"It's back! The Lord's presence has returned to me once more."
Garuda raised his head, closed his eyes in pure contentment, and opened his arms wide, as if to embrace the entire world, welcoming the Lord's spirit back into his being. Rishi Brihaspati, observing this display, looked on with satisfaction.
Such classic acts of repentance and a return to the path of righteousness were worthy of record. At that moment, Brihaspati resolved to chronicle these events for future Brahmins to recite. With a small gesture, a stack of paper and a reed pen appeared in his hands, and he began to write.
"Under the guidance of King Indra, Garuda repented for his pride and discovered the importance of respect for both his brothers and Lord Vishnu..."
Rishi Brihaspati continued his work, his hand flowing over the paper with graceful strokes like dragons and serpents.
Suddenly—Boom!—a deep, unfamiliar rumble shook the atmosphere, sending a powerful shockwave rippling across the three realms. Svarga trembled continuously as if the very heavens were in upheaval.
"What is this?!" Indra's face tensed. "What's happening?"
"Allow me to investigate!" Varunadev exclaimed, raising his hands and summoning his divine power to create a mirror of water before the Devas. Through it, they could glimpse the source of the disturbance.
In the water mirror, a massive figure emerged in Krishna Sagara—a giant asura, towering high enough to support the Svargas and the earth itself. Clad in radiant golden armor, his eyes blazed like golden suns, shining with boundless intensity. His arms, thick and sinewy like those of a mighty Naga, exuded raw power, seeming capable of holding up the world.
"Finding Amrita by diving like this is taking too long. I'll try a different approach!"
The asura's voice thundered as he gripped Mount Mandara, lifting it effortlessly from the ground as if he intended to move it entirely.
Boom!
The earth trembled beneath him, sending shockwaves that created countless cracks sprawling across the landscape. Living creatures and yakshas on Mount Mandara scattered in terror as rocks and soil tumbled down, transforming into blazing meteors that plummeted back into the Cosmic Ocean.
"Not good!" Rishi Brihaspati's face turned pale with shock. "That's Mount Mandara—the very axis of Bhuloka, the bridge linking Svargaloka and Bhuloka. Why would he disturb it?!"
"I thought Garuda was exaggerating," Indra murmured, awe creeping into his voice as he took a deep breath. "But this asura—who is he to wield such power?"
Garuda's wings could stir the skies, yet beside this colossal figure, his might felt like nothing more than a fleeting ripple.
"Best not to intervene!"
"Devaraj, have you forgotten? That's Hiranyaksha—the king of the Asuras!" Brihaspati's eyes widened in awe as he observed the massive figure. "I'd heard that he and his elder brother Hiranyakashipu were undertaking rigorous penance. At least Hiranyaksha must have completed it, gaining immense power through the divine boon from Lord Brahma."
At this, a memory jolted in Indra's mind. "Hiranyaksha!" he murmured.
The legend was vivid in his recollection: Hiranyaksha, the Asura king, had once plunged the earth into the depths of Kshira Sagara, capturing Bhu Devi as his prisoner and threatening to unravel all of creation. In response, Vishnu, in his mighty form as Varaha avatar, the great boar, rose to face him. With unmatched strength, Varaha battled Hiranyaksha, ultimately subduing him and restoring Bhu Devi to her rightful place on earth, preserving the balance of the universe.
Hiranyaksha was born to Rishi Kashyapa and Diti, aligning him with the powerful lineage of the Asuras, descendants of Diti. As a half-brother to the Adityas—born to Kashyapa and his other wife, Aditi—the rivalry was deeply ingrained. The Adityas embodied the forces of divine light, order, and dharma, in opposition to the often rebellious and formidable Asuras. Thus, the two lineages, bound by family, remained locked in a cosmic struggle, representing the eternal tension between chaos and order in the universe.
"Was it Brahma's boon of near-invincibility?" Indra pondered aloud, his suspicion falling on the creator known for his generous bestowal of boons. "Could Brahma have granted Hiranyaksha the power to lift the earth?"
"Perhaps," he muttered, growing more certain. "It's highly likely. After all, that's the Asuras' favorite boon—making them immune to harm from gods, mortals, and most beings in the cosmos."
"Wait—didn't Hiranyaksha recently journey to Kshira Sagara to seek Lord Vishnu? Why is he uprooting Mount Mandara now?" Garuda added, visibly shaken as he recalled seeing Rishi Shukraacharya escorting Hiranyaksha above Kshira Sagara some time ago.
Indra's thoughts raced. "Could he be planning to use Mount Mandara to churn Kshira Sagara?"
