#lakshmana min

[lulu2992]

My beaded creations

And now, the rest of my collection.

Part 2: Alphabet beads

A simple “The Legend of Zelda” bracelet on the left, and on the right, a design inspired by the Sages’ Medallions from Ocarina of Time, but in French: Lumière (Light), Ombre (Shadow), Esprit (Spirit), Eau (Water), Feu (Fire), and Forêt (Forest). Fire is dark pink instead of red but it works.

A very long necklace (can also be worn as a very thick bracelet) made of all the Zelda games’ titles. Each section is independent so more can be easily added when new games are released. Also, if it breaks, I don’t have to remake the whole thing...

Bracelets and rings for a few fictional characters:

Bracelets: Midona (Midna’s French name, from Twilight Princess) — Ghirahim (Skyward Sword) — Babydoll (Sucker Punch) — Vaas Montenegro (Far Cry 3) — Lakshmana Min (Far Cry 4).

Rings: Babydoll — Ghirahim — Vaas.

A few quotes from Sucker Punch:

You see, your fight for survival starts right now. You don’t want to be judged? You won’t be. You don’t think you’re strong enough? You are. You’re afraid, don’t be. You have all the weapons you need. Now fight. (Vera Gorski)

You are safe, it’s all safe. — Now relax, and just let go. (Vera Gorski)

Let the pain go. — Let the hurt go. — Let the guilt go. (Vera Gorski)

Everyone has an angel. (Sweet Pea) — Defend yourself. (The Wiseman)

Bracelets inspired by Far Cry 3:

Vaas’ famous quote: The world is on a diagonal. — I am the balancing point.

Left: Quote from Citra: Rage against the darkness.

Right: Please define “insanity”.

Quote from one of the trailers, “The Savages: Vaas & Buck”: We’re not the savages. — We are the shepherds. (Buck Hughes)

Two quotes (in French) from two songs in Beauty and the Beast I think are cool:

Left: In the French version of “Beauty and the Beast”, “Histoire Éternelle” (it means “Eternal Story”), Madame Samovar (Mrs. Potts) sings C’est vrai, c’est étrange/De voir comme on change/Sans même y penser (“It’s true, it is strange to see how we change without even thinking about it”). The original English lyrics are Bittersweet and strange/Finding you can change/Learning you were wrong. I think about this quote (the French one) often…

Right: In “Belle”, the villagers sing La tête ailleurs et ce petit air audacieux/D'un chat sauvage sous une ombrelle (“In her own head and with this little daring look of a wild cat under an umbrella”) to describe Belle, and I love this description. In English, it was simply Look, there she goes, that girl is strange, no question/Dazed and distracted, can't you tell?

Two other French quotes, this time from video games:

Left: In The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, when Gaepora sees Fi (Fay in French), he quotes a few ancient words: Le guide de l'enfant, hors de l'épée s'élance. Juvéniles sont ses traits, mais grande est sa sapience (“The child’s guide, out of the sword leaps. Juveniles are her features, but great is her sapience”). I really like that we had rhyming alexandrines in French. The English localization said, “The youth will be guided by one born of the blade--one who is also youthful in likeness yet wise with knowledge immeasurable.”

Right: Quote from Child of Light. When he appears and notices Aurora crying, Igniculus says: Quelqu’un pourrait-il m’expliquer/Comment, sans pluie, l’eau peut tomber ? The original English line (Will someone please explain/How water falls with no rain?) means the same thing, but I just liked how it sounded in French. Also, to be honest, the alphabet beads I bought are for French people and we barely use the letter W, so I didn’t have enough W beads :’)

More video game quotes, this time in English. One is from BioShock 2 and the other is from Far Cry 5:

Left: Evil is just a word; under the skin, it’s simple pain. (Eleanor Lamb)

Right: Cherish this feeling. Let it carry you. (John Seed)

Three more English quotes I like:

Left: The Alice In Wonderland quote that appears at the beginning of Far Cry 3: In another moment down went Alice after it, never once considering how in the world she was to get out again.

Center: Quote from the FFVII Remake announcement trailer (E3 2015): The reunion at hand may bring joy; it may bring fear. But let us embrace whatever it brings, for they are coming back.

Right: Lyrics from the song “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella: No matter how your heart is grieving/If you keep on believing/The dream that you wish will come true.

Finally, here are two quotes from Lady Gaga songs:

Left: Don’t be a drag, just be a queen/Don’t be a drag, just be a queen/Don’t be a drag, just be a queen (“Born This Way” - Born This Way)

Right: It’s not a statement as much as just a move of passion (“Aura” - ARTPOP)

Thank you for looking at my beads :)

[djsherriff-responses]

Kids Im thinking Dolph will have atm for Laserhen

The ones that will definitely be in the story at some point

Troy (father is Alex , conceived before the heist betrayal happened. Looks mostly like Dolph besides curly hair like his grandmother and Alex's eyes. Accident baby)

Lucy (father is Bullfrog, also an accident baby conceived not long after Troy was born. Had a very unusual birth and the weirdest newborn pictures. Looks like Bullfrog if he had brown skin , freckles and black hair)

Leo (father is Sam Fisher , conceived through artificial means. Dolph was captured by Sarah (again) and in a desperate need to keep Troy and Lucy safe, agreed to Sarah's plans to make a better Eden..... which involves him making a lot of babies, still admittedly figuring out the details. Looks both like an even mix of both parents while simultaneously looking the most like his own person)

ones I'm considering but idk shrug

Dakini (father is Pagan Min, conceived through a deal where Dolph is talked into giving Pagan a daughter in return for food and shelter, because Pagan wants a replacement for Lakshmana after Ajay left. Turns out badly when she pops out as a red eyed albino. Maybe has a twin? Born before Leo)

A child of Red Colt possibly?

Ezio/some other assassins because it'd be funny

Templars members?

