This ancient story is set in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh.
As the torrential monsoon rains subsided, the once-swollen plains began to emerge, revealing their verdant beauty. The gentle breeze carried with it a symphony of scents, blending the fragrance of blooming flowers with the earthy aroma of decaying grass. It was an opportune moment, a window of opportunity beckoning fishing enthusiasts to partake in the art of shallow angling.
With urgency in his stride, Ram Nath ventured into the muddied shallows, eager to secure the day’s bountiful catch. He observed his fellow fishermen dispersing, their movements dictated by the telltale ripples in the water.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Ram Nath inquired, “Any luck with the fishing?”
A somber expression crossed Basu Das’ face as he responded, “No fish dwell in these waters anymore. They have been driven away by the infestation of snakes.”
Disheartened, Basu Das gathered his fishing equipment and made his way toward the nearby road. “I’ll see you later,” he called out, his voice carrying the weariness of enduring the relentless scorching heat.
Determined to fulfill his obligation to the Zamindar, Ram Nath retorted, “I must secure a catch; otherwise, the displeasure of the Zamindar awaits me.”
Having scoured the waters fruitlessly for an extended period, Ram Nath felt on the verge of surrender. Out of nowhere, a surge of inspiration surged through him. He commenced reciting holy mantras, and to his astonishment, the snakes reacted, gathering around him.
In a daring twist of fate, a few of the venomous snakes sank their fangs into Ram Nath’s flesh. Swiftly, he applied his saliva to the bites, reciting yet another mantra, and astonishingly, the wounds vanished.
Undeterred by the perilous encounter, Ram Nath embarked on capturing the snakes, deftly severing their heads, skinning them, and dividing their bodies into sections. With ten snakes captured, he amassed enough pieces to fill his sturdy bamboo basket.
Collecting his fishing apparatus, Ram Nath secured the laden basket to his back and commenced his journey homeward. Approaching the imposing gates of the Zamindar Bari, he scanned his surroundings, ensuring no one was present. Stealthily, he crept past the guards, offering them a subtle wave as he made his clandestine entry.
Ram Nath maneuvered his way towards the bustling kitchen area where Shoba, the diligent maid and Zamindars’ cook, was arranging an array of pots and thalis. Gingerly, he unburdened himself of the bamboo basket and emptied its contents onto a fresh, vibrant banana leaf placed before Shoba.
Curiosity sparkled in Shoba’s eyes as she inquired, “What have you brought me?”
“These, my dear, shall be transformed into a delectable fish curry for tonight’s feast. Be sure to infuse it with a delightful blend of spices,” responded Ram Nath with a twinkle in his eye.
Perplexed, Shoba probed further, “But why are they already cut and prepared?”
“Ah, these eels proved to be quite slippery, my dear. To spare you the arduous task, I took it upon myself to skin and section them,” explained Ram Nath, his tone persuasive.
Though skeptical thoughts flickered in Shoba’s mind, she chose to accept his explanation, commencing the preparation of the so-called eel fish curry.
The grand evening feast unfolded at the Zamindar’s lavish table. Shoba proudly announced the addition of her meticulously prepared eel fish curry, which garnered resounding praise from the Zamindars, who eagerly requested seconds.
Bhupendra Gupta, the esteemed Zamindar himself, personally lauded Shoba for her culinary mastery and extended his appreciation to Ram Nath for his remarkable catch.
The eel fish curry swiftly secured a permanent place on the Zamindar’s illustrious household menu, bringing joy and satisfaction to all. However, fate took an unexpected turn when Kutu, one of the Zamindar’s trusted Raioths, chanced upon Ram Nath’s peculiar activities during his fishing expeditions.
Following Ram Nath’s departure from the fishing spot, Kutu ventured into the water, where he stumbled upon the severed snake heads and discarded snake skins. Intrigued and suspicious, he gathered the remnants, carefully securing them within a pouch fashioned from the Gamsa draped around his person. An uncanny intuition had long unsettled Kutu about Ram Nath, and this unsettling discovery only heightened his concerns.
Kutu made his way to the Zamindar’s residence, entering the Tongi Ghor and settling himself on the floor, patiently awaiting the Zamindar’s presence. As the Zamindar approached, Kutu respectfully rose to his feet, exchanged greetings, and then resumed his place on the floor. Seated upon a chair, the Zamindar inquired about the purpose of Kutu’s visit.