Garuda felt a surge of shock at the implication. One is lifting the entire Mount Mandara! Who in Svarga could match that strength? Who in the Triloka could oppose him if he wielded Mandara as his weapon?
Indra's frown deepened. If Hiranyaksha truly attempted to churn Kshira Sagara... Amrita, the divine nectar of immortality, lies in those waters. If Hiranyaksha gains it, it would spell catastrophe. The Devas might end up as mere guards at the gates of Patalaloka!
And they hadn't yet tasted the Amrita. Without its gift of immortality, death would be final. "We need the Amrita above all else," he muttered. "If we fail, at least Vishnu will intervene. And if the worst comes to pass, the blessing of Goddess Saraswati could still guide us to Brahmaloka. Hiranyaksha may show some respect for Brahma, who granted him boons."
"Prepare for victory to secure an escape route," Indra reminded himself, carefully strategizing his next moves. He then approached Garuda and spoke decisively, "Transform into your great eagle form and take us to Kshira Sagara!"
Stunned, Garuda looked at Indra, processing the weight of his command. No one but Lord Vishnu had ever ridden on his back, but this was an urgent matter—too pressing to allow pride to stand in the way! Just think of it as a favor for the Lady, Goddess Lakshmi, Garuda told himself, steeling his resolve.
With a powerful screech, Garuda raised his head, his sharp cry resounding across the Svargas and echoing into the vastness. His body glowed with a golden light as he expanded, his wings stretching wider and wider, filling the sky. Then, bending low, he knelt halfway to the ground.
Indra took to the air immediately, followed closely by the other Devas and the chief Rishis. The moment they steadied themselves on his back, Garuda surged forward, sensing his Lord's presence and setting his path toward Kshira Sagara.
With each beat of his mighty wings, Garuda sliced through the realms, shadowing the sky as he traversed Svarga and Bhuloka. As they drew nearer, the Devas were awestruck by Hiranyaksha's immense form—too vast to comprehend from their distance. His colossal body seemed in constant motion, with each hair resembling mountains stretching for hundreds of miles, quaking as he moved. From his countless pores radiated light like a field of white lotuses, each bloom shining brilliantly.
"So enormous!" gasped Suryadeva in awe.
"With strength like that, it's no wonder he can lift Mount Mandara, the very center of the world," Agnideva added, his voice filled with trepidation.
The Devas exchanged worried glances, sensing the weight of the impending challenge. Hiranyaksha's arrival in this world showcased a power that far surpassed that of the Devas. Even at their peak, they might struggle to stop him.
"This strength stems from his blessings, but he should gradually weaken under the curse," Indra reasoned. "However, the curse hasn't lasted long enough since he received the boon to significantly diminish his power."
With the Rishi's curse and the disappearance of Goddess Lakshmi, Hiranyaksha's weakening was nearly inevitable. Yet his boons were exceptionally strong, providing a solid foundation that still allowed him to exert considerable strength.
"That makes sense!" Rishi Brihaspati affirmed, nodding. He pulled out his notebook, picked up his pen, and continued documenting the events of the past: "During the journey to the Kshira Sagara, King Indra observed Hiranyaksha's vulnerabilities…"
Garuda soared into the Kshira Sagara, determination propelling him forward.
"Lord Vishnu, here I come!" he exclaimed.
As he traversed the endless expanse of the Kshira Sagara, Garuda finally caught sight of the Lord Vishnu he had longed for.
In a rush, the Devas transformed into streaks of golden light, cascading into the Kshira Sagara.
Vishnu, the protector of the world, furrowed his brow, his expression a mixture of concern and complexity.
"Indra…" he murmured.
---
"Indra! Beneath the Kshira Sagara lies the solution to your current curse and the prosperity of Svaraga has been lost. It can be regained with the blessing of Devi Lakshmi. Plus with the help of the Amrita of Immortaliy, with it, the Devas will gain the strength to prevail over the Asuras and protect the cosmic balance. Together, the blessings of Lakshmi and the gift of Amrita will not only end your curse but also secure the prosperity and immortality of the Svarga for ages to come.," Vishnu said slowly.
He had issued an S-level mission: Churning the Kshira Sagara!
Mission rewards: Restoration of divine power and Svarga, and the Amrita of Immortality.
"But…"
"The Asura King Hiranyaksha is now moving Mount Mandara. Under the guidance of Rishi Shukracharya, he intends to use it alone to churn the Kshira Sagara."
