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Episode 46: Hanuman and Nala learn more about the science behind music and also how Jambhavan became immortal. Plus they learn how to build a spacecraft too.

Hanuman and Nala are in Jambhavan’s palace and want to know more about the immortal bear.
Hanuman: Who named you Jambhavan?
Jambhavan: Let’s eat and talk.
As he follows Jambhavan into the food arena, Hanuman’s eyes grow wide when he sees the variety of food laid out in a kitchen built like a globe.
Nala: Jambhavan is a big foodie. After all, he has to eat for six months.
Jambhavan (sings): You and I / In this foodie-ful world /Sweet snacks in this beautiful world / You and I …
Hanuman (laughs): Did you write this song?
Jambhavan: It’s actually a jingle for an advertisement. I rewrote the lyrics for food.
Jambhavan, Nala and Hanuman choose what they want to eat and fill their plates. Once they settle down to eat…
Nala: I tried to find out about your birth story, Jambhavan. But what I found was so weird: that you were born when Brahma yawned.

Illustration: Sahil Upalekar
Jambhavan: That is only partially correct. I didn’t emerge from his mouth.
Hanuman: Then what is the correct story?
Jambhavan: Let’s start with music. The study of music is called cymatics. Music is magical. It can change shapes, heal your mind and do so many other things.
Nala: My father has constructed buildings in which the pillars can produce musical sounds.
Hanuman: I have also heard of music therapy, in which some kinds of music have healing properties.
Nala: Yes, Music therapy using isochronic tones and binaural beats are practised. And there is a lot of research on this.
Jambhavan: Every musical instrument has its own special property to connect with mind and body. Music helps reduce anxiety and stress and also improves cognitive function. Much later, human scientists will find out that music can even help regulate genetic patterns. Some researchers even try to convert DNA sequences into musical notes. Anyway, to get back to my story, I was just another bear. Once when Brahma and Saraswati were performing, I was serving food for all those in the audience. Brahma signalled for some water, so, I ran to take some to him. But, as I handed it over, I yawned. Unfortunately, I made eye contact with him just then. As a result, Brahma also yawned. Since I was the only one who could hear the sound of his yawn, in some strange way, the power of immortality got transferred to me.
Nala: Yawning is so contagious but I didn’t know it could cause a transfer like that.
Jambhavan: Brahma realised what had happened only after the concert. Then, he sent me here for some important work.
Hanuman: But I want to know who named you Jambhavan?
Jambhavan: I am from the land of Jambu so people started calling me Jambhavan.
Nala: So, it basically means ‘a person from the land of Jambu’.
Jambhavan: Exactly. Now I know that both of you like space and science. Shall we make a model of a spacecraft?
Hanuman agrees enthusiastically.
Jambhavan: Let’s begin with the various aspects of a spacecraft. First a container to hold everything together. Next, a power source to ensure it works. Third, scientific instruments to do the work necessary. Communication devices like antennas to keep contact with Earth. Finally, an Orientation Finder so that the satellite knows its position. Okay? Now it’s time to start constructing.
As Hanuman and Nala begin to gather all that they will need, Jambhavan smiles as he watches the young vanara. He thinks to himself that the real purpose of his birth has just begun.
The author is the founder and CEO of Vaayusastra Aerospace, an IIT-Madras incubated ed-tech startup that offers Air Science workshops for children between five and 14 years.
Now that you’ve read the story, see how Hanuman and Nala built their spacecraft. Why don’t you try it out as well?