“Zamindar Babu, I am hesitant, but I feel compelled to share something with you. May I have your permission to speak?” Kutu requested.
“You have my permission. Please proceed,” the Zamindar granted.
“Thank you, Zamindar Babu. I happened to witness your servant Ram Nath engaged in fishing activities in the lowlands, and what I saw left me astounded. He was beheading snakes, removing their skins, and cutting them into small pieces. Initially, I could not believe my eyes, assuming they were eels. However, upon closer inspection, I discovered this,” Kutu explained, beginning to reveal the contents of the cloth parcel.
As the parcel was unveiled, exposing the snake heads and skins, a wave of nausea engulfed the Zamindar, causing him to retch uncontrollably.
As the guards drew near, the Zamindar gestured for them to hold their position. Expressing his gratitude to Kutu for his vigilance and the presented evidence, the Zamindar’s anger surged, and a murderous intent filled the air. Sensing the escalating tension, Kutu swiftly slipped away from the unfolding scene.
The guards were dispatched to fetch Ram Nath and bring him to the Tongi Ghor. The Zamindar commanded the guards to restrain Ram Nath as soon as they laid eyes on him. As the guards approached Ram Nath, he realized that his game was up.
Rather than attempting to flee, Ram Nath extended his hands and willingly allowed the guards to bind him. Marched to the Tongi Ghor to face the Zamindar, he awaited his fate.
The Zamindar delivered a forceful kick to Ram Nath’s chest, sending him crashing to the floor.
“What have you been feeding us?” the Zamindar bellowed, his voice filled with rage.
“It’s just the same as fish, nothing wrong with it,” replied Ram Nath, defiantly.
“You have been deceiving us, feeding us snakes disguised as eels. A snake is a snake, it is not a fish!” the Zamindar screamed, delivering another forceful kick.
Just as the Zamindar was preparing to strike again, the room was filled with the hissing sound of snakes. Ram Nath had begun reciting his Mantra, summoning the serpents from the surrounding area.
The guards and the Zamindar instinctively took a step back, startled by the sudden influx of snakes. The venomous reptiles poised to strike, recognizing Ram Nath as the descendant of Gorakh Nath, the legendary snake charmer.
“You dare accuse me of serving you snakes? You know nothing of real snakes!” exclaimed Ram Nath, his voice filled with a mix of confidence and authority.
Perplexed, the Zamindar inquired, “What do you mean?”
“I will show you what a real snake looks like,” replied Ram Nath, his eyes gleaming with determination.
Ram Nath began recounting the tale of the legendary Serpent that resided in the Seven-Sided Dighi, a prominent feature of the Zamindar Bari. This unique water body consisted of two adjoining square ponds, forming a remarkable seven-sided shape.
Situated in Barohal, Dhakadakshin, this sprawling residential pond was among the largest in Sylhet. While most households possessed ponds, the size and grandeur of this one made it resemble a vast lake.
Ram Nath explained that due to the size of the ponds, the Serpent could not fit within a single one. Instead, it had ingeniously dug a tunnel connecting both ponds, allowing its coiled body to find ample space. This clever arrangement created the illusion of a colossal serpent inhabiting the dighi.
However, the Zamindar suspected that Ram Nath was fabricating this account of the Serpent in an attempt to evade punishment for his actions.
“If you can provide evidence of the serpent’s existence in the Seven-Sided Dighi, I will grant you freedom and allow you to leave. But if you fail to prove its presence, you shall face the gallows. Do you accept this challenge?” inquired the Zamindar, his voice laced with skepticism.
“I can indeed present the serpent to you in all its glory. Are you prepared to witness its emergence from the Dighi?” responded Ram Nath.
With an agreement in place, the Zamindar assured Ram Nath that if he could truly reveal the serpent, his freedom would be granted. The news quickly spread, and it was announced that the unveiling of the Serpent of the Seven-Sided Dighi would take place on Sunday.
As Sunday morning arrived, a throng of eager onlookers assembled outside the Zamindar Bari. Responding to the growing anticipation, the Zamindar ordered the gates to be opened, granting access to the people. All four sides of the first Dighi became crowded with individuals eagerly awaiting the serpent’s appearance.
A path was cleared for Ram Nath to approach the edge of the Dighi, holding a clay pot filled with sand in his hands. Uttering ancient mantras passed down through generations by his ancestor Gorakh Nath, Ram Nath commenced his ritual.