Hearing this, Indra nodded, suddenly enlightened. "Hiranyaksha aims to create a powerful churning rod to stir the Kshira Sagara and extract its essence. Realizing that his strength wasn't enough, he chose Mount Mandara as his mighty tool, determined to churn the Kshira Sagara until he had extracted every last drop of its hidden treasures!"
Vishnu tilted his head in surprise at Indra's insight but acknowledged its truth. "Yes, exactly," he replied with a serious nod. "Hiranyaksha has been granted boons: near-invincibility, immense strength, and resistance to all weapons. His power has grown beyond your own; facing him head-on would be futile."
Softening his voice, Vishnu offered a gentle smile as he revealed the true extent of the challenge they faced.
At this point, the Devas panicked, confusion and unease spreading among them.
Agni Deva's mouth fell open in shock, his fiery resolve dimming. Suryadev's expression turned dark and inscrutable, his usual warmth replaced by a heavy, brooding silence. Varunadev furrowed his brow, confusion shadowing his face as he struggled to comprehend the enormity of Hiranyaksha's power. Vayudev staggered slightly as if even his boundless energy had been knocked off balance by the revelation.
Boom!
Boom!
Massive waves erupted in the pristine Kshira Sagara as the colossal form of Hiranyaksha suddenly emerged. He embraced the enormous Mount Mandara, the axis of the universe, which slowly descended into the Kshira Sagara. The mighty Mount Mandara, supporting both Bhuloka and Svarga, was cradled in Hiranyaksha's grasp.
His massive waist relaxed, arching forward as he moved, reminiscent of an ancient bear rubbing against a tree, churning the waters with every shift. The mighty Kshira Sagara surged with colossal waves, vast and endless. White crests of water stretched into the horizon, appearing to extend for eternity—boundless and immeasurable.
Amid these towering waves of the Kshira Sagara, the Devas were gripped by panic, feeling dwarfed and powerless against the immense force unfolding before them.
"We can't defeat Hiranyaksha at all!" Vayudeva exclaimed, dread filling his voice.
"Please, Lord Vishnu, save us!" Suryadeva cried, his face a mask of fear.
"Lord Vishnu, take action quickly!" Agnideva urged desperation lacing his tone.
In response, Vishnu smiled but said nothing. He looked at Indra and spoke slowly, "Indra, what do you think?"
"The Kshira Sagara is infinitely vast, boundless in depth and expanse. Hiranyaksha can remain atop its surface due to his divine power, but if he attempts to lift Mount Mandara, the axis of the world, he may very well plunge into its depths," Indra analyzed thoughtfully.
The Devas and Asuras weren't the only ones who were needed to churn the Kshira Sagara. After moving to Mount Mandara, they still needed Vishnu to transform into a turtle to serve as a winch, preventing the mountain from sinking into the waters.
Even though Hiranyaksha possesses boundless divine power, he cannot match the countless grains of sand in the Ganges River. When his divine energy is exhausted, if Hiranyaksha does not release Mount Mandara, he will be dragged into the Kshira Sagara.
"Samudra Manthan isn't something anyone can accomplish alone, especially while wielding the weight of Mount Mandara! I doubt he possesses inexhaustible stamina!" Indra mused as he turned his gaze toward Garuda.
"Garuda!"
Indra turned his head and commanded, "Go to Svarga and bring all the legions of Svarga, along with as many Gandharvas as you can find. They will be indispensable, even if the Kshira Sagara is churned!"
Garuda's mouth twitched in annoyance. He was not a subordinate of the King of Svarga and had no intention of obeying Indra's orders.
"While I respect you, that doesn't give you the right to order me around!" Garuda retorted sharply.
Vishnu smiled softly. "You're right, Indra. Hiranyaksha won't last long! Garuda, Indra is correct. Go!"
Garuda fell silent, his frustration evident. The Lord has been swayed by Indra!
Yet, under Lord Vishnu's decree, he had no choice but to comply. With a heavy heart, Garuda spread his wings and flew toward Svarga.
At that moment, Vishnu tilted his head. The magnificent wheel of vision in his hand continued to turn, and his eyes, like the wind, swept over Indra's form, revealing a hint of surprise.
If this had been the previous Indra, he would have belittled Hiranyaksha, angrily complaining that the Asura was overestimating his abilities and coveting his throne as King of Svarga—a crime worthy of death.
Vishnu's gaze shifted to Hiranyaksha on the other side. The demon's footsteps grew heavier as the Kshira Sagara rose, already submerging his ankles and creeping toward his knees.
Boom!
Boom!
Hiranyaksha held Mount Mandara in his arms, using it as a pillar to churn the boundless Kshira Sagara, empowered by divine energy.
