Garuda suppressed his anger, then opened and closed his eyes, clasped his hands together, and began to praise the names of the Devas.
"Pranam to Suryadev! Pranam to Agnidev! Pranam to Varundev!"
…
As Garuda's voice echoed through Svarga, pillars of light began to rise in many places. The beams shot straight into the sky and then fell before Garuda, revealing the true forms of the Devas. Surya, Agni, Varuna, Vayu, Soma, and other devas and Gandharavas arrived one after another to greet Garuda.
However, Indra was nowhere to be seen.
Garuda lowered his hands, his expression stern, and his keen eagle eyes scanned the assembly of Devas. "I have been sent by the Bhagwan Vishnu to invite all devas to meet with Him. Where is the King of Svarga?"
The Devas exchanged uncertain glances. Finally, Surya spoke up, "Indra is currently engaged in penance. He has expressed the intention to strengthen his resolve through intense penance. Yet, each time he's been ready, his duties and concerns about asuras have kept him from fully committing."
Garuda frowned at this news. He glanced at the palace of the King of Svarga, then stepped forward with a hum of discontent. "This is the Lord Vishnu's invitation, yet Indra chooses to ignore it. His lack of respect for the Lord has led to the current state of Svarga."
None of the Devas spoke; silence fell over the gathering. As brothers, they understood each other's virtues well. Indra, in his eagerness to attend the assembly in Svarga, had neglected Rishis Durvasa's divine Garland. Under similar circumstances, they knew they might have acted the same way.
Arrogance was a prerogative of the Devas, and they felt it should not be too harshly criticized. Besides, if they encounter trouble in the future, it would be easier for everyone to discuss matters openly.
"Don't worry, we can wait!" said Surya, the sun Deva.
"Exactly! Penance and meditation are the dharma of the universe, and everyone must respect that!" Soma, the Deva of the moon, nodded in agreement.
As soon as these two spoke, the other Devas joined in, expressing their support in not disturbing Indra's penance.
"That's true. I agree. Let's wait a little longer!" said Varunadev.
"Me too!" Vayuadev, clenching his fist.
Garuda looked at the Devas with a frown. Despite their agreement, he couldn't shake his unease. He sighed and sat cross-legged on the ground. "Then let's wait a little longer—just a little while longer!"
…
Time flew by in Svarga, where there was no distinction between day and night; moments slipped away like water.
Suddenly, a deafening thunderclap echoed through Svarga. Garuda's eyes snapped open, and his previously joyful expression darkened with anger. During his meditation, he had been dreaming of Lord Vishnu, and just as he was about to hear the Lord's words, the thunder disrupted his thoughts and jolted him awake.
"Is there no peace left in Svarga?!" Garuda exclaimed, suppressing his anger. He stood up and glanced around.
As he surveyed the other Devas, he noticed they were either lying down or exhausted. Their garments were tattered and worn, the glory of the Devas faded, and the divine fragrance that once surrounded them had vanished completely.
The curse was worsening!
"How much time have we been waiting for Indra now?" Garuda exclaimed in shock. He realized he had meditated for too long and quickly counted the years with his fingers.
"Two hundred and fifty years!" he shouted, wide-eyed.
The surrounding Devas stirred from their meditative states, immediately aware of their dire circumstances. They turned their gazes to the Adobe of the King of Svarga, where the power of penance was being unleashed. This energy transformed into thunder and lightning that shot out in all directions, filling Svarga with rumbling sounds.
The thunder had come from here!
"Indra, you've truly angered me!" Garuda declared. "If it weren't for your penance, I wouldn't have delayed the Lord's command!"
At that moment, Garuda could focus on nothing else. He flapped his wings and angrily soared toward the King's Palace. The other Devas exchanged worried glances, sensing something was amiss, and hurriedly chased after him.
In front of the King's Palace, Garuda's massive wings blotted out the sun, instantly plunging the Svarga into darkness. A fierce storm of wind whipped toward the shrine, which had been reduced to a thatched house. The surrounding Gandharvas were so terrified that they crawled on the ground, scrambling behind the other Devas.
Boom!
The dark storm obscured the sky and blocked the sun, but it halted just before the thatched house. Indescribable, invisible thunder and lightning erupted, shooting upward into the heavens. The roar of the tempest sounded like the cries of countless dragons and serpents, shattering the oppressive black winds in an instant.
"I have come on the command of Lord Vishnu. Indra, come out at once! I know you are inside!" Garuda bellowed. "You dared to offend Sage Durvasa; now dare to face me!"
With each flap of his wings, Garuda unleashed a whirlwind of divine power, causing the entire Svarga to tremble.
"Stop this at once!" the assembly of Devas shouted, their faces drawn in concern. They clung to one another, pooling their remaining divine energy to form a protective shield against Garuda's tempestuous winds.
"If you have something to say, please do so quickly! We can hardly withstand this any longer!" the Suryadev exclaimed, swaying as he raised his hands in a desperate gesture.
At that moment, the divine power shield was crumbling. The upheaval in Svarga quickly captured the attention of countless beings.
In the Brahmaloka, Brahma, and Goddess Sarasvati sat cross-legged on lotus flowers, gazing down at the commotion below. Above the Cosmic Ocean, Vishnu felt the divine wheel spinning in his hand and looked in the direction of Svarga. Meanwhile, atop Mount Kailasha, Shiva slowly opened his eyes.
Boom!
The storm roared, and the entire dipliated palace was lifted by the tempest, revealing Indra lying on his side, deep in meditation.
"Indra!" Garuda roared once more, the wind howling in response.
However, filtered through the power of penance, the storm's fury transformed into a gentle breeze that caressed Indra's face, bringing with it a refreshing coolness.
Ah hoo~
Indra yawned slowly, scratching his face as he stirred. He swayed and sat up cross-legged, his eyes still heavy with sleep. For a moment, he beheld the swirling black hurricane in the sky.
"Um?" Indra tilted his head and rubbed his eyes, gradually bringing his surroundings into focus. High winds, squalls, and hurricanes filled the air!
And there was Garuda, the half-eagle half-human, staring intently at him!
"Garuda!" Indra murmured, recognition dawning.
"Indra, Lord Vishnu has called for you, yet you choose to ignore him for two hundred fifty years. This disrespect cannot go unchallenged," Garuda said, descending menacingly.
The other Devas quickly stepped forward to intervene. Indra's white elephant, Airavata, charged forward with long strides, curling his trunk and spraying a torrent of water into the sky as he rushed toward Garuda.
Garuda did not flinch; instead, he pressed forward, raising his hand to confront the oncoming threat. But Garuda's hand had not yet touched Airavata.