With each sacred chant, he blew into the sand-filled pot, and an immediate hissing sound echoed from a distance, captivating the crowd’s attention.
Ram Nath urged the crowd to create a safe distance from the edge of the Dighi, signaling them to step back. With the clay pot still in his grasp, he began sprinkling the sand into the water. As the sand descended and melded with the depths, tiny bubbles emerged, gradually growing in size. Ripples materialized, causing waves to ripple across the surface. The Dighi’s tranquil water transformed into a vibrating conduit of hissing frequencies. The Zamindar stood in awe, struck by the unprecedented spectacle unfolding before his eyes. A palpable sense of anticipation gripped everyone present.
A chill wind swept over the gathering, causing goosebumps to prickle on their skin. Eerie and malevolent energies emanated from the Dighi, casting an ominous aura. Amidst the murky depths, a shadowy figure materialized. Slowly and deliberately, it ascended toward the water’s surface. The serpent’s head gradually emerged, its piercing eyes breaking the surface tension. A tremendous hiss reverberated through the air as the serpent’s head soared above the water, an imposing presence unveiled.
The serpent’s head possessed an ebony hue akin to coal, while its eyes glimmered in a yellowish-green hue. Its skin, both lustrous and scaly, mirrored its surroundings, reflecting the ambient light. The serpent’s head alone towered to the size of five fully grown men, a formidable sight to behold.
As the serpent parted its jaws, massive fangs emerged, accompanied by a demonic hiss that resounded through the air. Its forked tongue, as crimson as a ripe Naga Moris, flickered like sharp spears, keenly analyzing its surroundings.
With each unsettling hiss, the serpent unfurled its hood, reminiscent of a regal king cobra, casting a looming shadow over a sizable portion of the crowd. Initially gathered for a spectacle, the people now found themselves gripped by fear, their screams echoing through the air.
Lashing out with its immense power, the serpent struck at those within its reach, knocking some unfortunate souls into the water. Ram Nath, resolute, continued his fervent recitation of Mantras, yet the serpent remained uncontrollable. It continued its frenzied hissing and thrashed its head against the sides of the Dighi.
Chaos ensued as panic engulfed the scene, with people fleeing in all directions away from the edges of the Dighi. The serpent, now unleashing its might, began to rupture the enclosure of the Dighi. Ram Nath’s sense of panic grew, realizing that his Mantras held no sway over the raging serpent.
Without delay, Ram Nath urgently dispatched people to the neighboring village, tasking them with bringing his sister, Bipula, back with them. He knew that Bipula possessed a deeper understanding of potent Mantras, and believed that their combined efforts could bring the serpent under control. Bipula, ten years Ram Nath’s senior, had acquired more advanced Mantras from their father before his inexplicable disappearance during a fishing expedition.
The serpent, in a state of complete chaos, had shattered the central portion of the Dighi, exposing its coiled body within the adjacent pond. The once Seven-Sided Dighi now stood with only four sides remaining, the middle one having fractured away.
After what seemed like an arduous twenty minutes, Bipula arrived at the scene. Witnessing the tumultuous situation, she swiftly joined Ram Nath in reciting the sacred Mantras. Strangely, their chanting seemed to aggravate the serpent further, pushing it into a heightened state of frenzy.
In a swift and unforeseen motion, the serpent thrashed its head, sending Bipula tumbling into the water. Filled with alarm, Ram Nath, driven by sheer instinct, leaped onto the serpent’s head in a desperate bid to shield Bipula from its impending strike.
While Bipula managed to scramble onto the edge of the Dighi, Ram Nath valiantly fought for his life atop the serpent’s head. Clinging tightly to the whisker-like protrusions jutting from the serpent’s head, he braced himself against its hisses, convulsions, and violent thrashes. Unyielding, Ram Nath maintained his grip as the serpent shattered another side of the Dighi, embarking on a perilous journey towards the lowlands with Ram Nath still tethered to its head.
As the serpent ventured further into the distance, it carved a sinuous path through the muddy fields, gradually shaping a canal that wound its way toward the Kushiyara River.
The failure of their Mantras became evident, for the serpent was more than a century old. Only the sacred incantations known to Gobinda Naula, residing in Ranaping, Golapgonj of the Sylhet district, held the power to control such an ancient creature. Amidst the pandemonium, Gobinda Naula arrived at the Zamindar Bari, yet his arrival was too late to intervene.
