Mythological tales are more than just folklore. Indian Mythology is one of the richest elements of Indian Culture. Through time, different stories in Indian mythology have been passed from generation to generation either by word of mouth or through carefully stored scriptures. They are mirrors — polished with time, reflecting truths about human nature.
Bhasmasur, the mighty asura, sought power without wisdom. He pleased Lord Shiva and received a terrifying boon: the ability to reduce anyone to ashes with a single touch. Intoxicated by power, he turned it against Shiva himself. Only the cunning grace of Mohini, Vishnu’s enchantress form, saved the day, tricking Bhasmasur into placing his own hand on his head — and he destroyed himself.
Bhasmasur is a timeless metaphor for our times, linking the myth strongly to today’s digital AI-driven world. Humanity has always sought power — fire, weapons, machines, and now algorithms. But like Bhasmasur, we often reach for power before pausing to ask: What will we do with it?
From the Stone Age to AI, every leap has given us incredible strength. Yet, the race today is not for truth but for speed; not for meaning, but for dominance. We trade family for isolation, values for convenience, reflection for consumption, wisdom for digital competency.
Unchecked ambition without ethics always turns on its master. Bhasmasur burned himself. We risk doing the same — overworking, chasing targets, collapsing from strokes and stress. Digital competency has overtaken moral understanding. We endlessly scroll, feeding on dopamine and eroding empathy. We create machines smarter than ourselves and, ironically, fear their shadows.
The lesson of Bhasmasur is timeless: power without wisdom leads to self-destruction. Myths are not just bedtime stories but warnings, maps for the future. Pause before acting, seek wisdom before power, question before consuming. If we forget these stories, we risk repeating them. If we understand them, we safeguard our future.
Bhasmasur reminds us: The fire we carry can light the path — or burn us down. The choice, as always, is ours.