"Teacher, I can't hold it any longer!" Hiranyaksha gasped, his bright eyes bloodshot and his entire body starting to lean toward the Kshira Sagara.
"Not good!"
Rishi Shukracharya sensed trouble as he observed Hiranyaksha's struggle. The demon had intended to use Mount Mandara to churn the Kshira Sagara, but if the axis of the worlds truly fell into the depths, the Trimurti would undoubtedly intervene, putting Hiranyaksha in grave danger.
With a grave expression, Rishi Shukracharya shouted, "Hold on! I will go to Patala Loka immediately to summon other Asuras who still possess their strength. We must not let the Devas interfere!"
Without hesitation, he set off for Patala Loka, determined to gather Asura generals and legions to help stabilize Mount Mandara.
Hiranyaksha's eyes widened as he stood firm in the Kshira Sagara, his massive body wrapped around the colossal mountain. With red arms brimming with dragon-elephant power, he radiated a force that terrified the Devas.
At that moment, Mount Mandara remained stable!
"Lord Vishnu, why don't you just take Mount Mandara back from him?" Suryadeva asked, joining his palms in a respectful pranam.
"He is currently embracing Mount Mandara, and he hasn't sunk into the Kshira Sagara. He hasn't disrupted the worldly order, nor has he violated Dharma. The Trimurti will only intervene when it is necessary," Vishnu murmured.
'You have to follow the rules, right?' Indra pondered.
"In that case, let's go tickle him!" Indra exclaimed, waving his hand as he rallied the Devas and soared forward.
A wave of fear washed over the Devas, yet their trust in King Indra and the Lord compelled them to follow.
Indra flew up to face Hiranyaksha's sun-like eyes, his heart racing as he hovered before the massive figure. As he gazed upon the asura's towering form, completely shrouded in the swirling chaos of the Kshira Sagara, Indra felt a mix of awe and surprise.
He's enormous! The size difference was so great that Hiranyaksha wouldn't even be able to see him.
"Blind his eyes first!" Indra commanded.
Gathering his hands at his waist, he activated his divine power and conjured a ball of violent lightning. With a sudden thrust, he released a powerful turtle-style Qigong, hurling it directly into Hiranyaksha's eyes.
Boom!
Thunder and lightning erupted as dazzling bolts pierced the sky, shaking the endless expanse and illuminating the area before Hiranyaksha.
"Huh? Ah!!!"
A loud noise erupted, resembling the roar of a stormy wave or an earthquake. Hiranyaksha felt a stinging sensation in his eyes, and in confusion, he quickly shut them tight. When he opened them again, realization dawned: he had been the target of a sneak attack. He squinted against the brightness and followed the trail of lightning.
The figures of the Devas stood beside him.
"Indra!" Hiranyaksha's voice thundered, reverberating across the Kshira Sagara, causing Indra's ears to ring.
Indra pointed with one hand and declared, "Hiranyaksha, I'm here to negotiate terms!"
---
"Hiranyaksha, I'm here to negotiate!" Indra declared, hovering in the sky as he locked eyes with Hiranyaksha and raised his hand. Hiranyaksha was momentarily stunned, but his expression shifted instantly, and he couldn't help but erupt into laughter.
"Hahahaha! Indra, are you truly qualified to negotiate with me?"
His laughter echoed like thunder, and his enormous mouth opened wide, resembling a black hole. From it poured a formidable wind, fierce and relentless, reminiscent of the cosmic storms of doom.
"Vayu! It's up to you now—hold on!"
Indra stepped back three paces, placing himself protectively in front of the wind deity, Vayu, and pointed straight ahead.
"Ah?" Vayu exclaimed, staring at the swirling tempest with a look of horror on his face.
He was indeed the wind deity, but in that moment, he felt his divine power waning, and the monstrous winds threatened to sweep him away.
"We have to hold on, even if it seems impossible!" Indra urged. "Varuna, Agni, Surya—let's transfer our power to him!"
As Indra spoke, he clasped his hands together in reverence to Vayu, and a brilliant golden light enveloped them.
"Praise the Vayudeva! Praise the Vayudeva!"
The water, fire, and sun deities responded immediately, their voices joining in a chorus as powerful energy surged into Vayu's being, fortifying him against the raging winds.
"Vayu, don't get blown away! You'll lose your pride!" Indra urged anxiously.
"I'm brimming with power! Don't worry!" Vayu, the wind deity, replied, his eyes flashing like lightning. He was no weakling; as the wind deity, he was a fierce warrior among the Devas and a seasoned champion in their battles.
