The Musk of the Forest
(A True Story)
Nature has created this vast universe, and among its many wonders, Earth stands out as a masterpiece. Yet, if there’s anything truly worth witnessing and experiencing on this planet, in my view, it’s the forests.
Amidst the natural beauty of forests, I always feel a divine presence.
During a journey through the dense woodlands of Dang district, this feeling overwhelmed me multiple times. My friend and I were exploring the thick forest with Piramal, the tribal village head, in search of a rare and mystical herb.
Two men carrying spears walked ahead of us, followed by Piramal. My friend and I trailed quietly behind.
“Before I show you the divine herb you came for,” Piramal said, looking at me, “I want to show you the musk of the forest.”
“The musk of the forest?” I asked, puzzled. “I’ve heard of musk from deer, but never the forest’s musk.”
Piramal chuckled. “This forest is home to countless divine herbs and plants. If used correctly, they can cure even incurable diseases and fulfill the most impossible desires.”
Intrigued, I began wondering what this ‘musk of the forest’ could be like.
“Do you see that large rock up ahead?” Piramal pointed. “That’s where our Forest Deity has appeared before and granted visions to many pure-hearted tribal people.”
My friend asked suddenly, “What does your Forest Deity look like?”
Piramal looked pleased with the question. “The entire forest — its trees, plants, animals, and even us tribal people — were all created by our Forest Deity. Blessed by Lord Bholeshankar (Shiva), He manifested on Earth as a radiant divine being. From His right hand, He sprinkled a sacred substance from a celestial vessel across different parts of the Earth. Wherever it touched, miraculous forests sprang to life.”
He continued, “The Forest Deity appears in a luminous, living form — a golden crown on His head, a radiant glow on His face, a celestial pot in His right hand, and a red bow in His left. He reveals Himself only to those who have selflessly served the forest.”
As Piramal spoke, our path slowly narrowed. After about twenty minutes of walking, we stopped near a cluster of plants on a small natural mound. There were 7–8 violet-colored plants bearing reddish, jamun-shaped fruits.
Suddenly, Piramal thrust his hand into a hollow space under the mound — an opening just wide enough to fit an arm — and before we could react, he pulled out a large snake.
Startled, my friend and I jumped back several steps. My friend retreated even further upon seeing the snake’s size.
“This,” Piramal said calmly, “is the vehicle of our Forest Deity. It must be placed on your forehead before you can use the forest musk. Only then will it work. Also, the musk must be consumed while standing in the forest.”
Terrified but curious, I asked from a safe distance, “What exactly is this musk, and what benefits does it offer?”
“The forest musk is priceless,” Piramal said. “Anyone who touches the Deity’s vehicle (the snake) to their forehead and consumes the musk has their third eye opened. That person becomes spiritually awakened in this very Kaliyuga. They gain access to hidden knowledge, understand the mysteries of the cosmos, and are blessed eternally by the Forest Deity.”
He explained further, “This musk fruit grows only in minuscule quantities and takes thousands of years to mature. Those who qualify are allowed to pick and consume just three fruits. Once eaten, spiritual wisdom begins to blossom in all directions within the mind, and divine insight dawns.”
I asked him directly, “Have you consumed it?”
Piramal smiled. “Only one who practices strict celibacy can consume this fruit. Both before and after consuming the musk, celibacy must be maintained. That’s why even many learned men walk away from this place. The question is — what will you do today?”
“I’m ready to follow celibacy,” I said nervously. “But do I have to place the snake on my forehead first?”
My friend, clearly shaken, pulled me aside and whispered, “Have you gone mad? That snake could bite you, or the fruit could be poisonous! Let’s take the herbs we came for and go back to Ahmedabad.”
But my mind, heart, and soul seemed to unite in one voice — calling me toward the forest musk. Still, I couldn’t shake off the fear of placing a live snake on my forehead.
I asked again, “Can I skip touching the snake and still have the musk?”
“If you don’t touch the Deity’s vehicle to your forehead, the musk won’t show its full effect,” Piramal insisted. “Don’t worry — I will hold the snake firmly in both hands. You just touch your forehead to it for two minutes.”
I closed my eyes and remembered God. I removed my shoes and socks, washed my hands and feet, and approached the snake. My friend signaled me to stop, but I knew no one could stop me now — not even myself.
Piramal held the snake securely. It was long and intimidating. Slowly, I leaned in and touched the center of its belly to my forehead.
A strange, cool sensation spread across my forehead. After two minutes, Piramal took the snake away. I stood motionless, like a rock. My friend came and shook me.
“I’m still alive,” I said, looking at him.
Piramal then led me to the plant and told me to pluck three fruits. I did as instructed, washed them, invoked the Forest Deity, and consumed the fruits as divine offerings.
You may not believe this, but after eating those fruits, I felt every hair on my body stand up. I experienced a powerful energy at my ajna chakra (third eye). My head felt as if it were floating in the sky while my feet seemed anchored deep in the Earth.
The forest musk awakened a new consciousness within me — a radiant spiritual path opened up before me. I could feel it, vividly.
For me, the phrase is no longer “Once was a forest,” but rather — “There is a forest” — eternal, living, divine.