Uh-huh!
The massive shadow of Airavata suddenly vanished. Indra was taken aback and began to look around.
Where is the elephant? Where is my elephant? How can he just disappear?!
As the Devas stood in confusion, Soma, the Deva of the moon, who was standing next to Garuda, suddenly screamed. His skin became translucent, and then he completely disappeared from Svarga.
Uh-huh!
"Ah?" Garuda exclaimed, staring at his hands in astonishment before glancing around and noticing the horror etched on everyone else's faces.
"Garuda, you can't just kill the Devas by touching whoever you want!" Suryadev cautioned, taking a couple of steps back and eyeing Garuda warily.
The other Devas looked equally suspicious.
"I didn't touch them! I swear!" Garuda quickly retracted his hand, insisting.
Indra blinked and finally pieced it together.
"Airavata and Soma, the Deva of wine and the moon—both are symbols of wealth and auspiciousness. Just as the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi vanished, so too did they, and they've all fallen into the cosmic ocean."
---
"The King of Svarga is right; Soma must be in the Cosmic Ocean," Varunadev stated.
Vayudev and Agnidev nodded in agreement.
"In the Kshira Sagara, Goddess Lakshmi is also present. Our divine power is waning, and if this continues, we may not even have the strength to descend from Svarga," Suryadev lamented, his mouth agape with helplessness.
Indra glanced at Surya. At that moment, Surya's face was not only dark but the whites of his eyes and teeth had also lost their luster, turning an ominous shade. No one could be as dark as he was at that moment!
Garuda, brimming with anger, spread his wings wide, his feathers fluffed up as he accused, "If you, King of Svarga, hadn't delayed me with your penance, we would have met Lord Vishnu by now and sought a solution. Instead, Soma has vanished, and Svarga is in disarray!"
"So what?" Indra retorted, his expression turning icy.
Garuda seemed intent on stirring trouble for him!
"What do you mean, 'so what'?" Garuda pressed. "Is this your excuse for destroying my palace?"
"That's trivial compared to your disrespect towards the Lord. I was sent with the summons of Lord Vishnu and he has been waiting here for ages, yet you've ignored it completely, lost in your penance and meditation."
Garuda fixed his gaze on Indra, the King of Svarga, his demeanor as proud as an eagle soaring through the sky. He rebuked Indra bluntly, his anger intensifying with each passing moment. After enduring great effort to reach Svarga, he found it in ruins. The devas had lost their power, and everything had withered away.
Waiting in vain, he realized that fate had abandoned them!
"Indra, you have committed a heinous crime!" Garuda declared, his wings stirring the air and creating swirling hurricanes. Suddenly, he opened his right hand, and a flash of golden light revealed a massive sledgehammer that materialized in his grip. He strode toward Indra, fury radiating from him.
Indra's eyes widened as he stared at Garuda. This guy… is going to hit me! He was momentarily stunned.
The other devas gasped, their mouths agape, too frightened to move.
Indra's focus remained fixed on Garuda, who was striding forward with the golden sledgehammer raised high, the hammer's shadow looming ominously over his head.
Gulp!
Indra swallowed hard. After years of dedicated training, he certainly didn't want to be on the receiving end of a beating. He quickly resolved to strike first!
However, he found himself powerless to fight, unable even to summon his weapons. There was only one option left.
"Garuda!" Indra shouted, attempting to save face. He pointed a finger at Garuda, his voice ringing out.
"Garuda! Garuda! Garuda!"
As he called out, the power of his penance surged, sending reverberations throughout Svarga. The air crackled with deafening thunder, and lightning rolled through the clouds.
Boom! Boom!
The entire Svarga trembled as the power of the Svarga King, honed through hundreds of years of rigorous training, erupted, sending shockwaves throughout the realm.
"There can be no two suns in the sky, and there can be no two Kings in a kingdom!" Indra proclaimed. "There is only one sun in this world, only one monarch in a nation, and only one King in Svarga—me, Indra! This is the righteous law of the universe!"
Indra's words momentarily froze Garuda in his tracks.
With unwavering focus, Indra met Garuda's gaze, his voice deepening. "We share the same father, Kashyapa! You are a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, living close to Him, and enjoying a good and prosperous life. The Lord protects you; you do not need a brother like me. Yet, you summon me on the Lord's behalf only to say, 'Indra, you have committed a great sin.'"
"You show me no respect! You regard me neither as your brother nor as a friend! You won't even show respect to the King of Svarga!"
"Now, not only do you disturb my penance, but you also wish to strike your brother. Your arrogance and anger have clouded your judgment; you have violated the Dharma. I am compelled to curse you!"
"Garuda!" Indra shouted.
At that moment, the power of his penance transformed into a radiant beam of light, piercing through Svarga and into the human world. The light shone down into the Ganges River, causing the waters to boil.
Suddenly, the goddess Ganges emerged from the river, manifesting as a beautiful woman with four arms.
She wore a white lotus flower atop her head and adorned her body with gold ornaments. Her face resembled white jade, and her neck was as pure as snow. In one hand, she held a pristine vase, while the other grasped a lotus flower; her remaining two hands were clasped together in a gesture of reverence.
"Pranam Indradev, the King of Svarga!" the goddess Ganges exclaimed, gazing at the waters of the Ganges rushing toward Svarga. As a holy river, cursing with its water would yield even greater effects!
With a rush of power, the Ganges water traversed the void, crossing countless distances before appearing in Svarga, cascading over Garuda.
As soon as the Ganges water fell, it drenched Garuda completely. The water clung to his wings, and no matter how hard he shook, he couldn't shake it off—he resembled a drowned rat.
…
"Not good! This is the entanglement of Karma, and Indra is about to curse him!"
Vishnu, who hovered high above the Cosmic Ocean, suddenly felt a shift in the Svarga. His calm expression turned serious as he realized something was amiss.
At the top of Kailash Mountain, Lord Shiva sat in meditation. His long hair hung down, and the third eye between his eyebrows was closed. Clad in tiger skin, he sat on a large stone with one leg slightly bent and the other leg relaxed against the ground. Beside him stood his trident, a symbol of his power.
Nandi, the sacred bull and Lord Shiva's mount watched him attentively, his short, low-hanging ears swaying gently.
"Garuda seems to be in trouble!" Nandi spoke up.
"Garuda has sinned arrogance and disturbed the ascetic, one should never disturb those who are in Dhayna. Indra is acting under dharma!" Shiva replied, slowly closing his eyes once more.
Nandi was taken aback for a moment, then nodded slowly, reminding himself to exercise caution in the future.