With a decisive gesture, Vayu summoned his divine power. The wild winds coalesced into a thunderous roar, transforming into 99,999 white horses that surged forward, appearing before the Devas. The wind horses whinnied and stamped their iron hooves, charging ahead with unstoppable force.
Hiss—
The sound of nearly 100,000 white horses echoed like a storm, drowning out the chaos of battle. Their combined roar sliced through the air, tearing apart the turbulent winds spewing from Hiranyaksha's mouth and creating a path through the chaos.
Hiranyaksha paused, momentarily taken aback, and glanced at the Devas. These beings seem to possess formidable power!
"What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice booming like thunder.
Indra stepped forward confidently and declared, "I challenge you to a fight. If you win, we will leave!"
Hiranyaksha's laughter erupted, sounding like a great joke he couldn't ignore. He twisted his mouth and beard in disbelief, casting a sardonic glance at Indra.
"Just you? Indra, how dare you challenge me?!"
Hiranyaksha sneered as waves of air surged around him, causing the waves in Kshira Sagara to surge violently.
"Are you scared?" Indra retorted, his voice steady. Hiranyaksha's eyes widened with fury at the question.
'Scared? Would he ever be scared?'
Though rage surged within him, he remembered Rishi Shukracharya's instructions to hold up Mount Mandara calmly, forcing him to suppress his anger.
"Haha! You're not worthy of challenging me!" Hiranyaksha sneered, a cold laugh escaping his lips.
Indra stepped forward, blinking as he spoke in a deep voice, "I've heard that a lion raised in captivity forgets how to hunt in the wild. You are the king of Patala Loka, hasn't Shukracharya taught you that a king can never refuse a challenge to battle?"
Hiranyaksha shook his head at Indra's eloquent words. "What are you talking about?" he snapped angrily.
"It seems you are too stupid to understand analogies. Let me put it simply: You're not worthy of being the Asura King!" Indra replied calmly.
The corners of Hiranyaksha's eyebrows twitched as he glared at Indra, his expression darkening. "Not worthy?! My power can overturn the Bhuloka and pluck the stars from the sky! With your current strength, you are not worthy enough to even talk to me!"
Suddenly, Hiranyaksha roared, his black hair whipping wildly in the wind, showcasing his arrogance. A fierce gust erupted, causing the Kshira Sagara to churn and rise in towering waves. The crashing sound unleashed a violent force that shook the very world around them.
"No!" Indra smiled slightly, standing with his feet together. He supported his forehead with his left hand, pointed at Hiranyaksha with his right, and laughed softly. "You are the challenger!"
"Hehe!" As soon as his voice fell, a profound silence enveloped the surroundings. Indra continued, his tone shifting to one of authority, "Do you truly think you can challenge me? I am Indra, the King of Svarga! I've been the king of Svarga far longer than you've been the king of Patala Loka. I've faced foes that would send tremors through your very being, while you, Hiranyaksha, are but a little brother seeking to prove himself."
"Have you forgotten our lineage? As the elder brother, I have to uphold the honor of our family. You may possess strength, but wisdom and experience are my allies. Your ambitions cloud your judgment. You think yourself a worthy challenger, yet you stand in the shadow of my legacy."
"Consider this: the King of Svarga does not back down from a challenge, nor does he falter in the face of a younger sibling's bravado. If you wish to fight, then step forward, little brother, and prepare to face the weight of my reign!"
As soon as his voice fell, a profound silence enveloped the Krishi Sagara.
Suryadeva gasped, taking a deep breath, his dark face filled with astonishment. "So audacious! So arrogant! This is the Indra I remember."
"He's reminiscent of the Indra of old—fearless and arrogant, but does he truly understand the stakes this time?" Vayudev muttered to himself, clearly taken aback.
"Can he provoke Hiranyaksha like this?" Agnideva whispered concern etched on his face.
Varunadev nodded slowly, his expression serious. "It's a dangerous game he's playing. But you know how Asuras are they are prone to get angry very easily. This is their ancient weakness that they can't migate even with so much knowledge."
Meanwhile, the protector of the dharma, Vishnu lay upon his serpent bed, observing Hiranyaksha with a slight curl of his lips. "This is reminiscent of the proud Indra, the King of Svarga, from before. I thought, without divine power, he wouldn't dare speak like this. But now, he has truly provoked Hiranyaksha!"
...
Brahmaloka.
"What arrogant words!"
Brahma was closely observing the events unfolding on the Kshira Sagara. He was curious to see how Indra would provoke Hiranyaksha into action, but he didn't expect Indra to be so direct in his challenge.