Five seems like a good number of kids ? Maybe? I need more Ubisoft dilfs for this

[scarletcitrus]

pagan min as a dragon.............this idea has been in my head for so long i’ve got like prototype pagan dragons and shit but this is my final design for him

if you want to see me go in-depth about him for reasons that are related to mental illness (i have it and it is his fault) there is more :)

okay so. i’m going to explain his entire design since it makes me happy and i’m going to start with the colors

obviously he’s super flashy and extravagant in canon so i couldn’t just Not let that cross over here. i tried to make him look like a living rainbow without actually making him a rainbow BUT i do have my reasons for each of the colors.

the golden orange-y and yellow parts are obviously, well, to represent gold and the fact that he is ummmmmmm Technically royalty despite stealing the throne? the combination of blue on gold is relative to the golden path and how he and ishwari were a thing yada yada . red is for the primary color his army wears and for lakshmana because her whole shrine is decked out in the color red and pink is for his lovely suit:)

...i couldn’t make it that vibrant pink his suit actually is or it wouldn’t have fit as well into the rest of the colors. also. all the colors are taken off the rakshasa pagan thingy but i gave them meaning to make it fancier ++++ it wasn’t my intention but the way his colors fade into each other reminds me of all the colorful ?dust (i don’t know what it is. is it just powder) in far cry 4 so that makes me happy

speaking of rakshasa pagan, the other parts of his design are very much based off of it. specifically, the bird one in shangri-la. i included the way pagan’s rakshasa face looks as best as i could but the rest of the little intricate details i all sponged off of the bird, like the armor and the crown and the huge talons. the crown i felt especially needed to be included if nothing else bc well. y’know LMAO

the vaguely peacock-looking feathers are because that seems to be his motif for himself and his army and kyrat or whatever tf i don’t really know. all i know is i see peacocks associated with him and BAM he gets some pretty feathers

p.s. ik the pose is weird in that image let’s all hold hands and pretend that he’s climbing down from something

okay bear with me . the wing size might be inconsistent but shhh don’t look at that it isn’t there also thanks to tumblr for maybe tanking the quality of these (we’ll see) . ANYWAY

he gets multiple limbs because of the golden statues (or statue singular? is there just one? i haven’t played it but god i want to) that are in his dlc and it gives me another reason to stretch the definition of “dragon” which is always super fun for me :)

his face is mostly immobile aside from being able to blink and breathe and close/open his mouth but it’s like his jaw is on hinges with the way it can only move up and down (and stiffly) because i want it to really feel like he’s got a mask on or something. like if you look at the rakshasa bird its face isn’t all that. mobile. it is made of some kind of metal i think and i tried to mimic that effect + the idea of his mask in the dlc

another p.s.! let’s all keep holding hands and pretending . this time he’s landing after flying. he doesn’t normally stand on two feet

his wings are heavy to the point that his front legs can’t really support him properly sometimes even though he’s got two pairs, so he often uses his wings as support to walk like how wyverns do. he feels like it’s inconvenient because he doesn’t want to get his feathers dirty and without a beak/easy way to close his mouth it’s annoying for him to preen them but that’s just an L he has to take

and this is just him flying 4 literally no reason. i struggle drawing animals/beings that have wings in flight (and also i struggle with the tucked-in legs that come with those) so i wanted to see if i could. i think it turned out okay? maybe

i hope this made sense and that i wasn’t totally incoherent about this! thank you for reading (if you did) (and perhaps expect more dragons... i’m a big fan of them lol)

[sandrodeandrade]

The King and the Goddess | Theme: Far Cry 4 fanfic

Chapter 1: The Fall of Sabal

I pointed the rocket launcher at Pagan Min's helicopter at the royal palace of Kirat. I took a deep breath and pulled the trigger, seeing the explosion in the sky. I felt a mix of relief and remorse. Had I made the right choice? Pagan had revealed that Lakshmana was my half-sister, the result of his involvement with Ishwari, my mother. Mohan, upon discovering the betrayal, killed Lakshmana and tried to kill my mother, but Ishwari reacted and killed him in self-defense. After that, she fled Kyrat with me. Pagan then decided to hand over Kirat to me, which awakened my desire to rule the country and honor the memory of my family. I wanted to transform it into a modern democracy. I sometimes wondered if Pagan was the only sane one in that country of madmen. I remembered his crimes and his tyranny. I knew that Pagan was not a kind leader. He dominated Kyrat with cruelty and ostentation, using his militia to intimidate the people and profiting from drug trafficking. I remembered all his evil deeds, which included torture, mass murder, betrayal, corruption, destruction, kidnapping, propaganda, slavery, prostitution and animal cruelty. He wanted to end the traditions of Kyrat and prevent the progress of the country. He deserved to be tried by the Hague Tribunal for his crimes, but there were still those who defended him. That was one of the reasons why we lived in a violent world, dominated by autocracy and corruption.

I knew that Pagan had to fall. But I didn't trust Amita, the leader of the Golden Path who dreamed of turning Kyrat into a drug empire. I made a vow to myself to never become a despot like Pagan Min and to defend Kyrat and its people. I wished that my mother and sister would feel proud. The snow of the Himalayas covered everything with its beauty and its cruelty. I thought of Bhadra, the girl I had met in this war. She was the only one I cared about in that insane country. She was like a younger sister, or the only friend. I knew she was destined to be the Tarun Matara, the reincarnation of the goddess Kira. She would be exploited by the religious fanatics of Sabal, just like my mother had been exploited by my father. I couldn't let that happen. I have to rescue her.

Ajay heard the noise of a helicopter and recognized the voice that came from it, it was Hurk: Hey, brother! Want a ride? Ajay: are you sure this helicopter is safe? It looks kind of old and rusty. Hurk: Chill out, man. This is my baby. I fixed it up. It will fly like a turbocharged eagle. Ajay: That doesn't make me very confident. Hurk: Trust me, brother. Ajay arrived at Ghale Residence with a heavy heart. He had just learned the whole truth about his father, his mother and his little sister, and the farce that was the Golden Path. One thing didn't leave Ajay's mind: Bhadra. He couldn't allow an innocent girl to suffer what his mother had suffered at the hands of his father. Ajay remembered the sad look of Bhadra when she was taken to become Tarun Matara. The sadness in her green eyes contrasted with her beauty, which had fascinated him since the day they met. She had a great admiration for his father, but if she knew the truth, it would be a great disappointment. Ajay felt a fondness for Bhadra, as if she were his sister. He wanted to protect her from all the evil that plagued Kyrat.