In the Brahma world, Brahma opened his eyes wide, taking in the unfolding scene. It was rare for the King of Svarga to engage in rigorous practice, and even rarer for him to issue a curse. The gods in Svarga were busy with music and dance, hardly dedicating themselves to meditation, not even in this lifetime.
If Indra were to call out a curse, the situation could spiral out of control! Brahma thought to himself and promptly summoned someone to go to Svarga.
…
"Garuda!!!"
At the sound of Indra's echoing voice, Garuda's expression shifted to one of panic as he stared at the King of Svarga in disbelief. The other gods looked on in shock. After hundreds of years apart, the King of Svarga had become angry!
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Garuda, proud as a golden-winged roc, refused to fear any curse.
"Curse me if you must; I won't flinch before anyone's wrath! Especially not yours, Indra!" he declared, summoning his courage.
Indra narrowed his eyes, observing Garuda intently. A sudden smile crept across his face as he spoke slowly, enunciating each word.
"I curse you!"
"You will never see Lord Vishnu again, be it day, night, or twilight. Your Yajana as a believer will not reach the Lord through the sacrificial fire, and your hymns will not enter His ears!"
"You will never sense His presence! You will receive no response from the Lord!"
The air thickened with the weight of the words, resonating powerfully.
Boom!
Garuda felt as if he had been struck by lightning!
---
The massive golden hammer, forged from the cursed words of Indra, fell on Garuda's head with a heavy thud, resonating through the Svarga.
Boom!
Garuda's body trembled violently, pain etched across his face. He staggered back, raising his hand to cover his left chest. Within him, hot blood surged as his heart twisted painfully, a severe cramping sensation overwhelming him as if he had lost something precious. Unable to contain himself, tears streamed down his face.
It hurts!
It hurts so much!
The image of Vishnu, which had once lain comfortably in his heart, suddenly transformed into a golden light and vanished without a trace. The Lord's whisper faded from his ears, the fragrance of divinity disappeared from his senses, and the glorious figure of Vishnu was no longer visible to his eyes. Even in his mind, the faint, doting smile of the Lord began to dissipate.
"Lord! Lord!"
"Where are you, Bhagwan?!"
Garuda's panic surged as he frantically scanned his surroundings, exclaiming in desperation. The Devas fell silent, their expressions filled with fear as they held their breath in astonishment.
What a vicious and powerful curse! For believers, losing their faith felt like losing their very lives. No! It was even more terrifying than the loss of life!
Garuda was anxious and restless, his wings flapping erratically behind him, feathers cascading to the ground. In his panic, he clasped his hands together and closed his eyes to offer Prayers to the Lord.
" Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya!"
…
The sounds of prayers continued to flow from Garuda's mouth, but he felt no response.
Alas…
At that moment, Agni, the God of Fire, shook his head and sighed. Drawing upon his remaining divine power, he ignited his hands, holding up a ball of brilliant red flame. From this flame emanated thousands of radiant hues, encompassing the Svarga, the earth, and all the beings within, both divine and mortal.
Suddenly, the flames flickered, moving like the wind. Garuda's praying figure, hands clasped together, materialized within the flames, his fervent prayers echoing for what felt like an eternity.
Yajna Agni!
For the power of faith in Yajna to reach the Devas, it must pass through the sacred fire. This Yajna Agni bridges the Svarga Loka and the Bhu Loka, connecting the human and divine realms, and transmitting faith to the Devas.
As the God of Fire, Agni also embodies the essence of Yajna Agni; thus, the Yajni Agni is under his control and rests in his hands.
"Garuda," Agni spoke in a deep voice, "your prayers resonate within this Yajna Agni, but they have not reached Lord Vishnu. It appears the curse has taken effect, and you will never see Lord Vishnu again!"
Hearing this, Garuda's face fell with sadness, and his clasped palms slowly dropped. Anger surged within him, reflecting a complex mix of sorrow and rage as his sharp eagle eyes locked onto the Emperor of Svarga.
At that moment, a fierce wind swirled around Garuda, and an overwhelming aura radiated from his being.
"Indra, how truly vicious you are! You interfere with a devotee's path to my bhagwan—how can you consider yourself worthy to be the King of Svarga?" Garuda's voice was tight with anger, his words carrying a powerful intensity.
"And now that you recognize your mistake, weren't just as vicious as me in disrupting my penance?" he continued. "Did you forget, Once Brahma, captivated by his creation, Shatarupa, grew a fifth head just to gaze upon her wherever she went? His pride swelled as he claimed supremacy as the ultimate Creator, upsetting the cosmic order. To curb this unchecked arrogance, Lord Shiva manifested as Bhairava, his most fearsome form, to humble Brahma."
"In his wrath, Bhairava severed Brahma's fifth head, restoring cosmic balance and ending Brahma's pride. Yet, by committing Brahmahatya—the sin of slaying a Brahmin—even Bhairava faced consequences. To atone, he journeyed to Varanasi and bathed in the sacred Ganga. Only then was he freed of this sin, and Brahma's skull fell into the river, marking the end of his arrogance."
"From that moment, Brahma was forbidden from receiving sacred offerings by Lord Shiva. Witnessing this, Brahma's son Daksha grew bitter, vowing never to offer his prayers and Sacred Offerings to Lord Shiva. This grudge planted the seeds for the tragedy of Devi Sati, Daksha's daughter and Shiva's beloved wife. Her unwavering loyalty to Shiva led to her self-sacrifice, casting a lasting shadow upon their family."
"All of this is part of Lord Shiva's divine play. As the Lord of Innocence, he provides a warning to the world: arrogance disrupts harmony. It is a reminder from the Trimurti and to all beings."
"Not only have you disturbed my penance, but you've turned against your kin, disregarding the Lord's command to honor us with an invitation. And now, you raise your weapon against me—your own brother. Such an act is no minor transgression."
He paused, his gaze steady. "Pride as lord Vishnu's vahana has led you astray, blinding you to the path of virtue. You have become lost, consumed by an arrogance that shadows even your devotion."
Indra opened his eyes wide, staring at Garuda as thunder and fire blazed within them. He raised his arms, ready to engage in a tussle with Garuda.
Boom!
In Svarga, a distant echo reverberated as lightning crashed like a dragon and a serpent danced wildly, illuminating Indra's face and sending forth bursts of deafening thunder to bolster his resolve.
Though he might not have the strength to win a fight right now, he was determined to maintain the moral high ground, even if it meant conceding.
"You… you… you…" Garuda stammered, his chest heaving with rage. His face flushed red as he pointed accusingly at Indra, momentarily at a loss for words.
