Man sees woman as goddess.
Woman sees man as god.
By joining diamond scepter and lotus,
They offer themselves to each other.
There is no other worship than this.
—Chandamaharosana Tantra

The early years at Rudralaya flashed by, the challenging academic curriculum—interspersed with a rigorous schedule of physical cleansing, hatha yoga and meditation—leaving the aspirants with scant energy for frivolous pursuits. Ishvari blossomed under this regime; with almond eyes disconcerting in their intelligence, high breasts, a narrow waist, and hair—shaved off by Kutsa on that afternoon of mingled humiliation and liberation, but now rippling down to her waist—she blazed like a rare jewel, even in the midst of her pretty classmates. And y...

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