The Incredible Web Of Maya

The geometrical pattern of a spiderweb New Species reminds RAGINI RAMACHANDRA of the sacred chakras and mandalas

The day had just dawned and like any other morning, I step into my backyard to clean up the space around the vrindavan, tulsi planter, for the customary puja. I lift my head casually and my gaze is immediately arrested by the sight of a spiderweb, unusually broad and big, positioned between a hibiscus plant and a mango tree.

While such spiderwebs are not uncommon in a garden and I have myself encountered many in the past and have often not only admired the ‘architecture’ and artistry of the skilled spider, but also its perseverance silently, what held my attention this time is the height at which this octagonal ‘edifice’ stands, the size of this ‘mansion’ and the extraordinarily fine strands of yarn that has gone into its making. What basket weaver could have competed with this consummate artisan?

The geometrical pattern seems perfect, reminding me of sacred chakras and mandalas, exquisitely drawn with piety and devotion on auspicious occasions. There are rhythm and harmony, a fine balance between the lines that is astonishing. When did the magician, the master-builder set up this castle in the air, hanging delicately, yet standing firmly as if to survey the world through this spectrum? Did he, like the Chola kings of yore, build his little empire in the secrecy of the night? Anyhow, he sits, this monarch, right in the centre, lording over it all.

But wait. If this structure itself seems a miracle, what strikes me as more miraculous is how it is withstanding copious rain, day and night. I had just finished reading Ruskin Bond’s autobiography where my attention was drawn to a cyclonic storm followed by savage rain that hit his cottage so hard that its tin roof was blown off and the floors were left awash with rainwater. And then our newspapers are routinely flooded with reports of rainwater wreaking havoc with people’s lives and property during the monsoons.

So much so, the first thing I do every morning of late is to check if this muslin network of the dexterous weaver is still there. And lo and behold! It is very much there, even after a heavy downpour all through the night leaving me simply speechless. What hand, what armoury has gone into the making of this abode, I wonder. Apparently, it must have observed all the niyamas of vastu shastra meticulously.

I also recollect, having read somewhere that the thin strands of a spider web are stronger than steel or iron. But I had no opportunity of testing the veracity of this claim until now when I am convinced that it is at least strong enough to withstand the onslaught of furious rains for days on end. If this is not mayajal, what else is? Is not the web of Creation a mystery?

To complete the picture, I behold yet another dazzling sight, right beneath it, cobweb-like, not another circular one, but a bushy sort, not opaque though, but somewhat porous. Exactly at noon, the rays of the sun falls on this heap of gossamer, instantaneously transforming it into a multi-coloured ball of little triangles, reflecting all the seven colours of the rainbow. From each angle, one could see a different hue — red, gold, blue, green, purple and many more, as if it is a finely cut diamond emitting those spectacular colours. I stand glued to the spot, lost in fascination until, alas, some mundane duty forces me to withdraw from a sight so absolutely marvellous. ■