Among the Trimurti, Lord Brahma originally had four heads, each representing one of the four Vedas. However, a fifth head emerged, which he used to gaze upon Shatarupa, a form of his creation. This caused Lord Shiva to become angry, as he witnessed the creator himself becoming enamored with his creation. Unable to tolerate this any longer, Shiva took action against Brahma's fifth head in his avatar.
This move infuriated Daksha, the son of Brahma. As the Prajapati, through whom most life in the world is born, he ordered all creatures not to pray to Lord Shiva. Sati, the reincarnation of Lord Shiva's feminine power, was now Daksha's daughter. Caught between her husband Shiva and her father Daksha, Sati ultimately set herself ablaze and died.
Garuda was well aware of this story.
"Damn Indra! Are you comparing me to Daksha?" he thought angrily.
In the end, Daksha's head was removed for his arrogance and replaced with a sheep's head. The outcome was quite dire! Garuda gasped, feeling a mix of grievance and fury. He wanted to retort loudly but found himself at a loss for words.
Garuda clenched his fists, his expression a mix of indignation and disbelief. "How could you, Indra? You've twisted the truth to turn me into a scapegoat!"
At that moment, a figure suddenly appeared in Svarga, letting out a long sigh.
"Well! Looks like I'm a bit late!" Brihaspati stepped forward, his demeanor thoughtful.
His black hair fell to his shoulders, and his complexion glowed like golden wheat. Dressed in a long golden shawl over a white dhoti, he exuded elegance and uniqueness. He was Rishi Brihaspati, the teacher of the Devas, one of the Navagrahas (Jupiter), and the son of Sage Angiras. Renowned for his proficiency in various incantations, chants, and sacrificial rituals, he served as an advisor to the Devas, including Indra, and held the esteemed title of their spiritual teacher.
"Pranam to the divine teacher!"
"Pranam to the divine teacher!"
"Pranam, Rishi Brihaspati!"
All the Devas saluted and welcomed their teacher. The Brihaspati clasped his hands together, bowed slightly, and said, "Pranam, Devas!"
His gaze then fell on Indra and Garuda, who appeared menacing and clearly at odds with one another. A slight frown creased his brow, revealing his concern. Having received an order from Brahma, he had come to mediate the conflict between Indra and Garuda. With the Devas losing their power and chaos reigning, there could be no civil war at this critical time.
"Indra! Can you take back the curse on Garuda?" Rishi Brihaspati asked after a moment's thought, addressing his student.
As the teacher of the Devas, he was the most suitable person to mediate this conflict. It would be more effective to discuss it calmly.
Indra maintained a calm demeanor, chuckling softly. "As we all know, once a curse is issued, it cannot be taken back," he replied.
"But conditions can be added to the original curse..." Brihaspati countered earnestly.
Once a curse issued by the power of penance is invoked, it cannot be altered. However, it's akin to writing code; conditions can be added before the original curse takes effect. This, too, requires the penance power of the one who issued the curse.
"This will consume my hard-earned energy!" Indra's tone suddenly faltered before he continued with a laugh, "However, it's not out of reach. He must sincerely apologize to me!"
"Moreover, to temper his arrogance and remind him of his duty to uphold the righteous Dharma, I want him to remember our bond as brothers. In the future, whenever he lays eyes on me, he must pranam to me three times!"
--
"Unthinkable! Totally out of the question! Humph! How dare you question my resolve!"
Garuda snorted dismissively, holding his head high and showing no hint of fear. He stepped back two paces, his gaze fixed on Indra with disbelief. The proud Garuda would never lower himself to bow before Indra, no matter the situation!
"I will find a way to break the curse myself!"
With that declaration, Garuda spread his immense wings and soared into the sky, his powerful wings propelling him swiftly away from Svarga.
"Alas…"
Rishi Brihaspati watched Garuda's retreating figure, shaking his head with a long sigh. If Garuda left like this, his mission to promote peace would remain unfulfilled.
Now he could only advise Indra and the other Devas to go to Vaikuntha to seek Lord Vishnu's help.
"Indra, devas, and the Asuras have lost your powers. Devi Lakshmi has also vanished from Lord Vishnu's side. This is detrimental to the universe's development. You must meet the Lord Vishnu at once…" Rishi Brihaspati urged sincerely.
Indra was surprised by Rishi Brihaspati's words.
"Wait!"
The light in his eyes flickered as he raised his hand. "Teacher, what did you just say?"
"You must hurry to meet Lord Vishnu at once!" Rishi Brihaspati replied, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"No, the sentence before that."
"Is this detrimental to the development of the Universe?"
"No, say another sentence!"
Indra waved his hand and pressed on.
Hearing this, Rishi Brihaspati blinked in surprise. "The Devas and Asuras have also lost their power?!"
Snap!
Indra clapped his hands, the sound sharp and crisp. His eyes sparkled with a sudden realization as he murmured, "Since the Asuras have lost their power, they probably won't attack Svarga. In that case, I don't have to worry too much."
Indra felt more at ease but he didn't dare to let his guard down. He knew that this era was one of explosive growth for all living beings and the universe itself. The Universe brimmed with vitality, and countless races and creatures were competing for dominance.
Vishnu, the protector of the universe, had manifested his first incarnation, Matsya, to save Manu, the progenitor of humanity, from a great flood that threatened to engulf the entire Bhuloka (Earth).
Manu, forewarned by Matsya of the impending flood, constructs an ark to preserve the seeds of all plants and the saplings of various life forms. When the deluge arrives, Matsya guides the boat through the tumultuous waters, ensuring the survival of Manu. The second incarnation, the tortoise Kurma, had yet to appear, as the Devas and Asuras had not yet begun churning the Kshira Sagara. The remaining incarnations after that had never materialized!
"The current Asura King of Pataloka should be Hiranyaksha! I wonder if his penance has been completed. He possessed the power to lift the entire Earth, and he assaulted the defenseless Bhumi, pulling her deep beneath the Cosmic Ocean. Vishnu assumed the avatar of a wild boar (Varaha) to rescue the goddess. When Hiranyaksha attempted to obstruct him, Vishnu killed him. Perhaps he could fight better than I can," Indra thought.
There was a little friction between the Devas and Asuras, though it was limited to small-scale skirmishes between their subordinates. The strongest Devas had never engaged in direct combat with the Asura King. Even Indra could not ascertain the true strength of the Hiranyaksha.
As the son of Rishi Kashyapa, Hiranyaksha's power was not inferior to Devas in terms of talent. If he practiced diligently and after receiving the boons from Brahma, he might surprise them.
"I still have to obtain the boon first!"
"It's all Garuda's fault for wasting all my hard work!"