Suddenly, the radio rang. It was Sabal.

Ajay, Pagan is dead. - he said with a solemn voice. Brother, it's over. I can hardly believe it. Did you find Lakshmana? - Sabal asked with enthusiasm. Yes, I did, Sabal. My mother can rest in peace now. Thank you. - Ajay replied coldly. Kirat is free, brother. Thanks to you. Mohan is also resting in peace now. Come home. I'll need a right-hand man to bring Kirat back to its roots. - Sabal said and hung up. Ajay felt a wave of anger and contempt for Sabal. Right-hand man? I had done all the dirty work and now Sabal wants to use me as a puppet? I won't let Sabal turn Kirat into a theocracy. I won't let Sabal do to Bhadra what my father had done to my mother: use her as a religious and political instrument, without caring about her feelings or desires. Ajay turned off the radio angrily and left Ghale Residence. He was tired of hearing Sabal's lies.

He went to visit his neighbors Reggie and Yogi. They were lying around doing nothing as usual. What a waste of life, he thought with contempt. He wouldn't tolerate them smoking near Bhadra when she came to live with him. She deserved more respect and consideration. Reggie: Hi, neighbor. Yogi: Ah! Mr. Ghale. Well, I guess that's it, then? Reggie: No more panic and destruction?

Yogi: Are you going to retire the old rocket launcher? Reggie: Put it on the shelf, the way it was: collecting dust. Yogi: Unless… Reggie: You have unfinished business? Maybe? Loose ends to tie up? Yogi: Or people you need to kill. Reggie: That's what I said, Donald. Yogi: My name is Yogi. Ajay said goodbye coldly and crossed the small stream. He thought to himself: "Sabal, I'm not your brother. I'm not your right-hand man. I'm the king of Kyrat. And I will free my people from the oppression of you and Amita". He muttered, with hatred. He had a mission: to rescue Bhadra, the young girl he considered a sister, the young girl he promised to protect. Ajay contacted Hurk by radio and asked for one more favor: that he take him by helicopter to Jalendu, where he had to save a princess in arrived at the Jalendu Temple with the intention of finding Sabal and Bhadra, the leaders of the Golden Path. He wanted to end the conflict that plagued Kirat and free Bhadra. But what he saw left him horrified. Sabal was at the entrance of the temple, with the rebels who supported Amita, the other candidate for the leadership of the Golden Path. All tied up and on their knees. He shouted, ordering them to be executed, making an insane speech.

You chose to fight against your own people. By taking Amita's side, you decided that you would make your own legacy and spit on the Gods. Now you kneel before the Tarun Matara, asking for forgiveness. No, no. Where was all this forgiveness when you massacred your brothers and sisters? You committed crimes against the very Gods. That's why I tell you: today you chose to cut your own neck. I don't.

Bhadra was sitting on a throne, dressed in ceremonial clothes. She seemed to be in a trance, as she did not react to anything. She looked at the void with a cold look. Ajay felt a pain in his chest when he saw Bhadra in that state. He couldn't believe that Sabal had done that to her. He couldn't let Sabal continue with that madness.

Wait, what about Bhadra? — asked Ajay, interrupting Sabal.

Now she is the Tarun Matara. The sins against the Gods can only be erased with blood. Purification is necessary to move forward, brother. — answered Sabal, with a crazy look.

The Tarun matara does not object? And you? - accused Ajay, with a furious look.

Ajay, what objection will Bhadra make? Are you crazy? She is in shock. For hours I think Amita was right. You have other intentions with Bhadra. — said Sabal, with contempt.

Bhadra? She is your hostage, Sabal! You are using her as a symbol to manipulate people! She is a girl, not a goddess! — said Ajay, indignant.

You don't see what you did to her, Sabal? She is catatonic! She doesn't speak, doesn't move, doesn't feel anything! She is a shadow of what she was before! You destroyed her! — shouted Ajay, pointing to the motionless girl.

You don't understand anything, Ajay! You are nothing but a foreigner, an outsider! You don't know what's best for Kirat! You betrayed your father's will and let Amita escape. You are weak, cowardly, useless! — said Sabal, pushing Ajay away with force.

Sabal, you've gone mad! You're killing people in the name of a lie! You're betraying everything the Golden Path stands for! — said Ajay, drawing his gun.

Don't challenge me, Ajay! I am the leader of the Golden Path! I am the protector of the Tarun Matara! I am the chosen one of the Gods! — said Sabal, raising the knife.

No, Sabal. You are a tyrant, a fanatic, a murderer. And I'm going to end this once and for all. — said Ajay, shooting Sabal. When the Golden Path soldiers were going to attack Ajay, they heard howls of wolves and saw Bhadra with a bloody face. She seemed to cry tears of blood. They were horrified by the scene and knelt down, begging for forgiveness. They said that Sabal had awakened the wrath of the gods and that Ajay was the chosen one and the new leader of the Golden Path. Sabal fell to the ground, moaning in pain. Ajay ran to Bhadra and hugged her. She was cold and pale. She did not react to his touch. Her eyes were empty and her face expressionless. She seemed to be in a trance, disconnected from reality. Ajay felt sorry for her and angry at Sabal. How could Sabal do that to her?

Bhadra, it's me, Ajay. I came to free you. Let's get out of here. Let's go to Ghale Residence. There you'll be fine - Ajay said, stroking her face. He saw the fear in her green eyes, which looked lost and empty. Suddenly, she looked into his eyes and began to speak in a strange language that he did not understand. He carried her in his arms and left the temple, avoiding the corpses that Sabal had left behind. He got into his helicopter and flew as fast as he could away from that hell. When he got close to Ghale Residence, he got out of the helicopter with Bhadra in his arms. She was shaking and sobbing softly, clinging to his chest.

It's okay, Bhadra. It's okay. I'm here with you - he said, trying to comfort her.

Ajay… Ajay… - she whispered, with a weak voice.

I'm here, Bhadra. I'm here - he repeated, carrying her in his arms. he climbed all the way up to the house and found Yogi & Reggie in the living room. They were surprised to see him and even more so to see Bhadra.

