What can we watch now?” asked Skanda, as we settled comfortably on the sofa—him with the remote, and me simply looking forward to a happy afternoon with him.
“Your choice,” I replied, fully aware of his taste.
He chose a Thor movie.
Fantasy. Mythology. The age rating said 13+. I protested mildly.
“You’re not even 12 yet!”
“Don’t worry, paati… I’ve watched lots of 13+ movies. Below 10 is too silly…” he said, slipping into a sing-song preschool voice—
“I am a bear… what do bears love?”
“I’ve outgrown all that. They’re downright boring!”
I burst out laughing. Resistance was futile. The movie began.
Very soon, it was clear—this wasn’t his first time. He knew the dialogues, the scenes, all the suspense moments.
“Paati… don’t miss this… this is the best scene in the movie…”
But more than the screen, he watched me—waiting for my reactions.
“Where are they? Why does this look like a supernatural place?” I asked.
“Paati, this is not Earth. This is Asgard… another realm.”
A few scenes later, the screen shifted to a café in London. I felt relieved.
“Ah, back to Earth!”
“Yes… this is Earth. Also called Midgard.”
“They can move from one realm to another?”
“Of course they can, paati. They have powers.”
And just like that, he launched into an explanation of time lapse and time dilation—as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
I listened, fascinated… and in quiet awe.
When I was 11, I was reading Enid Blyton and had perhaps just begun my journey into Nancy Drew adventures.
—
The next day, as I scrolled through YouTube, a story from the Srimad Bhagavatam appeared—the story of King Kakudmi and his daughter Revathi.
In the Satya Yuga, the king was searching for the perfect groom for his daughter. Unable to decide, he used his yogic powers to travel to Brahma Loka to seek the counsel of Lord Brahma.
When King Kakudmi and Revathi arrived, a celestial dance was in progress. Not wanting to interrupt, they waited… just a few minutes.
When the dance ended, the king presented his list of prospective grooms and sought Brahma’s advice.
Brahma smiled.
“All those men you mention… and their dynasties… are long dead and gone.”
The king was stunned.
“But I just came here! It has only been a few minutes!”
Brahma explained gently—while they were witnessing the Gandharva dance, 27 cycles of the four yugas (Satya, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali) had passed on Earth.
He advised the king to return, saying that in the current Dwapara Yuga, Balarama would be the right match for Revathi.
When they returned, it was indeed Dwapara Yuga. Revathi, born in an age long past, eventually married Balarama.
—
I called Skanda and narrated the story.
He listened… his voice warming with excitement.
“See, paati… you must watch more movies with me. Then you’ll realize—these are not science fiction. Things like time lapse and time dilation have already happened in our India… long ago.”
I smiled.
And in that moment, the line between Marvel and Puranas…
between past and present…
between myth and science…
simply disappeared.
Beautiful read Megu! What a revelation!
Metaphysics reveals the interconnectedness between energy, power and time. We have to own our energy, master our power and then time unfolds.
Its brilliant how young minds help us delve deeper and connect the dots.
Good one Megha. I hope every Paati does what you have done. Anyways that depends on Skandas!😃
I am sure both of u are model grandparents.
So interesting to note Skanda’s power to understand such topics Meghu.. taken up after you for sure
Wow. What an amazing way of entwining
The purana and the present world. Makes u wonder. …loved the read Meghu and yes at 11 we were so ignorant and unaware of what todays 11year olds know 🙂
Very well articulated. Interesting matching of events from Purana to modern fiction movie. Enjoyed reading. 😊
Such a heartwarming narration of your experience with Skanda. I love the fact that you were able to tie the puranas with a Marvel story thus gently inviting Skanda into our own rich history and culture. This post brought me memories of the time my son used to spend with my Dad. The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is very special indeed. Thank you for the beautiful post, Megha. Keep them coming! Much love 💕