Indra felt secretly frustrated. He had once squatted in Svarga, practicing diligently, only for this troublemaker to disturb him. It was truly irritating.
"Indra!"
Seeing Indra lost in thought, Rishi Brihaspati spoke up, concern etched on his face. "What's wrong? Are you worried about the Asuras?"
Indra nodded and cast a furtive glance upwards toward Brahmaloka, where Brahma resided. He was genuinely concerned and needed to find a way to obtain the Sahraskavacha. However, he knew his current level of penance was inadequate. Indra feared that without sufficient aesthetic power, Brahma would be unable to grant him the divine armor, which required a greater depth of asceticism to imbue it with the necessary abilities. It appeared that he would have to adjust his expectations.
"Truly!" Indra continued, "The current Asura King, Hiranyaksha, is my half-brother, and I do not wish for Asuras to come to Svarga and history has to witness brothers fighting one another for a throne."
"Garuda forced my hand, which is why I had to curse him. I hope it can humble his arrogance."
"As for the Asuras, if they do decide to attack Svarga, I hope they will bear the consequences of their actions. If the burden of Dharma and Throne of Svarga falls on them, which may awaken the truth, goodness, and beauty within the Asuras."
Indra feigned sadness, though his hope was for something different. Let's first seek the Boons!
With that thought, Indra shifted his tone, clasping his hands together as he addressed Brahma.
"Om Brahma Devya Namah!"
In an instant, a radiant light enveloped the space, and Brahma manifested before Indra, his four faces glowing with divine wisdom. He regarded Indra with a mixture of benevolence and authority.
"Indra, my child, your devotion is commendable," Brahma spoke, his voice resonating like thunder across the heavens. "What do you seek from me?"
"Brahma-pita I sincerely hope that you can bless me with a divine armor," Indra replied earnestly. "This armor should have one hundred layers, each requiring a thousand years of ascetic power to destroy. Let me be worthy of its strength," he spoke solemnly.
He did not ask for the original Sahasrakavacha; instead, he only sought a hundred layers and requested the removal of the ability to kill the enemy with each shattered layer.
Brahma considered Indra's request, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Your wish is noble, but your penance is not yet sufficient. Only with greater devotion can this armor be forged," he stated, his gaze unwavering.
Upon hearing this, the surrounding Devas couldn't help but display expressions of surprise, astonishment, and gratitude. The Rishi Brihaspati opened his eyes wide in disbelief, studying Indra from head to toe as if seeing him anew. Is this still the Indra I knew, the one who was never a troublemaker?
"I thought Indra was as arrogant as I am, but I didn't expect him to show such kindness. The last time he approached me, it was to ask for penance to attain the Sun Deva Armor for this very purpose!" Suryadev mused to himself.
"Pranam to Brahma-pita, the Creator of the Universe!" Agni Deva Fire, couldn't help but feel a surge of reverence as he clasped his hands together. The surrounding Varunadeva, Vayudeva, Gandharvas, and Goddesses immediately echoed sentiments of respect.
"Pranam to Brahma, the Creator of the Universe!"
At that moment, Brahma's countenance radiated with streams of light, his divinity towering like a dream. It was as if the laws of Svarga and the earth had converged to bless him, transporting him into a unique realm of unity between Brahman and the self.
Brahma slowly raised his right hand, positioning it in front of him as he pointed his palm at Indra.
"I will grant you the Golden Sahasrakavacha!"
"This armor will be forged with the power of your ascetic practice. For every thousand years of ascetic effort you achieve, a layer of armor can be constructed. It's offensive and defensive and efficacy will be determined entirely by you."
"As you wish!"
As soon as the words left his lips, a brilliant golden light surged from the palm of Brahma.
Swish!
The golden light floated gracefully before settling onto Indra. Suddenly, a dark golden armor enveloped him. The armor shimmered with a rich blend of gold and color, intricately engraved with images of the sun and stars, intertwined with shapes of thunder and lightning—symbols of the bond between Brahma and Indra.
Indra's eyes sparkled with excitement. This was not the Sahasrakavacha he had originally requested; in many ways, it was even more valuable. This Golden Sahasrakavacha was a piece of growth-type equipment!
--
Manu is the seventh Manu of the fourteen Manus. Vaivasvata Manu is the son of the Sun God, Surya (or Vivasvan), and is often mentioned in the context of the flood myth, where he survives the great deluge with the help of Vishnu's first avatara.
Avatara: In Hinduism, an avatar (from the Sanskrit word "avatara," meaning "descent") refers to the earthly incarnation of a deity, particularly Vishnu. It is believed that deities take on avatars to restore cosmic order (Dharma) and protect the righteous.
Matsya is the first avatar of Vishnu in Hindu mythology, often depicted as a fish.
---
The Sahasrakavacha consists of a thousand layers, each requiring thousands of years of hard work to penetrate. Except for the intervention of the Trimurti, no one in the Triloka can break this armor. However, the divine armor he possesses, though not as formidable as the Sahasrakavacha, can be developed according to his wishes, allowing him to grow and evolve through the power of penance.
"Good!" Indra felt a sense of calm wash over him. Although this piece was not a complete Sahasrakavacha, it aligned more closely with his thoughts.
Today, very few Asuras are dedicated to rigorous penance. It was only after the brothers Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu relied on Brahma's blessings to wreak havoc upon the Trilokas and defeat the Devas that many Asuras recognized the power of penance and began seeking Brahma's blessings for themselves.
"I'm truly grateful to you, Pita Brahma," Indra expressed.
Brahma smiled, returning the sentiment with his hands clasped together. With a gentle nod, he began to fade from view, his presence gradually dissipating like morning mist.
At that moment, the priest-rishi Brihaspati was also moved; his frown softened, revealing a look of relief as he witnessed his student's growth.
Indra had grown! His patience and teachings had finally borne fruit!
…
Brahmaloka
Brahma had just returned from Svarga and observed from his realm. His four faces were slightly tilted, and his eyes flickered as he gazed down at the unfolding events below.
"It is not easy for Indra to attain such a vision for the future!" Brahma thought, feeling a twinge of surprise.
Hearing this, Devi Saraswati nodded and remarked, "He would do whatever it took to remain as the King of Svarga!"
"Indeed, that's what the King of Svarga embodies," he continued. "This position represents the King of the Devas, the highest status possible, the never-ending luxury, and boundless well-being. However, it also breeds endless arrogance. Even the humblest believer who ascends this throne may develop a sense of pride and a fear of losing his position as King of Svarga."
Brahma contemplated this, noting that Indra seemed to be handling his responsibilities quite well now. The only issue was that Vishnu's vahana, Garuda, had been cursed.