Hey, man, you're back! - Yogi said, getting up from the rug.

And you brought a girl! - Reggie said, widening his eyes.

Who is she? - Yogi asked, approaching.

It's Bhadra - Ajay said, with a tense voice.

The Tarun Matara? The reincarnation of the goddess? - Reggie asked, impressed.

Yes, but she's bad

Ajay said - Sabal forced her to watch him kill people.

That's crazy! - Yogi said - What did he want with her?

I don't know, but I'm afraid to imagine - Ajay said - Do you know how to get her out of this state?

Well, we have some experience with herbs - Reggie said - Maybe we can make a tea.

Or maybe we just need to wait for her to wake up - Yogi said - She needs to rest after going through a scene of terror.

Whatever it is, I need you to take care of her - Ajay said - She's just a child. She doesn't deserve this.

Sure, man, we'll take care of her - Yogi said - You can count on us.

Thank you - Ajay said. He thought about everything that had happened since he arrived in Kyrat. In his father, in his mother, in Pagan Min, in Amita, in Sabal. He had lost everything and everyone he loved or respected. He looked at Bhadra and felt a pang of affection. She was the only person he still had some connection with. She was the only person he wanted to protect. He wondered if she would recover from the trauma she had suffered. He wondered if she would forgive him for not arriving sooner.

He was exhausted and worried. He didn't know what had happened to Bhadra while he was away and how she would react when she woke up. Ajay fell asleep without realizing it, tired of the war and violence that plagued Kirat. He dreamed of Sabal wearing the Yalung mask dragging Bhadra to the Jalendu shrine. Ajay follows him desperately, but the scenery changes to Shangri-La, the legendary Tibetan paradise. It is a magical and beautiful place, full of colors and lights. He sees a woman resembling Bhadra sitting on a throne of flowers, dressed in red and gold clothes. She is beautiful and radiant, like a goddess. She calls him by name.

Ajay… Ajay… I'm waiting for you. You finally arrived. You are an honorable man, my chosen one, my companion… - she says, with a sweet and melodious voice.

Bhadra? Is that you? - he asks, confused. She shakes her head. Ajay doesn't understand if it's yes or no.

Who are you? - Ajay asks, perplexed.

I am Kira, the mother goddess of all kirats. I thank you for saving the Tarun Matara from Sabal's bloodlust. I would forgive everyone, no matter the side; they are all my sons and daughters. - She says, with a bitter voice. She began to cry and said that she didn't want Sabal to kill her people. Ajay felt relieved to hear her words, but also anguished to know that he had caused so much suffering.

I am to blame for putting Sabal in power of the Golden Path. - He says, with a tone of remorse.

It's not your fault, Ajay. Sabal was blind by faith. You are not to blame. - She says, with a loving voice.

Ajay, I just wanted to fulfill my mother's last wish: to free the people of Kirat, honor my father's legacy and protect Bhadra. She is the only person in this madness that I still care about. I don't want for Bhadra the same fate as my mother; I want her to be happy as possible, to have a normal life. I want to see her smiling; something I rarely see. Bhadra has no reason to smile; I don't want to see children going through the nightmare that Bhadra went through. - He says, with a tone of sadness. The young goddess is touched by his answer and smiles at Ajay.

Ajay, protect Bhadra, protect Kirat. - She asks, with a loving voice. She gets up from the throne and walks up to him. She hugs him and kisses him passionately. In his ear, she whispers:

Ajay, protect Bhadra, protect Kirat. - She asks, with a loving voice. She gets up from the throne and walks up to him. She hugs him and kisses him passionately. In his ear, she whispers:

Ajay, protect me. She takes him to a tent made of silk and petals. Inside, they make love, without fear or guilt. When the scene starts to heat up, Ajay wakes up all sweaty and panting. He is confused and scared. What a strange dream… Ajay got up from the rug and looked at Bhadra, who was still sleeping deeply. He felt a mix of relief and anguish when he saw her there, so fragile and innocent. He approached her carefully and stroked her face. She opened her eyes slowly and stared at him. He saw a glint of recognition in her gaze, but soon after a cloud of confusion and fear took over her. She squeezed his hand and asked, with a trembling voice:

Where am I? Who are you? What happened to me? Ajay felt a tightness in his chest when he heard those words. He remembered everything they had been through together, how he saved her from Sabal's clutches, how he protected her from Pagan Min's soldiers, how he considered her a sister. He tried to explain, with a gentle voice: You're safe, Bhadra. I'm Ajay, your friend, your… your ally. We fought against Sabal and Pagan Min, we freed Kyrat, we… He stopped talking when he saw Bhadra's expression change. She looked at him with a mix of fear and gratitude.

You saved me from Sabal? He told me I was the Tarun Matara, the goddess of Kyrat. He forced me to see terrible things. He hurt a lot of people. She looked into Ajay's eyes and remembered everything he had done for her. She felt a wave of relief and affection for him.

You are very brave, Ajay. You are very good. She started to sob and clung to him. Ajay hugged her and tried to calm her down. He said:

It's okay, Bhadra. I'm here. You're safe with me. He smiled and stroked her hair.

Sabal is dead. I had no choice but to kill him. He was a madman, a fanatic, a murderer who deceived you, used you and hurt you. You don't have to be afraid of him anymore. You're not a goddess, Bhadra. You're a girl, a… - He says, but is interrupted by her.

A almost younger sister? Is that what you were going to say? - She asks, indignant. - Do you think I'm a child? That I don't know what I feel? - She breaks free from his embrace and faces him defiantly. - In my land, I am a woman.

She thinks of her grandmother, who at 12 was already a great hunter and took care of three children alone. How she wished she had that decision-making ability, that willpower. How she wanted to be a woman like her.

Ajay stroked her hair.

You are safe with me. I will take care of you. I will protect you. — he says, trying to calm her down. He looked into her eyes and was overcome by a strong feeling. He remembered the dream he had with the Goddess. She looked a lot like Bhadra. Was she Bhadra or Kira? He shook his head and pushed those thoughts away.

What nonsense, Ajay! She is only 14 years old! And she is like a younger sister! I would never get involved with her! — He thinks, condemning himself.

