Kolkata-based author Debashree Chakraborty writes a novel about the 19 years of life of Jesus, which, according to some contemporary texts, he spent traveling extensively in the Middle East, Sindhu region and India
[Author’s Note: In the Old Testament of the Bible, there is no information about the life of Jesus for 19 years. There are some contemporary texts where eyewitnesses have stated that he traveled extensively in the Middle East and crossed the Sindhu region to enter India. Through this novel, I have tried to portray the diary of a profound spiritual journey of his life in the initial and final chapters. Foreign powers have tried to erase the history of our continent, Asia. That is why, when Notovitch returned from Hemis in Ladakh and mentioned that ancient text over 2000 years old, Max Müller sent people to Hemis to destroy that ancient manuscript. The mysterious manuscript is also mentioned in the book by Swami Abhedananda about Kashmir and Tibet. What was it that caused Max Müller so much concern over this manuscript? It is noteworthy that love cannot come into the life of the son of God, and he cannot have any children. Even the Gospels attributed to him have been confined to the secret, dark chambers of the Pope’s city, with words implanted into his mouth according to their wishes. In his name, imperialistic aggression is being carried out across the world. His only daughter, Sara, has not been recognized. His entire existence has been imprisoned. There lies an unknown chapter of his life hidden throughout the Middle East, the Sindhu region, and India. I have brought forth this history through this novel. “An Unknown Life” is in no way a novel imitating “Jesus lived in India.” This novel provides detailed descriptions of his presence across the vast land from Israel to India, not just his own, but also the mysterious narratives of many people associated with him. Was Jesus truly the founder of Christianity? If not, why must he still bear the burden of the “Roman Cross”? Is there ever to be a possibility of his release? All answers are coming. Debashree Chakraborty]
An Unknown Life
(“Berlin Codex” “Gospel of Mary Magdalene”)
(Location: Israel, Time: 2022)
The car is speeding through the rugged terrain, where a revolution of greening has begun amidst such harsh nature. One learns to fight for survival from these people, who have been battling against all odds for thousands of years. Even as an American citizen, a myriad of questions arises in his mind, a profound mixture of hatred and sorrow. How can the world’s greatest power cultivate enmity in this particular nation in the name of religion for the rights to this land? The eradication is ongoing in the name of rights over Jerusalem due to arms trading. If this continues, one day this nation will cease to exist. For ages, there has been a conspiracy to eradicate them. Yet, they survive. This land gave birth to the Son of God, whom Christians revere as their divine figure, Hindus see as their sage, Buddhists regard as their spiritual teacher, and on the other hand, the Muslims of Kashmir perceive him as a Sufi saint.
Though everyone accepts him as their deity, why such hatred, why such division? Yesterday dawn, Robert Nathbag arrived at the airport. From there, he rented a car and proceeded to Jerusalem. The route from the airport to Jerusalem was long, and by evening, he finally reached there. In Jerusalem, he has stayed at a house. Dr. Abe has been researching Lady Magdalene for a long time. Robert came to know about him through someone. Through that person, their correspondence has been happening via letters, and today they will meet. As he got out of the car, he saw Abe standing in front of the house. Abe was dressed in white. When the two stood face to face, Abe placed a small, slender device on Robert’s wrist, and a few numbers lit up on the device’s glass. As soon as he saw the numbers, a smile blossomed on his face, and he embraced Robert. The day Robert arrived in Jerusalem, after settling down and having a meal, he and Abe set out to explore the city.
Abe believes that every moment of life should be savored with full passion. Robert knows that he may never have the chance to return to Jerusalem again. Therefore, he’s attentive to ensure that Robert can fully feel the spirit of this city tonight. The next morning, after having breakfast, Abe drives Robert towards the Convent of Saint Mary Magdalene. Robert has come here on a tourist visa from America; he had long thought that he wouldn’t go anywhere outside of America, but America no longer feels safe for him. And it’s not just him; a significant man and woman of history who have been the victims of deception for thousands of years are also not safe. He has devoted his life to collecting information to bring justice to these two individuals and their families, but staying in America would mean that Western powers would kill him and erase all evidence.