Yet, the King of Svarga had angered the Trimurti more than once. It was usually Shiva who he angered. Despite threatening to kill Indra, Shiva ultimately forgave him after Indra expressed his remorse. This exemplified the blessings of being the King of Svarga—if one is willing to repent, discussions can always resume.
Indra had repented this time, but would he dare to do so again? Vishnu would likely understand the situation. After all, it was Garuda who had erred first this time, so a minor punishment should not pose a problem.
…
Above Vaikuntha
Vishnu lay on his side on the back of Sheshanaga, Sudarshana Chakra on his finger. His head was tilted to one side, a melancholy look gracing his face. Rays of golden light floated down from the sky, enveloping him and merging into his being.
This was the power Vishnu had once bestowed upon Garuda. Devotees who dedicate themselves to the Lord Vishnu and worship him with pure intentions can gain infinite favor and protection.
But now...
The power that had been left within Garuda was returning!
"My poor devotee has suffered this disaster because of me. Garuda's pride may require me to send an incarnation to guide him. The top priority now is the churning of the Kshira Sagara. For the moment, Garuda must wait!" Vishnu thought, feeling a weight of depression settle in his heart.
Among the Trimurti, he was the busiest! Lord Shiva meditated and practiced asceticism daily, while Brahma sat in the Brahma world, often asleep. On the other hand, Vishnu was constantly engaged in maintaining the world and tending to the never-ending needs of the Universe.
How exhausting!
Shaking his head, Vishnu sensed Garuda drawing closer, and the Sudarshana Chakra on his fingertips shone brightly. Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, Vishnu and Shesha vanished.
...
Garuda was on his way to find the Lord. He spread his wings and soared into the sky, his golden feathers glimmering like the dawn and casting a faint golden glow across the horizon. In an instant, he passed through the Bhuloka, flew over the earthly boundary, and rushed into the Vaikuntha, the adobe of Lord Vishnu.
With a powerful flap of his golden wings, he stirred up waves in the vast expanse of the ocean.
"Lord!" he called out, his keen eagle eyes scanning the surroundings, but he saw no sign of Lord Vishnu. He flapped his wings again, searching the sea, but could find not even a trace of his Lord, let alone feel his divine presence.
"The curse is working!" Garuda's heart sank at the realization.
He folded his wings and transformed into a Deva, his wings now part of his back. Slowly, he descended onto the surface of the milk sea, feeling lonely and desolate. He was the only figure on the vast waters.
"Am I going to apologize to Indra?" Garuda gritted his teeth, frowning at the thought.
But as soon as he uttered it, he shook his head vigorously. How could he surrender to Indra? No! Not!
"I will do a hard penance for Lord Vishnu and seek boon to nullify the curse!" Garuda declared with determination. If Indra could perform penance to curse him, so could he too to lift the curse!
With newfound resolve, Garuda closed his eyes, stood on one foot, his big toe pressing into the sea of milk, clasped his hands together, and raised them above his head, entering into a state of penance in this unique yoga posture.
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya!" he chanted.
...
Chants emerged from Garuda's mouth, echoing across the Kshira Sagara.
Wow! The waves began to boil, and the winds roared, crashing against Garuda's body. He frowned as a feeling of emptiness surged in his heart as if there were no support within him.
"No!" Garuda exclaimed, opening his eyes in confusion.
As soon as he closed them again, thoughts of the Lord's voice and smile flooded his mind. Yet, no matter how much he offered in tribute, he received no response and could not sense the Lord's presence. He simply could not enter the meditative state required for penance.
"Well!" Garuda clenched his fist and struck his chest hard. "The heart of the Lord encompasses the world, and my heart is devoted to the Lord. If the Lord can dedicate Himself to the world, then I too can dedicate myself to the Lord. It's only a small concession to Indra!"
"For the Lord's sake, I accept this grievance!" Garuda reassured himself.
Even as he spoke, he found it difficult to overcome the turmoil within his heart.
"Indra is more arrogant than I am. Why should I apologize to him?"
"Why?!" Garuda lamented, a sad expression on his face as he paced along the surface of the Kshira Sagara, wandering.
Suddenly, a sharp white light flashed above the Kshira Sagara. Garuda squinted at the brightness.
"That is... Shukracharya and Hiranyaksha!" he muttered to himself, frowning at the thought.
Shukracharya is not only the embodiment of Shukra (Venus) but also the teacher of the Asuras and the current teacher of Asura King Hiranyaksha. Now that Shukracharya and Hiranyaksha have appeared above the Kshira Sagara, it is likely that he seeks Lord Vishnu's assistance to help the Asuras regain their strength.
"If Shukracharya finds the Lord and aids the Asuras in regaining their power, it will spell trouble for the Devas! The Lord does not favor the Asuras; He prefers the Devas!"
"To ensure the Lord's reassurance, I must go to the Devas and ask them to intervene and thwart the Asuras' plans! I am returning for the good of the Devas and the entire universe! It's not as if I am trapped by a curse and forced to seek Indra!"
With this newfound purpose, Garuda's eyes lit up as he found a reason to approach Indra.
In an instant, Garuda soared into the sky.
--
In Vaikuntha
Vishnu sensed the Asura Guru's approach and looked up to see the menacing Shukracharya accompanied by a formidable Asura Hiranyaksha.
"The Asura who has come here doesn't seem to have good intentions!" he thought, a sense of worry creeping over him. Glancing at the space beside him, he sighed.
In a way, he was the Shukracharya's biggest enemy who had caused the death of Kavyamata, Shukracharya's mother. Long ago, during the Devas and Asuras war, the Devas sought Vishnu's help. To protect them, Vishnu had unleashed the Sudarshana Chakra. Once activated, the Sudarshana Chakra would not cease until its task was fulfilled.
The Asuras had fled to the home of Shukracharya's father, Bhrigu, one of the Saptarishi. Kavyamata, Bhrigu's wife, had sheltered the Asuras, swearing, "No matter what happens, I will protect my son's students. If you wish to harm them, you must kill me first!" Tragically, she was killed on the spot.
Enraged, Bhrigu cursed Vishnu, proclaiming that he would suffer the pain of losing his wife in the future. "The secret of today's scenery lies hidden in the past!! This is the result of karma!" Vishnu mused.
With Shukracharya now teaching the new asura king, he feared that the universe's balance was once again in imminent danger.
…
At that moment, Shukracharya appeared with white hair and a long beard, his cold expression betraying no emotion. Clad in a white robe, adorned with bracelets on his wrists, and holding a snake staff, he gazed at the Kshira Sagara with an air of authority.
"Hiranyaksha!"