I like her. — He thinks, confessing.

I will not make the same mistake that my father made with my mother. Then he asked her to rest, because they needed to talk about their future, about the future of Kirat and about his dream of becoming king of Kirat.

[general-kalani]

Min, you have any idea on why your nephew is like this?

"No! I don't! I mean, perhaps Ishwari was worried something that happened to Lakshmana might happen again so Ajay was kept indoors. I don't know! Maybe he loves the idea that I'm getting fucking terrified for his safety... I am so not ready to die in my fourties because I have to deal with Ajay and his activities like this! Can he just accept the fact I want him safe and STOP doing this?!"

[prabhushriram]

Difference between Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri

Reading time- 5 mins

India, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, celebrates Navratri not once, but twice a year with great enthusiasm and devotion. Navratri, meaning 'nine nights,' is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her various forms. These two celebrations, Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri, hold unique significance and are observed at different times of the year. In this blog, we'll explore why Navratri is celebrated twice in India and delve into the captivating mythological stories behind the divine forms of Maa Durga.

Chaitra Navratri: Welcoming Spring

Chaitra Navratri falls in the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar, typically in March or April. This festival marks the beginning of spring when nature awakens, and new life blossoms. During these nine days, devotees pay homage to Goddess Durga and seek her blessings for prosperity and good fortune.

Chaitra Navratri is believed to commemorate the day when Lord Rama, accompanied by his brother Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman, worshiped Goddess Durga to seek her blessings before embarking on his epic journey to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the triumph of righteousness. The culmination of Chaitra Navratri is celebrated as Ram Navami.

Sharad Navratri: Celebration of the Harvest

Sharad Navratri, also known as Maha Navratri, is the more widely celebrated of the two. It falls in the lunar month of Ashwin, usually in September or October when the monsoon season ends and the country gears up for the harvest season. This grand festival celebrates the divine feminine and the goddess's prowess in defeating the buffalo demon, Mahishasura.

According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura was a formidable demon who terrorized the gods. He received a boon from Lord Agni, according to which a woman would only kill him. Unable to defeat him, the gods created Goddess Durga, a symbol of ultimate feminine power. Durga fought Mahishasura for nine days and nights, ultimately slaying him on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. Sharad Navratri symbolizes the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness. It is the ultimate celebration of divine female energies.

Young girls all over India are worshipped as devotees who believe that the Devi resides in little girls.

Maa Durga is depicted in 9 various forms, each with its own significance and attributes, to defeat the shape-shifting demon: Mahishasura. During Navratri, these forms are celebrated on specific days, known as 'Navadurga.' Let's explore some of the most renowned forms:

Shailaputri: The first form of Durga, she is the daughter of the Himalayas and represents the purity and innocence of nature.

Brahmacharini: She symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge and is often depicted holding a rosary and a water pot.

Chandraghanta: This form represents bravery and courage, as she adorns a crescent moon-shaped ornament on her forehead.

Kushmanda: The creator of the universe, Kushmanda signifies the source of all energy and vitality.

Skandamata: As the mother of Lord Kartikeya, she stands for the power of a mother's love and protection.

Katyayani: This fierce form of Durga is worshiped for her ability to destroy evil forces and protect her devotees.

Kalratri: Depicting the dark side of life, she is a symbol of destruction and liberation from ignorance.

Mahagauri: This form represents purity and is often depicted in white attire, symbolizing peace and serenity.

Siddhidatri: The final form of Durga, Siddhidatri is believed to grant devotees spiritual powers and enlightenment.

Navratri is a spiritually enriching festival that honors the divine feminine. Whether it's the arrival of spring during Chaitra Navratri or the harvest season of Sharad Navratri, both celebrations remind us of the importance of faith, perseverance, and the victory of good over evil. The diverse forms of Maa Durga teach us valuable life lessons and inspire us to live virtuously.

Gujratis celebrate Navratri through vibrant Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, while in Bengal, this festival is celebrated as Durga Puja, which involves worshiping the goddess Durga with grand processions and cultural events. So, they celebrate Navratri, but how it's celebrated varies.

This Navaratri, bring home the divine presence of Goddess Durga with the Navaratri-Durga Puja Kit from Prabhu Shriram- Incense with a Story.

This pack contains-

Mata Vaishno Devi Agarbatti                                    

Upasana Dhoop

Sambrani Cups

Havan Samagri

Divya Jyot

Mauli Dhaga

Guggal Loban

Jau

Pavitra Ganga Sand Soil

Red Cloth

Mata Chunri

Laung

Supari

Sindoor/Roli

Haldi

Akshat

Mishri/Kaju/Kishmish/Elaichi

Camphor

[sourfunstrips]

i could actively go on how the insanity dlc practically confirms that vaas is, in fact, Not Dead and how pagan min's dlc (control) shows how he's at war with his own ego when he really just wanted to bond with lakshmana and keep ishwari and ajay and play family because he grew up without one in the kyrat slums and how joseph seed's dlc (collapse) shows how he realized how **far** he lead the project astray, which makes sense for where he's located in new dawn

[morningmoon-farcry]

twins, boy Neo Ghale Min and the girl Lakshmana Ghale Min

[breakthings]

—Pagan Min: Family.

While Pagan Min is as narcissistic & tyrannical as they come, there is one thing he does treasure & respect, & that’s Family.

Not having a good relationship with his father, Pagan craved the love & affection of a legitimate family. Though his mother was kind and affectionate towards him ( the reason he wears a pink suit—in homage to her ), she died before he murdered his father.

Not expecting to fall in love with Ishwari, when he did, he adored her. So much so that he accepted her son, Ajay, as his own; treating him well & as if he was his own flesh & blood, going as far as to make him his heir of Kyrat, even if Ajay was the son of his worst enemy & chose to work with The Golden Path.

The death of his daughter Lakshmana absolutely destroyed him. He would claim that everything he had done with Kyrat was for her and his family. He treated that little girl extremely well and was a good father to her up until Mohan killed her.

He truly believed that Ishwari was the love of his life, and he has had a hard time opening his heart again. He’s more focused on what he’s doing with Kyrat, rather then having an actual, stable relationship—& part of it is because he doesn’t want the attachment only to lose them again.