As he approaches the Mount of Olives, the orchards of olive trees begin to appear amid the rugged terrain. The green gardens among the yellowed landscape seem to carry messages of hope. Their presence in such harshness lifts one’s spirits.
Both Abe and Robert are very quiet. One is focused on driving the car while the other gazes out at the surrounding nature, lost in thought. After a while, Abe slowly asks, “Robert, how do you feel about our country?”
Robert smiles and shakes his head, replying, “In one word, extraordinary. The chapter of history I have come here to discover seems to echo in the nature of this land, carrying messages of the times and lives of those who lived then.”
“Yes, exactly. We’ll be crossing over the Kidron Valley soon. On one side of the road will be the Temple Mount, and the Olive Garden will start along one side of the Temple Mountain, through which Roman soldiers took Jesus away.”
“Ah, the Garden of Gethsemane. But do those trees from two thousand years ago still exist? Or is that just a story?”
Ha ha ha! There is some truth to the story. A few years ago, we examined the trees in this garden and found that they are not two thousand years old. However, not far from this garden, we discovered the fossils of two-thousand-year-old trees in the soil. So, we believe that the Garden of Gethsemane was located there. Robert, the place I’m taking you to today will answer many of your questions.
“Is there anything about Mary Magdalene? Something that isn’t found anywhere else?”
Ha ha ha, there is! That’s exactly why I’m taking you there. This is why the Pope’s realm has not recognized this church.
“Will they show me those secret details?”
The church is overseen by Mother Catherine. I’ve already spoken to her. She is getting older, and given the state of the church, it could collapse at any moment. Therefore, she wishes to impart some significant information to like-minded individuals like us. Robert, knowing you, she has been very pleased. Look, you can see Mount Olive ahead. When this road curves around the back of Mount Olive, the Church of Mary Magdalene has been standing somewhat precariously at the southern edge of Mount Olive for several centuries. This church has kept itself free from the control of the Catholic Church from the very beginning. When this church was established, Russia held influence over Israel.
“Who was the Tsar of Russia then?”
The Tsar of Russia at that time was Alexander III. During that period, his power was very strong not only over Israel but also over various European nations. He personally established this church. This church was controlled by the Russian Orthodox Church. They were opposed to the Roman Catholic Church. The Russians dedicated this church to Mary Magdalene. The church’s dome was made of gold. When the sunlight reflected off this dome, its golden glow spread all the way to the Temple Mountain.
As they were talking, they arrived at the church. All around were massive olive trees in vibrant green, with the white church and its golden domes standing majestically amid them. The beauty of this church was astounding. Mother Catherine seemed to have been waiting for them; she stepped forward and led Robert and Abe inside. On one side of the large white stone terrace, various paintings were hung on the wall, all depicting Lady Magdalene. The woman shown in these paintings had red hair, so it was not difficult to understand who she was.
In this long corridor, there were several closed doors. They passed through these closed rooms and entered the main sanctuary. A large statue of Lady Magdalene was there, along with various paintings. The worship room was adorned with artificial flowers of many colors and fragrant candles.
Upon arriving at this place, Robert felt as if he could deeply sense Lady Magdalene. He had never felt her presence this way anywhere else. However, it struck him as very strange that such a beautiful church had no worshippers. He looked at Mother Catherine and said, “Mother, I don’t see any worshippers here. Does no one come here?”
“Actually, we keep the sanctuary open for the general public from ten to twelve in the morning. After that, no one is allowed to enter the church. Our church is not like other churches. All the other churches belong to one group, and our church belongs to another, so it is our responsibility to ensure the security of this church.”
“Yes, I thought the same when entering the worship room. There are so many rooms aligned with the corridor, yet all the doors to those rooms are closed. Since coming here, I feel as if some deep historical mystery is hidden within this church.”
Mother replied, “For centuries, the Russian royal family has gathered much information about the unknown chapters of Mary Magdalene and Jesus’s life. They established this church to conceal that information.”