"You have completed your penance and gained the boundless strength to lift the entire earth. Go now—churn the Kshira Sagara! Seize the Amrit that flows within the ocean's heart. This divine nectar will not only restore the Asuras' cursed power but grant you immortality beyond measure. Plus draw Devi Lakshmi out from its depths, take her from Vishnu, bring her to the Patalloka, and enshrine her. When this is done, the power of the cursed Asuras will be restored. With both Devi Lakshmi and the Amrit under your command, you will become unstoppable, reclaiming the wealth, glory, and honor of the Trilokas for the entire Asura kingdom!"
Shukracharya spread his arms wide, his voice resonating with authority.
Hiranyaksha's eyes sparkled, the light within them fierce and determined. Clad in golden armor, he possessed a towering physique. His bronze skin, like that of a mighty Deva, held the strength of countless Nagas coiling beneath, rippling with power. He ran a hand over his dark stubble, fists clenched as an infinite force surged within his grasp.
"I understand!" he declared. "Amrit shall be mine. Devi Lakshmi shall no longer bless Svarga but Patalloka, hahahaha!"
Hiranyaksha grinned, his beard quivering as he plunged into the sea. As he descended, his figure swelled, growing more immense, transforming into a giant whose size obscured the sky and sun as he sank into the depths.
Boom!
The Kshira Sagara trembled as Hiranyaksha entered, churning violently under his presence.
"Vishnu, if your devas refuse to rescue Devi Lakshmi, then we, the Asuras, shall take matters into our own hands," Shukracharya declared, his voice laced with cold resolve. A malicious glint flickered in his eyes as he continued, "We will rescue her ourselves and sever her bond with you forever. You will come to know the true anguish of losing a beloved member of your family, just as my mother Kavyamata was so cruelly torn from me. The Devas will tremble before our might, and you will feel the crushing weight of your failure as we claim Triloka as rightfully ours!"
…
Vishnu tilted his head, a sadness shadowing his gaze.
This too is a consequence of cleaning up after the Devas back then, he thought.
Though Devi Lakshmi might not hold the same priority in his heart as Triloka, she still held a deeply significant place.
Where are the Devas?
His gaze shifted towards Svarga. If it could be avoided, he preferred not to intervene directly and disrupt the world.
...
In Svargaloka.
"We should go to meet Lord Vishnu without delay," Rishi Brihaspati urged.
Indra nodded in agreement. Since Vishnu had summoned them, ignoring the call would be disrespectful.
"But our power is so low," Indra noted thoughtfully. "Let's first reignite the Yjana agni, have the Gandharvas sing hymns, gather faith from Bhuloka, and replenish some of our divine energy before meeting the Lord. Also, Devi Lakshmi's absence may be a test for him. The world is stable, and the Lord has yet to intervene, which suggests there's no immediate crisis."
The Devas exchanged uneasy glances, each sensing the embarrassment of appearing before Vishnu in their weakened state.
"Yes, we must restore our divine strength first," Sun Deva Surya agreed.
"It would be disrespectful to meet the Lord Vishnu like this," added Agni, the Deva of fire.
"Indeed! This is the right approach!" echoed Varuna, Deva of water.
Seeing all the Devas speak up, Wind Deva Vayu quickly added, "Yes, yes! I feel the same way!"
Rishi Brihaspati furrowed his brow, thinking it over. This plan did make sense.
With Devi Lakshmi missing and the churning of the Kshira Sagara unable to be completed quickly, waiting seemed the only option.
"Very well," Rishi Brihaspati agreed with a nod.
Soon, numerous Gandharvas gathered in a large circle, singing hymns from the Vedas. They held freshly collected flower petals, tossing them into the air around a central bonfire that blazed brightly. Each line of their song sent lotus petals scattering from their hands like a goddess herself casting blessings of flowers.
"As soon as the mighty Deva was born,
He became the protector of the Devas, endowed with boundless strength."
"With the thunder of his voice, he commands the storm,
His chariot, drawn by swift steeds, conquers the skies.
Indra, the slayer of foes, upholds the dharma,
And grants fortune and valor to those who seek his favor."
…
Indra watched the Yajna ceremony, listening to the Gandharva hymns. Feeling a touch of boredom, Indra watched the Yajna ceremony, listening to the Gandharvas' hymns. Feeling a touch of boredom, he picked up a nearby wood block and, with a flicker of his divine power, transformed it into a Mridangam. He began to tap it rhythmically with his hands, echoing the fall of lotus petals with each gentle thump.
The other Devas turned to watch, their curiosity piqued, and soon many Gandharvas were also drawn to Indra's impromptu beat. They followed his lively rhythm, weaving it seamlessly into their song.
Startled, Indra froze mid-strike, his hand suspended, and the corners of his mouth twitched in surprise. Was this hymn directed at him? The Gandharvas were singing with such skill that it left him feeling a bit embarrassed. As the hymn ended, the other Devas turned to him with interest.
"What's this?" Agni, the Deva of fire, asked, peering over.
"A kind of... music instrument," Indra replied casually.
His rhythm mimicked the soft fall of petals. In past lives, blind musicians or beggars would often strike simple instruments while they sang—a humble but graceful art form. Today's mood had somehow inspired him to join in.
"Next is my verse! Will you play for me too?" Agni asked, his hands clasped eagerly.
"Of course!" Indra smiled.
"Let me try too!"
"Me next!"
Indra's small act had transformed into a new rhythm for all.
…
Soon, the Gandharvas resumed their singing, offering praises to Agni from the Vedas:
"Through Agni's flame,
Fortune and blessings greet each day.
Bearing the glory of heroes in every way."
...
In the Brahmaloka, he frowned, shaking his head before finally speaking.
He had observed the events unfolding in the Kshira Sagara and watched the Devas in Svarga.
"At a time like this, the Devas should not simply wait! The world is slipping back into chaos!"
Expecting a response, he paused, but silence greeted him. Turning, he saw Devi Sarasvati with her eyes half-closed, smiling with serene happiness before disappearing from Brahma's world in a stream of golden light.
"Is this the fate of the worlds—to remain unacknowledged?" he murmured, watching the light fade. "Even the Devas turn their backs when duty calls. Must I bear the weight of their choices alone? What folly drives them to ignore the impending chaos?"
---
To put smiles on the faces of Trimurti, Devas, and Devis is indeed a remarkable skill. Even pleasing the Rishis and Sages can lead to abundant boons and blessings. That's right! Appeasing the Devas serves as a shortcut to obtaining these blessings.