He always loved & respected Yuma as his sister, since she was taken in by his father when they were children. They had a great relationship until she accused Ishwari for making Pagan ‘soft’. Their relationship had eventually strained when Pagan didn’t return to the ‘king she idolized’, like he used to be, and she ended up despising him. He still cared for her, however.

[bandhavgarh-meadows]

Bandhavgarh National Park | Bandhavgarh safari booking | Bandhavgarh accommodation

Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh is a location of historical importance. There are various man-made caverns in Bandhavgarh that date back 2000 years and contain inscriptions and rock art. Bandhavgarh, once a maharaja's hunting preserve, is now a national park that is home to the regal Bengal tiger, 37 other mammal species, 250 bird species, and 80 butterfly species.In the Bandhavgarh National Park can be found the ancestors of all white tigers in the world.

The first national park in India to offer tourists "The Hot Air Balloon Safari" is Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh for those who enjoy safaris, an overhead view of the limited buffer zone and core zone will be an unforgettable experience.

Bandhavgarh's wildlife

The region is home to enormous populations of a number of species, including the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Gray Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Tiger, Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai, Chinkara, and Gaur, as well as the small Indian Civet, Dhole, Palm Squirrel, Lesser Bandicoot Rat

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve's flora

Bandhavgarh is the only location with a particularly diverse variety of flora and fauna, with the majority of its foliage being of the dry deciduous variety. A rich and diverse flora is uniquely supported by the region's topography and relatively moderate climate, which are both present in the area.

Thinks to Do in Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh Fort: Although this fort is reputed to be 2000 years old and has been ruled by the Maghas kings for 20 full centuries, its prehistory is still valuable when we learn that the Ramayana epic also mentions this old fort. It is said that Lord Rama constructed the fort during his brief stopover in the Bandhavgarh region (forest) on his way back from Lanka. Then he gave this fort to his brother Lakshmana, who took control of it to keep an eye on Lanka's activities.

Bandhavgarh Hill: With an elevation of 807 metres, Bandhavgarh Hill is the tallest hill in the reserve region, which has a total of about 32 hills. Together with the Bandhavgarh hill, these minor hills create a multitude of low-lying plains and valleys. The Bandhavgarh hill is made of sandstone, and the area's water supply is provided by a number of streams and springs.

How to reach Bandhavgarh National Park

By Air: Jabalpur & Khajuraho Airports are the closest to Bandhavgarh National Park. Both Jabalpur and Khajuraho are 200 kilometres and four hours' drive from Bandhavgarh, respectively. Regular flights to Jabalpur and Khajuraho are available from all of India's main airports.

By Road: The adjacent towns and cities, such as Jabalpur, Satna, Umaria, Khajuraho, etc., are well connected to Bandhavgarh National Park.

By Train: Umaria & Katni are the closest railway stations to Bandhavgarh National Park. Bandhavgarh is 35 km (45 mins) away from Umaria, and 100 km (02 mins) away from Katni.

For More Details:

Visit Our Website: www.bandhavgarhmeadows.com

Contact No: +91 8889698899

[cranky-kyrati]

Controlling the narrative - a Pagan perspective

Sooo in conjunction with my fanfic project, I’ve been falling down a rabbithole of making an indepth analysis of Pagan Min: Control. I’ve seen a few takes on the DLC that I feel are missing key points, and though I’m a bit late to the party, here’s a first draft of my thoughts. (For those reading my fic, yes, this perspective informs the way I write Pagan.)

UPDATE: Read the finished version of this on AO3!

Note: All of this is written from a death of the author perspective. This means I am not concerned with authorial intent, only about interpreting the actual textual evidence. Textual evidence here refers to anything that occurs or is depicted/said/written in Far Cry 4 and Pagan Min: Control. I will not include the comic in this analysis as I have not read it, nor any other external sources of information, even if they are ‘official’.

When I write ‘Pagan’, I mean Pagan as a whole — the man who is having the vision where he is at war with himself. I call the playable character in Control ‘PC Pagan’.

What is actually happening?

Control could either be a vision brought on by Pagan dying, or something that happens later, if he’s left alive. PC Pagan’s comment to the Tyrant that he wants people to think he’s dead (rather than boring) suggests that he is alive. Given his lifelong proximity to drugs, the vision may well be a drug-induced hallucination.

There is also evidence that Pagan is dying, or at least believes he is dying. When PC Pagan reaches the final area, where he believes his family are waiting for him, there is a voiceline where he says that this must be heaven. And, of course, stepping through a door into blinding light is a very common metaphor for passing on. (Again, this may simply be a symtom of a belief that he’s dying.)

Quick aside: Guilt (more on that later) + drug trip suggests to me that Pagan entered something of a downwards spiral after leaving Kyrat.

Pagan is an unreliable narrator.

Control is explicitly stated to take place inside Pagan’s own mind, and Pagan is an unreliable narrator. Everything that happens, every word spoken, is a manifestation of his own thoughts and feelings. What’s said by the various entities PC Pagan encounters is thus either something he believed or wished them to have thought, or his own thoughts projected onto them.

This is perhaps most strongly evidenced by Lakshmana’s presence as a young girl rather than the infant she was when she was killed.

Another clear example of this is his fractured view of Ishwari: She blames him for Lakshmana’s death, only to claim she must have been confused in the next breath — except she is also distantly screaming that she hates him. The clearest voice of Ishwari is the version of her he longs for, and beyond that first accusation that he could have saved Lakshmana, she is supportive and loving.

Even Pagan’s memories cannot be taken at face value.

Just as we cannot trust that anything that is said is actually representative of the people in his vision, we cannot assume that his memories are accurate depictions of what happened. For one, there are memories of things he presumably was not present for (i.e. Ishwari’s death).

In other words, all memories we see/hear are either what Pagan believes happened, or what he thinks ought to have happened (consciously or subconsciously). Though most of them are probably built around a kernel of truth, they are all filtered through Pagan’s perception of events; his self-aggrandisement, wishful thinking, and guilt.

The Tyrant is as much Pagan as PC Pagan is. He cannot be defeated.