In this worship room, there was no electrical lighting. However, natural white light was streaming in from somewhere in the room. But it wasn’t clear where this light was coming from. Around the room, many hand-painted pictures were hanging, among which one painting was particularly vivid. Jesus was seated, with Lady Magdalene sitting at his feet. A radiant light was emanating from Jesus’s body, illuminating Lady Magdalene. Mother Catherine stepped in front of this painting and looked at Robert, saying, “Robert, look at this. The painting you see—does it hide any deep meaning? What do you think?”
Robert examined the painting closely and thought for a moment before replying, “Looking at this painting, it seems to me that Jesus is imparting all his inner knowledge to Mary Magdalene. That’s why she is shining in the light of Jesus’s wisdom.”
“Good, very good answer. Do you think anything else about this painting?”
Robert gripped his hair as if in deep thought. At that moment, the tattoo on his wrist seemed to glow in the natural light, catching Mother Catherine’s attention. Then Robert said, “I have another thought that is very strong at this moment.”
“What do you think, Robert?”
“I feel that this light is the light of Jesus’s love, in which Mary Magdalene is shining. Mary seems to be the Holy Grail, embodying Jesus’s love. It signifies bearing a child. This light speaks of bearing Jesus’s bloodline.”
Mother Catherine’s eyes lit up. She said, “I knew that this answer was within you. When did you get that fish tattoo on your hand?”
Robert glanced at the tattoo on his hand and replied, “This tattoo is drawn on the hands of all our family members. On a special day after birth, this tattoo is inscribed on the body.”
“Do you know where the other members of your family are?”
“I came to you precisely because I’m searching for them. I don’t know how much longer I can stay alive. There are some matters I must resolve before I die.”
“Come with me.” Robert and Abe followed the Mother. They stopped in front of a closed door on the far right side of the worship room. Mother opened the door to that room and entered. The inside of this room was very dark. There was no electrical lighting in this room either. Mother had brought a flashlight with her; she turned it on and cast the light onto a wall in the darkness. The painting of Jesus and Mary Magdalene that was in the worship room was also here, and it looked much older. Mother said, “This is the original painting. The one in the worship room is a copy of this one.” She lifted the painting slightly from the wall and pulled out a leather file from behind it. “At first, I had a little suspicion when I saw your face. Then I became sure seeing the fish tattoo on your hand and the black stone locket hanging from your neck along with the stone earrings. Inside this leather file, there are parts taken from an ancient manuscript. I’ve given Abe a copy of this before. Now, I’m giving you one as well. We need to leave this room now; we can talk about the rest outside.”
Mother took Robert and Abe to a bench located at a corner of the church, overlooking the garden. Surrounded by green olive trees and bathing in sunlight, the nature here felt heavenly. Birds sang among the trees. In such rough natural surroundings of Israel, Lady Mary Magdalene seemed to embody all her beauty and fragrance here. They remained in silence for a long time, absorbing the beauty of nature. Then Robert spoke up, “Mother, what you handed me today feels like an incredibly valuable treasure. But Mother, I wish to hear from you what mystery is written in the leather cover that you want to share among a few like-minded people before your death.”
After a moment of silence, Mother said, “To answer this question, we need to go back nearly one hundred and thirty years to Egypt. It is October, 1896. At this time, pyramids are being discovered one after another. And hidden within these pyramids are immense treasures. Mysterious figures keep arriving in Egypt at the invitation of Western robbers. The Western bandits sell Egypt’s own history and heritage at high prices to these individuals. However, the Western bandits do not directly engage in these activities; they employ the local people for this purpose. They looted Egypt’s wealth through local bandits, who would then bring the treasure to the black market. From there, it would be bought cheaply by the Western looters. You would be amazed to hear that Cairo’s markets are filled with these historical treasures that rightly belong in museums. Instead, they have found their place in these black markets.
During this time, a German adviser named Karl Reinhardt arrived in Cairo. He had a passion for collecting ancient manuscripts, which is why he hurried there. From the Cairo black market, he obtained several papyri written in ancient Sahidic Coptic. These papyri were wrapped in the skins of ancient animals. Since he loved collecting such ancient texts, he had profound knowledge of many ancient languages. Therefore, he realized while reading these manuscripts that they had been translated from some ancient document. These papyri were translated from Greek in the fifth century. Karl Reinhardt discovered that the original Greek manuscript was written between 25 and 35 AD. The names inscribed on these papyri were such that he quickly understood their value and bought them without wasting any time. However, he did not yet realize that purchasing these papyri would become a curse for him.”