Though no one had previously taken this path, Indra had ventured into it unknowingly, pleased Devi Saraswati. Now, with a cheerful smile and an air of satisfaction, Devi Saraswati transformed into a ray of golden light, vanishing before Brahmaloka. She left the realm of Brahma and suddenly appeared in Svarga.
At that moment, the lotus flowers of Svarga bloomed vibrantly, reminiscent of Devi scattering petals, filling the air with a brief fragrance and a sense of prosperity. Upon her arrival, the Devas clasped their hands in reverence and offered their salutations to Devi Saraswati.
"Pranam to the Devi Saraswati!" they chorused, with Indra to pay their respects.
Devi Saraswati cradled a Veena in her arms. She wore a flowing white saree that billowed softly around her, embroidered with intricate gold patterns that caught the light like glimmering stars. Her delicate face wore a faint smile of wisdom, and her skin gleamed with the purity of snow, infused with the fragrance of books and lotus. Surrounding her was a divine light that radiated a brilliant platinum glow.
"What musical instrument do you hold in your hand?" Devi Saraswati asked, her voice sweet and inviting.
Indra had a sudden idea. He wasn't sure why Devi Saraswati had come, but seeing her smiling face suggested it was a positive visit. Perhaps he could compliment her and see if any benefits would follow.
"Devi Saraswati," he began, his voice steady, "I had not given it a name until now, but when you arrived, the lotus flowers seemed to rain down from the sky. As the embodiment of music and art, it feels only right to call this instrument 'Mridangam.'"
Devi Saraswati's face flushed with delight as soon as he finished speaking, and her smile widened, radiating joy.
"The lotus is the purest of flowers," she replied, her voice melodic. "It inspires easy compositions, and thus, I will bless you with this name!"
As she spoke, Devi Saraswati raised her right hand, and a soft light shimmered in her palm.
"From now on, anyone who sings the hymn 'Mridangam' will have their sins reduced with each performance," she proclaimed, her tone steady and sincere.
Then her gaze turned toward Indra, who raised his head in anticipation.
Devi Saraswati was still smiling, but what about his blessing?
"Indra…" she continued, causing him to breathe a sigh of relief. He had feared she would leave without bestowing any gifts.
Indra found himself drawn to the slow, graceful movements of women, especially when he lay back watching them dress.
"I bless the Devas. Whenever you encounter difficulties, play Mridangam, and you shall be granted entry into the Brahmaloka," Devi Saraswati declared.
In the blink of an eye, the Devi vanished.
Indra could only stare in silence. "... "
It was true that not everyone could enter the Brahma world; only those with pure hearts were granted passage. But what good was this blessing? Should he gather a group of Devas to visit the Brahmaloka just to listen to their teachings?
Yet, the other Devas except Indra seemed relieved.
Suryadev exclaimed, "This is wonderful! If we face a great disaster in the future, we can seek refuge in the Brahmaloka."
"Why don't we move there now?" Agnidev, suggested, glancing around tentatively.
The Devas fell into a brief silence. Wasn't it a bit hasty to relocate right after receiving the blessing?
Vayudev shook his head. "It's better not to. We must meet Lord Vishnu later. Let's save the discussion for when we face a significant disaster!"
"Yes! We need to meet the Lord Vishnu quickly! We have already made him wait," Rishi Brihaspati reminded them.
As the Devas continued their chatter, suddenly a strong wind swept through Svarga, causing them to stagger.
"No, we can't remain in Svarga any longer. We need to get to the Brahma Realm, quickly!" Vayu exclaimed, panic evident in his voice. He shook his body and grabbed the Vulcan beside him, his shock palpable.
"Wait! It seems to be Garuda!" Indra looked up, recognizing the giant golden shadow flying toward him. Upon hearing this, the Devas nodded in agreement, and Vayu returned to his calm state.
"Ahem! I wonder who stirred up this little wind," Vayu remarked, slightly defeated.
Boom!
At that moment, Garuda retracted his wings and abruptly landed, sending waves of air rippling outward.
"Hmph!" Garuda snorted coldly before speaking.
"I saw Shukracharya and an Asura at the Kshira Sagara. The Asura appeared unaffected by the curse. I suspect they are seeking help from the Lord Vishnu. If you don't act, those Asuras will come for you, and when they do..."
"Stop, stop, stop!" Indra interjected, cutting him off.
He stepped forward, raising his finger and pointing at Garuda. "Since you're back, you should apologize to me!"
"I'm trying to warn you about the Asuras potentially attacking Svarga!" Garuda protested.
"I know about the Asuras, but before that, I expect an apology!" Indra replied firmly.
"You..." Garuda began, but Indra wouldn't let it slide.
"What are you going to do about it?" Indra pressed.
Hearing this, Garuda lowered his head, ceasing his defiance. He turned away and quickly muttered, "I'm sorry!"
"Is that how you apologize? It is as if I owe you something!" Indra retorted.
"I'm doing this all for the Lord!" Garuda exclaimed.
"For the Lord!" Indra echoed mockingly.
Garuda gritted his teeth in frustration, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Lowering his head and softening his tone, he finally said, "Yes... I'm sorry."
Indra shook his head. "Louder! I can't hear you!"
"I can hardly hear you speaking so quietly. Garuda, the fastest being in the trilokas, dares to face everything head-on. Use your courage and shout it out! Otherwise, I won't be satisfied!"
"We are all going to Vaikuntha to meet lord Vishnu. You don't want to miss seeing the Lord!" Indra shouted.
Snap!
Garuda clasped his hands together, his expression a complex mix of compassion, sacrifice, and a hint of stubbornness. He closed his eyes and bowed deeply to Indra. "I'm sorry!" he declared, his voice resonating with courage.
"Because my arrogance has violated the Dharma, I ask the King of Svarga to lift the curse and allow me to see the Lord Vishnu again. In the future, I will treat Indra with respect as his brother."
Garuda tightened his eyes and spoke loudly, his sincerity evident.
Indra nodded slowly and smiled.
Satisfied! He felt a deep sense of contentment. He liked the way Garuda looked unconvinced yet still had to give in.
"Good!" Indra said, raising his right hand toward Garuda. "As long as you respect me, Indra, and remember to be grateful for my role in eliminating your arrogance—without slandering or harming me at will—this curse will no longer be in effect."
In that moment, the power of penance surged. A golden light emanated from Indra's body and enveloped Garuda instantly.
Garuda's form shimmered with golden radiance. He quickly put his hands together, closed his eyes, and offered a prayer in the name of Lord Vishnu.
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."
As the sacred chant filled the air, Garuda felt a profound swell of gratitude within his heart. The familiar, divine presence of Vishnu enveloped him once more.
"It's back! The Lord's presence has returned to me once again."