The Tyrant claims that “You hate yourself, so everything in here wants you dead.” Of course, this applies to the Tyrant too: He is also Pagan, and PC Pagan wants him dead, supported (if obliquely) by Ishwari and Lakshmana. By fighting, PC Pagan is simply proving the Tyrant right: Pagan is ruthless and revels in bloodshed. “The more you kill, the stronger you’ll get. It’s the same in here as it was out there, love.”

PC Pagan calls the Tyrant a ‘personification of his flaws’, but the opposite is equally true. From the Tyrant’s perspective, it’s PC Pagan who is that personification. They just have different ideas of what ‘flaws’ mean. But in the end, both of them use a definition that is pushed on them from outside sources — Yuma, in the case of the Tyrant, and everyone else, in the case of PC Pagan.

Pagan may feel guilt, but he doesn’t feel remorse.

PC Pagan’s aim is not to change, but simply to cover up his crimes, to appear to be the person he believes could be with his family. He wants to control the narrative. This is made explicit in the bell tower mission, and in his fabricated memory of saving Ajay’s life (where he tells the Tyrant “I want people to think I’m dead, not boring.”). While this is a trait he displays in the real world as well, it’s particularly interesting that PC Pagan is concerned with the narrative even inside his own mind.

The Tyrant obviously isn’t, and also appears to be fully aware that none of it is real. PC Pagan seems more confused on the matter. Again, the bell tower mission is a good example, with PC Pagan worrying that ‘anyone could hear this’, when in fact he is the only audience. And, of course, towards the end, he says, “I can be with my family, here, in this place?”, as though he has forgotten where he is.

It seems as though PC Pagan is in fact engaged in an attempt at active self-delusion. He believes he could be happy with his family, if only he can convince himself of two things: That his family would accept him if he covers up his ‘flaws’ (the overarching mission of gathering the mask), and that he actually wants to be a faithful, loving father (the bell tower).

~~

That about wraps it up for now! I have more thoughts to share on the various characters featured in Pagan’s vision, and what they have to say about his view of himself. Fingers crossed I actually get ‘round to writing them up.

[lulu2992]

Far Cry 4 pre-game timeline (from 1980 to 1990)

I originally made this in 2015 but decided to remake and share it :) The timeline is mostly based on the 20 entries of Mohan Ghale’s journal.

To better understand how the dates work, you can read this great post. Basically, for example, the Kyrati year 1981 started in mid-April 1980 and ended in mid-April 1981.

The blue boxes in the pictures are Mohan’s journal entries. The gray boxes are what can be deduced with the help of other in-game sources (Lakshmana’s shrine, Bhadra, and Willis).

Kyrati year 1981

Baishakh 1981: Mohan and Ishwari get married.

Kyrati years 1982, 1983, and 1984

No significant event and no journal entry.

Kyrati year 1985

Mangsir 1985: The Nationalists kill the royal family.

Kyrati year 1986

Ashadh 1986: Brutal fight against the Nationalists.

Kyrati year 1987

Baishakh 1987: Mohan meets Pagan Min.

Shrawan 1987: Ishwari is pregnant.

Kartik 1987: Pagan betrays the Royalists and takes the throne.

Mangsir 1987: Ishwari thinks Mohan should lead the remaining Royalists.

Poush 1987: The Golden Path is officially formed.

Magh 1987: Mohan has great plans for the future.

Falgun 1987: Ishwari and Mohan argue about letting women fight.

Kyrati year 1988

Baishakh 1988: Ajay Ghale is born.

Jestha 1988: Mohan prays for Ajay and his future.

Bhadra 1988: Yuma Lau hunts down former mercenaries.

Ashwin 1988: The CIA gives weapons to the Golden Path.

Kartik 1988: Darpan divides and hides the Kalinag Thangka.

Magh 1988: Ishwari and Mohan’s marriage is in trouble.

Chaitra 1988: Mohan sends Ishwari to the palace with Ajay.

Shortly after, most likely in March 1988 (first half of Chaitra 1988), Ishwari gets pregnant with Lakshmana Min.

Kyrati year 1989

Mangsir 1989: Mohan hears of peace talks between Pagan and members of the Golden Path and has all those “traitors” executed.

Before the end of the Gregorian year 1988, Lakshmana is born, so most likely in December.

Kyrati year 1990

Ashwin 1990: Mohan knows Ishwari had a daughter with Pagan.

Poush 1990: Mohan leaves a final letter for Ajay.

At some point between the two events and before the end of the Gregorian year 1989, Mohan murders Lakshmana.

Kyrati year 1991

In Baishakh 1991 (April-May 1990), Ajay turns three years old. It was around that time that Ishwari fled to the United States of America with him and shot Mohan in the Ghale Homestead before she left.

[djsherriff-responses]

Arranged Marriage AU where Rayman is engaged to the daughter Pagan Min and princess of Kyrat, Lakshmana, in an attempt by Eden to strengthen ties between the two countries

Pagan Min , despite wanting strong trade relations with Eden, is actually against sending his own daughter off to get married. So instead sends in Dolph in disguise to take her place

Rayman is on board with that

[fandomsideworks]

[general-kalani]

Pagan Min, what was your nephew like when you last saw him as a kid?

"... An adventurous young boy, shy, wanted to stay by his mother all the time. Just a few months older than Lakshmana. He was... A joy to be around. Eyes so full of hope and light. And now I look at him and wonder... Wonder if I somehow killed that boy when Ishwari ran with him or if he grew out of that phase. I mourn the loss of such a bright child and hope... He doesn't become like me."

[prabhushriram]

IMPORTANT LIFE LESSONS FROM RAMAYANA

Reading-10 mins

 For the world, Ramayana is an epic which was composed in Sanskrit by Maharishi Valmiki probably somewhere around 8th BCE and it tells the life story of Prabhu Shriram, the supreme being who elevated to the status of the most worshipped Hindu god. But from an Indian perspective, there are a lot of aspects to this incredible holy scripture that became the foundation of transformational religious, cultural, and traditional ethics in Hinduism. This scripture serves as an attribute of a virtuous and benevolent way of life even today.