At that moment, Brahma felt an itch on his neck. He turned his head and glanced at the Vedas—the knowledge of the universe—emanating a faint golden light in his hand.
His fifth head had been removed by Lord Shiva due to his extreme pride as the creator. "Indeed, one must be careful when speaking to others," Brahma reflected.
....
Lord Shiva sat motionless, his expression serene. His eyes were like the depth of oceans—deep and bottomless—reflecting the tumultuous situation in the Kshira Sagara.
"It seems the King of Svarga has gained much wisdom through rigorous penance. He has learned how to provoke the innate pride of Asuras," Lord Shiva murmured.
Asuras are a blend of honor, impatience, and lust to be the king of Triloka. Nandi looked on with curiosity.
"Asuras are aggressive and irritable. Now that Hiranyaksha's pride has been attacked, he will undoubtedly take action," Mahadeva explained.
...
At that moment, Hiranyaksha was furious. The radiant figure of Hiranyaksha resembled two beams of light shooting up into the sky, illuminating everything around him. He had never experienced such scorn before. A group of Devas, stripped of their divine power, dared to claim that he, the Asura King blessed with immense strength, was the challenger.
"Then I will kill you today!" King Hiranyaksha roared, his voice filled with rage. With a sudden release of his arms, the massive Mount Mandara plummeted straight down, crashing into the Kshira Sagara.
Initially, the waves of the Kshira Sagara sank, only to be followed by towering white waves rising from around Mount Mandara, rippling outward in layers.
At that moment, the Triloka trembled!
"Well done! I surrender!"
Indra, recognizing that the plan had succeeded, stopped boasting. He shouted, turned, and ran away.
The surrounding Devas exchanged confused glances. Suddenly, the Vayudeva realized what was happening and took off after Indra. The other Devas quickly followed suit, chasing after him.
Hiranyaksha's eyes widened in disbelief; his fury turned his complexion blood-red, and his murderous intent soared into the sky.
"How dare you fool me!" Hiranyaksha screamed, his voice echoing like thunder. With a wave of his massive hand, he summoned winds and clouds, launching them straight at Indra and the devas.
The sky and ocean suddenly darkened; everything lost its color and turned pitch black. Indra looked up and saw the winds and clouds gathering, roaring with the force of airwaves, while a massive hand blotted out the sky and sun as it came crashing down towards them.
This Hiranyaksha is truly powerful!
Fortunately, there was someone above him! Indra steadied himself, coughed twice to clear his throat, and raised his voice, calling out loudly,
"Lord Vishnu! Mandara Mountain is sinking in Krishi Sagara the universe is in danger. As the protector of the universe, If you do not reveal yourself now, when will you choose to show your presence?"
---
A ray of golden light suddenly emerged from behind Indra, casting shimmering spots that flickered and transformed into thousands of stars scattered just like the grain of sands of the Ganga. These stars dotted the luminous sea in a continuous patch, illuminating the Kshira Sagara.
Yet, beneath this radiant glow, everything appeared unchanged, as if the recent events had merely been a special effect.
"Hahaha! Indra are you using Maya to confuse me? Did you forget Maya is the forte of Asuras, not Devas? You won't intimidate me!" Hiranyaksha exclaimed, his anger palpable as he laughed derisively.
Maya means illusion!
The Vedas proclaim the existence of an omniscient and omnipotent supreme being in the universe: Brahman. Brahman is the source of all creation, eternal and unchanging, transcending time and space.
Everything in the world is a manifestation of Brahman, created through the illusion of its presence. Thus, what we perceive is not the ultimate reality but merely an illusion. Only by transcending this illusion can one find Brahman and achieve the highest state of oneness with the divine.
Maya is the reflection of Brahman, akin to the shadow of a dream, or the interplay of sunlight and moonlight.
"Lord Vishnu, what are you waiting for? Did you forget your promise?"
Indra, momentarily taken aback, looked around in confusion.
"Hiranyaksha!" Vishnu's calm voice suddenly resonated, echoing across the expanse of the Kshira Sagara.
The sound seemed to emanate from an infinite height, traversing immeasurable distances, rising higher than the earth, the Bhuloka, Svarga, Patala Loka, and even Kailash—higher than the very fabric of the world itself. Indra followed the voice and looked up.
At that infinite height, Vishnu manifested in his divine form, a striking blue figure with four arms, standing majestically above the cosmos. At this moment, Vishnu seemed to be within the Goloka Vrindavan, radiating divine light. He held a massive, heavy vessel in one hand, from which fragrant nectar flowed, transforming into the Kshira Sagara.
