International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Nature as a Portal to the Divine: The Symbolic Role of Environment in “The Hidden Hindu”

Akshat Gupta’s The Hidden Hindu, provides ‘nature’ a quiet but powerful role in deepening the story. It can be considered just as a background setting yet it adds a sense of mystery, spirituality, and timelessness to the entire narrative. Places like Gyanganj, the Himalayas, and Lake Mansarovar are portrayed as sacred and hidden, suggesting that true knowledge and self-discovery lie far away from the noise of the modern world. These natural spaces are where important events and revelations happen, often acting like gateways between the physical and spiritual realms. Nature also mirrors what the characters are going through emotionally. When Om is lost or searching for answers, the environment around him often feels harsh, quiet, or otherworldly, almost as if nature itself is responding to his inner state. At times, it even seems to protect sacred knowledge, only revealing its secrets to those who are ready. Through all of this, nature becomes more than just scenery, it becomes a guide, a mirror, and a reminder that the universe is full of hidden truths waiting to be uncovered. The attempt of this paper is to show how the ‘environment’ or the ‘nature’, adds mystery, meaning, and spiritual resonance. The attempt is to show a symbolic tool that reflects the themes of the story: rebirth, karma, hidden truths, and the search for self. By anchoring these ideas in powerful natural settings, the novel feels bigger than just one man’s journey.