The Hidden Sanctuary of the Goddess

 

The Hidden Sanctuary of the Goddess

Long ago, in a time when the earth was still young and sacred energies flowed freely between the heavens and the soil, there lived a divine family of celestial deities — seven powerful brothers and their youngest sister, the only daughter, the jewel of their heavenly clan.

She was Mansa meaning ‘’of the mind’’ she is both benevolent and commanding presence the tender heart of the divine household. Her laughter echoed like soft wind chimes, her eyes sparkled like the dawn dew, and her love was pure, untouched by the ways of the world. All her elder brothers adored her, pampered her, protected her, and looked upon her as the light of their divine home. She, being the youngest, held a special place in their hearts — especially in the heart of her sixth brother, Her loving brother, who was closest to her in spirit.

When the time came for each deity to choose a sthana — a sacred place on earth where their presence would bless the land and its people — the family gathered at the edge of the celestial realm. One by one, the brothers chose their directions. North, East, West, South — each chose according to their nature and power, scattering their presence across the mortal world to bring balance and blessings.

Only two remained — Her loving brother and Mansa.

As the golden sun dipped into the horizon, painting the sky with shades of farewell, the siblings sat quietly on the edge of heaven, watching the world below.

"I have chosen the east mountains," Her loving brother said softly, "a place where rivers whisper ancient songs and the wind tells forgotten tales. I wish to stay where people can find me, seek my guidance. What about you, dear sister?"

Mansa looked out over the vast earth. Her eyes reflected the quiet depth of her soul. "I do not wish to be found easily," she whispered. "I want to dwell where no one can see me… where silence is sacred, and only the purest hearts may reach me. A place hidden… but alive."

Her loving brother placed his hand over hers. "Then promise me something. When you go to search for your place, do not look back. Wherever you look back, I shall create a sanctuary for you. But if you look behind you, that shall be your place. Let destiny guide your wings."

 

She nodded. "I promise."

Mansa closed her eyes, and in a flutter of shimmering light, she transformed into a koyal — the black cuckoo bird, known for its sweet but longing song. With a flutter of delicate wings, she soared into the skies, her heart full of curiosity and the bittersweet ache of leaving her beloved brother.

 

She flew far — across golden fields, over sapphire rivers, across deserts that whispered ancient secrets. For days and nights, she searched. But as the winds grew quieter and the clouds danced beside her, a strange emptiness bloomed in her heart. She missed him — her Her loving brother. His voice, his laughter, his warmth.

Then, as the sun climbed into the sky once again, she descended to drink from a clear spring nestled between high hills. The place was beautiful — vast and open, but empty. Bare. The trees were few, the wind dry.

As she sipped the cold, pure water, her heart grew heavy with longing. She turned her head slightly... just once... just to see how far she had come.

 

And in that one moment — everything changed.

A soft quake ran through the earth. A breeze stirred the silence. All around her, the landscape shifted. The bare hills blossomed into dense green forests. Towering deodar trees rose like sentinels to the skies, their roots hugging the sacred earth. Mist curled gently around the branches. Birds sang songs of ancient peace. The air grew still, divine.

Mansa stood in the heart of a forest that had not been there moments before.

She knew then: Her loving brother had kept his promise.

He had watched over her flight, waiting patiently, and when she looked back — unable to hold her love and longing — he created a sacred home for her. A place where she could be hidden, yet deeply present. A place where seekers would feel her, even if they couldn’t see her.

She remained there — her divine presence hidden in the forest, her spirit dwelling among the deodar trees. People who come to this land sometimes hear the call of the koyal, echoing sweetly in the early morning or twilight. It is said that if you follow that call with a pure heart, you may feel the peace of Mansa’s presence.

And though she remains hidden, her love continues to bless those who walk the forest paths, seeking something beyond the seen.