So grand! So immense! It felt as though the world could be obliterated in an instant.
As the protector of the universe, Vishnu's power could even temporarily surpass that of Shiva during the preservation of existence, granting him the capacity to annihilate any adharma that wishes to harm the balance of the universe. However, he would never bring destruction upon it, for doing so would strip him of his identity and authority as the World Protector.
Hiranyaksha watched from a distance, overwhelmed by a mix of shock, anger, and horror. Suddenly, a flash of golden light erupted, and the magnificent Sudarshan Chakra emerged from Vishnu's hand.
With a swift motion, the Sudarshan Chakra flew from Vishnu's fingertip like a dream, traversing countless spaces in an instant, and heading straight for Hiranyaksha's neck.
Surprised, the surrounding Devas quickly regained their courage and erupted in cheers.
"Excellent! Lord Vishnu has taken action, and Hiranyaksha is no more!" Surya exclaimed, his voice echoing with triumph.
"Hahaha! No Asura or even a Deva can withstand the power of the Sudarshan Chakra! With Hiranyaksha defeated, the Asuras will be leaderless and unable to conquer Svarga!" Varuna added, a smirk playing on his lips.
"We are truly lucky that the asura king is so foolish to face the Trimurit," Vayu chimed in, his eyes shining with admiration as he gazed at the spectacle before them. "The Sudarshan Chakra will never fail its purpose! Its light will cut through the darkness, ensuring that balance prevails!"
But Indra's expression shifted as he frowned. "Hiranyaksha seems to be blessed by Brahma, doesn't he?" Indra muttered, narrowing his eyes as he focused intently on Hiranyaksha.
At that moment, Hiranyaksha was filled with shock and rage. As the Sudarshan Chakra approached, he instinctively turned his head and closed his eyes.
Boom!
In the blink of an eye, the Sudarshan Chakra struck Hiranyaksha's neck. The wheel spun relentlessly, but despite its might—capable of cleaving through the Kshira Sagara and slicing Mount Mandara—it encountered an impenetrable force, unable to even sever a single hair on his head.
Vishnu frowned slightly as his divine form returned, two rays of golden light emerged from him. One ray fell onto Mount Mandara, which had plunged into the Kshira Sagara, causing enormous waves to surge into the sky. A gigantic turtle emerged, lifting Mount Mandara from the depths.
Kurma, the divine turtle, poked its round-beaked head out of the water as Mount Mandara began to rise slowly.
Another flicker of golden light danced around before settling beside Indra, manifesting into the original form of Vishnu, who now stared intently at Hiranyaksha before him.
"Karma!" Vishnu murmured. It was Brahma, the Creator among the Trimurti, who had granted Hiranyaksha an almost insurmountable boon: the assurance that no Deva, nor demon, could bring him harm.
Hiranyaksha slowly opened his eyes.
"Hahaha! The Protector of the Universe is nothing more than that! Only my brother and I are the strongest in the Triloka!" he boasted, throwing his head back in laughter.
He clasped his head with both hands, twisting his neck until it cracked loudly, bones popping in a display of strength. Then, curling the corners of his mouth into a smirk, he raised his hand with an air of arrogance, pinching the Sudarshan Chakra between his two fingers. Sudarshan Chakra paused in midair, held precariously on his fingertips as he glared provocatively at Vishnu.
Vishnu's expression tightened slightly. He moved his fingers just a bit, and the dazzling sight of Sudarshan Chakra transformed into golden light, dissipating and returning to his fingertips.
Boons, the fruits of Karma are laws of the world, directly embedded in the reality of the particular universe, making even the Trimurti struggle to directly break them.
The Devas watched in terror. This Hiranyaksha's boon was so formidable that even the World Protector, one of the Trimurti's weapons, could not harm him.
"Impossible! How could he block the Lord's Sudarshan Chakra?" Suryadeva exclaimed, eyes widening in disbelief.
"He must have received a boon. Could it be that he has performed penance for Lord Brahma?" Agni speculated, suddenly slapping his thigh.
"It must be this way! It must be!" Vayudev and Varunadev echoed, their voices tinged with astonishment.
…
In Brahmaloka, Brahma's expression darkened slightly as he slowly turned his head, deliberately avoiding the gaze of Saraswati across from him. Intrigued, Saraswati couldn't help but wonder. She was certain that the blessing must have come from her husband!
"Well!" she exclaimed. "When Hiranyaksha was in Patala Loka, he worshipped diligently and received a boon. The invulnerability of meeting his death by neither any god, man, nor beast!"
Brahma recounted the entire story in a deep, resonant voice.