Robert expressed his astonishment and said, “A curse? Why? What was written in these papyri?”
“This papyrus contains the names of Jesus, Mary, Judas, Peter, Andrew, and others. He named this papyrus the Berlin Codex. Its Egyptian name is the Akhmim Codex. After obtaining this papyrus, he died from an unknown illness. However, through our own investigation, we learned that he had mentioned these papyri to a few individuals who never wanted this information to come to light. Because if this information were revealed, it would embarrass the current Christian religion and the Pope. Thus, any threat to what has been historically upheld for centuries was swiftly removed. Something was mixed into his food that gradually made him ill and ultimately led to his death.
Now, before we delve into this further, I want to share that we have titled the information written in these papyri as the “Gospel of Mary.” It stated, “Teacher Mary shall carry the peace, I leave with you; you shall have faith in her, which you had in me.” This is a portion of a conversation between Jesus and his disciples during the Last Supper. During that meal, Jesus pointed to Mary Magdalene and told his followers that Mary would carry the ultimate peace throughout her life—the peace that Jesus had carried within himself until then. He told his followers that the faith they had placed in Jesus should now be placed in Mary. He addressed her as “Teacher” because he had imparted his entire spiritual wisdom to her, so that she could pass on that knowledge to the people after him. Jesus fought for the independence of the state, but before that, he wanted the spiritual development of the people. Because for a nation that has remained in darkness for a long time, without its spiritual growth, no matter how much freedom is gained, that freedom is meaningless. That’s why we have referred to Mary Magdalene as “the Apostle of the Apostles.”
Dr. Esther De Boer, the author of the book “The Mary Magdalene Cover-Up,” came here while writing this book. She collected much information from us to write this work.”
Mother had been speaking for a while when Abe said, “I was involved in a project that sought the Gospel of Lady Magdalene for a long time. I was sent to Russia for this purpose. I arrived at Spree Island, located to the north of Berlin, from Brandenburg Airport. Spree Island, situated by the Havel River, is known as the heart of Berlin. This city had been severely bloodied during World War I. When I got there, I learned from someone that Karl Reinhardt had brought the papyrus from Egypt to his uncle on this island. The uncle, Wilhelm von Humboldt, was then on his deathbed. No one else would understand the value of these papyri apart from his uncle. The uncle read the papyri carefully and asked if he had shared this with anyone else because a great danger was hidden within them. These papyri are located in the Berlin Museum, but some parts were reportedly damaged. I managed to recover those damaged parts and handed them over to Mother. Later, Mother made copies from there and distributed the “Gospel of Mary” to individuals so that future generations would have evidence to conduct research if they wished. Somewhere, at least among some individuals, it should remain.
Robert had been listening intently to everything. Then he asked, “Why did Russia suddenly choose this remote area of Israel to establish the Lady Magdalene Church? And why did the Tsar keep amassed information from all over the world here? How safe can these things be?”
Mother replied, “There is a strong security perimeter around this church. There is no country in the world that can sneak in here and steal the property of Lady Mary Magdalene. Your presence here has been monitored for a long time. We received the green signal, which is why you were able to come here.” (Continues)
Click here for Part-1, Part 2, Part-3, Part-4, Part-5, Part-6, Part-7, Part-8, Part-9, Part-10, Part-11, Part-12, Part-13, Part-14, Part-15, Part-16, Part-17, Part-18, Part-19, Part-20, Part-21, Part-22, Part-23, Part-24,
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Debasree Chakraborti is a renowned novel writer of Bengali language. Based in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, she has done Master’s in Modern History from the Kolkata University, and authored some thirty books, mostly the novels, with historical perspective and themes. Her novel is ‘Maharaja Dahir’ that covers the history of Sindh from 662, the year of first attack on Sindh by the Arab armies till date, was published last year and translated by Nasir Aijaz into Sindhi language.