Ramayana is one of the oldest and longest epics in the literary world, comprising close to 500 chapters and 24,000 verses spread across seven parts. It is one of the most revered and celebrated scriptures of the Hindu religion which tells the epic saga of Prabhu Shriram. Believed to be the seventh reincarnation of lord Vishnu, Rama was born as the son of Kaushalya and Raja Dashratha in Ayodhya. The tale of Prabhu Shriram’s life, especially the part between his exile and return to Ayodhya constitutes the crux of this legendary religious epic.

In spite of being a king, Prabhu Shriram’s life was full of hardships, pain, and suffering which was also shared by his beloved wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshmana, during and to some extent, even after their fourteen-year exile. However, Rama persistently showed extraordinary courage, patience, virtue, generosity, and ethical decisiveness in the face of the biggest predicaments and tribulations of life. In the legendary saga Ramayana, Lord Shri Rama, as the protagonist, played a key role in forming the basis of Hindu ideologies and religious beliefs. The teachings of Ramayana, thus are important lessons for leading an enriching and meaningful life even in today’s context. Here are some of the most valuable life lessons that one can learn from “Ramayana”. 

The importance of virtue

The first and the most important lesson of Ramayana is the significance of Dharma in one’s life. Prabhu Shriram always lived as a truly righteous person, fulfilling his moral duties and responsibilities as the ideal son, the perfect husband, and a virtuous king. This teaches us to shoulder our responsibilities and moral duties with the same sincerity without faltering.

The power of love

Another important lesson from Ramayana is the power of unconditional love and devotion. Shri Rama’s unrelenting love for his wife, Sita, drove him to wage a fierce battle and slay evil King Ravana in an effort to rescue her. On the other hand, Sita’s unwavering love and devotion for Prabhu Shriram gave her immense strength and power while Ravana held her captive. The lesson of pure and selfless love is the secret of immense power and strength in the darkest of hours. 

The consequence of ego and arrogance

Ravana’s ego and arrogance as a powerful and wealthy ruler led him to believe that he could do whatever he felt like. His evil intentions and stubbornness ultimately became the reason for his end which is not only celebrated to this day but also made him the biggest villain for eternity. Ego, arrogance, and self-conceit give birth to arrogance and pseudo-authority over others which is the beginning of one’s downfall. 

The victory of good over evil

One of the most well-known and celebrated lessons from Ramayana is that no matter how strong and powerful Evil may look or be, eventually it is always defeated by Good. This important lesson is cemented by the grand event of Shri Rama slaying the evil Ravana. To this day, this event is celebrated in the form of Dussehra and Diwali all over the world.

Lord Rama and Mata Sita are considered the epitome of family values, serving as a timeless inspiration for newly married couples and individuals seeking guidance in their relationships. Their story in the Ramayana exemplifies the ideals of love, commitment, loyalty, and mutual respect, which form the foundation of a strong and harmonious marriage. 

Unwavering Devotion

Lord Rama's unwavering devotion to Mata Sita is a symbol of eternal love and commitment. Despite their trials and tribulations during their exile, Lord Rama never wavered in his love and dedication towards Mata Sita. His actions highlight the importance of standing by one's partner through thick and thin, fostering a bond of unwavering support. 

Mutual Respect

Lord Rama and Mata Sita exemplify the essence of mutual respect in a marriage. Their relationship was built on a deep reverence for each other's virtues, qualities, and individuality. Lord Rama highly regarded Mata Sita and valued her opinions and decisions. Similarly, Mata Sita deeply respected Lord Rama's wisdom and unwavering commitment to righteousness. This mutual respect created a strong foundation of trust and understanding 

Sacrifice and Selflessness

Lord Rama's selfless actions and sacrifices for the well-being of his family serve as a profound lesson for married couples. When Mata Sita was abducted by Ravana, Lord Rama embarked on an arduous journey to rescue her, displaying his boundless love and willingness to do whatever it took to protect his spouse. This act of selflessness and sacrifice underscores the importance of putting one's partner's needs above personal desires.

Upholding Responsibilities

Lord Rama and Mata Sita fulfilled their responsibilities toward each other and their family with utmost sincerity. Lord Rama's commitment to his duty as a husband and a king is an embodiment of honor and integrity. Similarly, Mata Sita's unwavering dedication as a devoted wife and mother showcases the importance of fulfilling familial responsibilities with devotion and care.

By imbibing the values displayed by Lord Rama and Mata Sita, newly married couples can strive to create a loving and harmonious relationship. Their story teaches the importance of love, devotion, mutual respect, sacrifice, responsibility, and loyalty laying a strong foundation for a blissful married life. Embracing these virtues can lead to a deeper connection, understanding, and enduring happiness in the journey of marriage.

Ramayana serves as a timeless reservoir of wisdom, guiding individuals toward a virtuous and benevolent way of life. Its teachings continue to resonate in contemporary times, offering valuable insights into navigating the complexities of existence. Inspired by these important lessons from Ramayana, Prabhu Shriram- India’s Best Agarbatti and Dhoop, the manufacturer of the most premium Agarbatti and Dhoop have dedicated their brand’s philosophy and product range to the greatness of Lord Shriram. The 100% charcoal-free and natural ingredients used in these products exude the same purity and divinity through their enthralling fragrance as that of the holy Ramayana.

Their masterpiece Incense Collection, the “Shripad Ramayana Series” Divine Gift Box is the world’s First & Only collection based on the Ethos of Ramayana. A premium selection of charcoal-free incense sticks, this one-of-a-kind collection of ten amazing variants illustrates Prabhu ShriRam’s ten major life episodes:

Prabhu Avataran; Guru Kripa; Dhanush Khandan; Sita Aagman; Kevat Prem; Swarn Hiran; Sugriv Sahyog; Vatika; Ram Darbar; Agni Pariksha.

The fabled herbs and essential oils used in the incense sticks promote the essence of our rich Indian culture and heritage and bring a sense of belonging to strengthen bonds in the family. 

The exclusive packaging of these incense sticks is curated and hand painted by artists from Mithila and represented in the world-famous “Madhubani Paintings” to create a pack as special as the product. These incense sticks invite profound prayers with their exquisite and unique fragrance.

To experience the Ethos of Ramayana,