Gobinda Naula sensed the reverberations emanating from the chaotic scene and swiftly set forth on a journey towards the Zamindar Bari, propelled by a sense of urgency.
For generations, Gobinda Naula and his ancestors had dedicated themselves to the quest of encountering the mystical Dewla serpents, elusive creatures with lifespans spanning centuries.
As Gobinda Naula neared the Dighi, a symphony of hissing emerged from the depths of the water, resonating through the air.
“How many serpents were present?” inquired Gobinda Naula, seeking clarity.
“There was only one serpent,” responded the Zamindar.
Gobinda Naula imparted his knowledge, explaining that serpents typically exist in pairs, with the remaining serpent in the Dighi being more formidable than its departed counterpart. He elaborated on the dynamics, stating that while the weaker serpent ventured out for hunting, the dominant serpent safeguarded their abode.
“To safely remove the remaining serpent from the Dighi, I will require four buffalos,” Gobinda Naula requested, aware of the resources required for the task at hand.
“Anything you require shall be provided,” the Zamindar graciously offered.
Intrigued by Gobinda Naula’s expertise, the Zamindar sought to learn more about him, prompting him to inquire, “Please enlighten me about your background, Gobinda Naula.”
“The original Naula Baba, my ancestor, once faced a perilous situation when he was bitten by a cobra. The venom threatened his life, but a mongoose, sensing the danger, bit him on the same spot, injecting its anti-venom and saving him from certain demise,” Gobinda Naula began his tale.
“For three days, he remained unconscious until Rishi Arbindo discovered him. Under the care of Rishi Arbindo, Naula Baba made a remarkable recovery and developed immunity to snake venom. Additionally, Rishi Arbindo bestowed upon him powerful Mantras to combat snakes and serpents, entrusting him with the mission to seek out and eradicate the Dewla serpents residing in the Sylhet region. I am a descendant of this extraordinary Naula Baba,” Gobinda Naula explained, revealing his lineage.
To carry out the task at hand, the buffalos were sacrificed, and their carcasses were securely bound with sturdy metal chains. Gobinda Naula then filled a clay bowl with water from the Dighi, reciting the sacred Mantras that had been passed down through generations by the original Naula Baba. After completing the recitation, he blew into the water within the clay bowl.
Taking a mouthful of the blessed water, Gobinda Naula forcefully expelled it back into the Dighi. Instantly, the serpentine realm responded with a cacophony of hissing, emanating from the depths of the water.
Gobinda Naula gave the command to lower the buffalos into the water, their sacrificial blood tinting the surrounding liquid with a reddish hue. As the buffalos descended, the water began to pulsate, forming undulating waves as the serpent exerted its force, pulling away with the weight of its prey.
With a mixture of astonishment and determination, Gobinda Naula observed as the serpent’s head emerged from the water. The distinctive markings on its head perfectly matched those described by his ancestor, Naula Baba.
Realizing the significance of this encounter, Gobinda Naula understood that if he could successfully vanquish this serpent, it would liberate Sylhet from the clutches of the Dewla serpents. These serpents were no ordinary creatures; they embodied malevolent entities from the depths of the past, haunting the land like ghostly manifestations of evil.
By defeating this serpent, the ultimate source of power for all the Dewla serpents in the region, Gobinda Naula would bring lasting freedom to Sylhet, permanently severing its ties to these wicked entities.
Gobinda Naula recognized this as the pivotal moment to fulfill the mission entrusted to him by his ancestral lineage, spanning four generations of the Naula clan. He would not allow this opportunity to slip away. At last, he had discovered the elusive Dewla serpent that his forefather, Naula Baba, had vowed to eradicate and liberate Sylhet from its grip.
Gobinda Naula instructed the Zamindar to gather seven Shegun trees and set them ablaze. Meanwhile, he sent his brother into the woods to procure Naula Zori vines. Crafting sturdy ropes from these vines, Gobinda Naula fashioned a lasso knot, securing it to a sturdy bamboo pole.
As the serpent emerged from the water once more, Gobinda Naula seized the moment and skillfully ensnared its head with the Naula Zori vine lasso knot. He swiftly tightened the noose by retracting the bamboo, rendering the serpent powerless as the potent Mantra inscribed on the Naula Zori vines took effect.
Word of the Naula Baba’s descendants’ arrival at the Zamindar Bari spread rapidly, drawing a delegation of family members to the scene. They were warmly greeted by Gobinda Naula and his brother, their collective task being to securely bind the serpent’s head using unyielding metal chains.
