today, despite advances in space travel, access is still limited. The intergalactic authorities regulate travel to ensure that only the most dedicated pilgrims make the journey.”
Meera shook her head in amazement. “So, it’s a place that calls to seekers but refuses to be claimed. That makes it even more special.”
Aryan placed a reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder. “Whether we traverse the stars or delve into the depths of our own souls, the essence of pilgrimage remains the same—to seek, to learn, and to grow.”
As the family sat in contemplative silence, the vastness of space seemed to echo their inner reflections. The journey ahead was uncertain, but with hearts attuned to the whispers of the universe, they felt prepared to embrace whatever lay beyond the stars.
Demystifying Kundalini 