The serpent was gradually pulled ashore, its senses dulled in a semi-conscious state induced by the effects of the Mantras. Though motionless, it still drew breath.
Gobinda Naula and his brother embarked on a recitation of age-old Mantras, simultaneously thrusting a burning Shegun tree into the serpent’s head. The serpent emitted a resounding hiss as the fiery tree penetrated its skull, akin to toothpicks being inserted. However, the potent influence of the Mantra carved a gaping hole, searing through the serpent’s head.
One by one, all seven Shegun trees were thrust into the serpent’s head. Throughout the surrounding area, the air resonated with reverberating hisses as the trees consumed the Dewla serpent’s head with their flames.
Upon the final tree’s insertion, an enveloping silence fell. The once-pervasive hissing subsided. Gradually, the body of the Dewla serpent began to liquefy and vanish into the earth, as if absorbed by its very core.
Gobinda Naula successfully eradicated the Dewla serpents that plagued Sylhet. Despite being offered a substantial sum of money by the Zamindar, he humbly declined, for it was his duty to fulfill this mission.
A messenger arrived with the news that Ram Nath had been discovered by fishermen, lying unconscious on a bed of Zarmoni. Upon hearing this, Bipula dropped to her knees, expressing gratitude to the goddess Mansa.
The Zamindar pardoned Ram Nath, yet barred him from entering his estate. Bipula extended her thanks to both the Zamindar and Gobinda Naula. With a sense of relief, she journeyed back to her village, knowing that the need for those Mantras would never arise again.
To this day, the canal carved by the serpent, just before casting Ram Nath aside and flowing into the Kushiyara river, endures. It is now known as Asir Khal and can be found in Golapgonj, located within the Sylhet district of Bangladesh.
According to local tales, the name of the canal, Asir Khal, is believed to be connected to an incident involving Ram Nath and the serpent. It is said that Ram Nath provoked the serpent to sneeze by inserting a Zori infused with powerful Mantras into its nostrils. As the serpent sneezed, Ram Nath was forcefully thrown off its head and landed on a bed of Zarmoni.
To this day, travelers navigating Asir Khal by boat claim to hear hissing sounds emanating from the waves. It has become customary for people to wear bracelets made from Naula Zori vines, infused with protective Mantras, to ward off snakes and serpents.
Legend has it that those who venture on the canal without wearing the Naula Zori bracelet are plagued by nightmares associated with snakes and serpents. The seasoned fishermen of the region maintain that the spirit of the serpent still lingers within the waters of Asir Khal.
– The End –
Sylheti Words And Locations Used In The Text
Asir Khal – A large canal in Golapgonj in Sylhet, Bangladesh.
Barohal, Dhakadakshin – Area located in Sylhet district of Bangladesh.
Dewla – Monster, giant, possessed by demonic spirits.
Dighi – A large pond that was used for bathing and washing in Bangladesh.
Gamsa – A light cloth worn by people working in the fields.
Gorakh Nath – A Guru and founder of the Snake Charmer sect. He is said to have possessed magical powers over snakes and serpents.
Kushiyara – A major river in Sylhet district of Bangladesh.
Mansa – Snake goddess.
Mantra – Ancient spell recited to perform magical feats.
Naga Moris – Chilli pepper native to Sylhet region of Bangladesh.
Naula – Related to Mongoose.
Naula Baba – Guru of the Mongoose clan.
Naula Zori – A vine that is supposed to repel snakes and serpents.
Ranaping, Golapgonj – Area located in Sylhet district of Bangladesh.
Shegun – A large hardwood tree that grows in Bangladesh.
Sylhet – City and region located in north-eastern Bangladesh.
Thalis – Metal dinner plates.
Tongi Ghor – A large conference room in wealthy estates.
Zamindar – Equivalent to a Lord, a person who owns a vast amount of land. Gamsa – A light cloth worn by people working in the fields.
Zamindar Babu – Title of respect for the Zamindar, as used by his servants and commoners.
Zamindar Bari – The Zamindar’s residence, set on a large plot of land.
Zamindar’s Raioth – People settled by the Zamindar on his lands. They are like servants to the Zamindar.
Zarmoni – Water hyacinth.
Zori – Mantra infused bracelet made from vines.
– The End –
“This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.”-
Mujibur Rahman
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