Upon hearing this, Saraswati's eyes widened in shock, and her beautifully arched brows knitted together in concern. "In that case, the Devas will be in serious trouble!"
…
"No one can defeat me! No one!" Hiranyaksha bellowed, his laughter echoing across the Kshira Sagara. He transformed his hand into a divine hammer that blotted out the sky and struck Indra with immense force.
Indra snorted coldly and retreated behind Vishnu. This Hiranyaksha wielded the power of a blessing; no one in Svarga or on Bhuloka could harm him. According to legend, Vishnu had once separated the incarnation of a wild boar that was neither Deva, demon, nor human, and had fought fiercely with Hiranyaksha for thousands of years before finally defeating him. The stronger Hiranyaksha grew, the stronger he became.
But before Indra stood Vishnu. As long as Indra remained here, no one could harm him. A faint golden light emanated from Vishnu's body, shimmering upward and producing a deafening rumble upon impact, effectively blocking the power of the giant hammer. Vishnu frowned in concentration.
At that moment, a bright white light suddenly illuminated the distance. Led by Rishi Shukracharya, the Asura teacher, and accompanied by Vajra Shen, Holika, Puloman and Viprachitti took the forefront.
Hundreds of thousands of Asuras surged forward.
"Hahaha! My army of Asuras has arrived! You Devas will become my prisoners today!" Hiranyaksha laughed heartily, casting a triumphant glance at the multitude of Devas.
With so many Asuras at his command, capturing a few Devas who had lost their divine powers would be an easy feat. He was certain of victory!
Surya and the other Devas were frightened into silence, quickly flying to Vishnu's side and gazing at him with pleading expressions.
Vishnu frowned at the sight. The Devas' growing panic was palpable as they waited for his response.
"With so many Asuras, we are outmatched. Why don't we return to Svarga?" Varunadev suggested in a low voice.
As soon as he spoke, the other Devas quickly echoed their agreement.
Surya furrowed his brow, his golden eyes shimmering with concern. "Indeed, that makes sense. We should think this through carefully!"
Agni nodded, his flames flickering with urgency. "Lord, what should we do?"
Vayu crossed his arms, the wind swirling around him. "Yes, since you are here, we trust that everything will be fine. But if not, we should leave at once!"
The Devas exhibited their anxious nature when they met dangerous asuras, their panic intensifying by the moment. Indra surveyed the approaching army. His eyes glimmered like the sun, growing brighter with determination.
Look at that formation! So many Asuras!
This isn't good! Indra looked resolute as he took a step forward, tilting his head slightly to address Vishnu.
"Lord Vishnu we can't defeat Hiranyaksha as he has the boon from Trimurti Brahma but can you at least take down the other Asuras? Lord Vishnu, can you use the Sudarshana Chakra against them!"
---
Ganga is believed to reside in Swarga as Akasha Ganga, a celestial river flowing through the cosmos. When Ganga was brought down from the Svarga which occurred because of a royal sage Bhagiratha, her might was so overwhelming that Lord Shiva contained her in his hair, taming her turbulent energy and releasing her gradually to benefit humanity. In the epic Mahabharata, Ganga is the mother of the warrior Bhishma, the Grandsire of Arjuna.
Goloka Vrindavan is considered the highest spiritual realm, the eternal abode of Lord Krishna and his devotees.
---
"Use the Sudarshana Chakra on the Asura legions!" Indra declared solemnly.
As soon as the words left his lips, a look of hesitation crossed Vishnu's visage. His eyes swept over the vast army of Asuras, and he appeared troubled by the decision, letting out a long sigh.
"Isn't that a bit extreme?" Vishnu questioned. How could he justify the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of Asuras without hesitation?
"This is not extreme at all!" Indra replied, shaking his head. "As soldiers, they are not at fault, but they serve Hiranyaksha in his tyranny, acting out of greed. They are nothing more than warriors who cannot uphold Dharma!"
He continued, "Moreover, Hiranyaksha can overpower many Devas on his own. If these Asuras are eliminated, he might retreat and regroup!"
At that moment, the Devas began to understand. Enlightenment sparked among them, and they rallied in support.
"Yes, it would be magnificent if we could rid ourselves of these Asuras!" Surya exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
"Indeed! Then Svarga will be secure! The Bhuloka will bask in peace!" Varuna chimed in, nodding eagerly.
"What a brilliant plan! Truly worthy of the King of Svarga!" Vayu added, his voice rising in excitement.
It all made sense. These Asuras were not nearly as powerful as Hiranyaksha. Some were not much different from the Devas, while many others were on the same level as the Gandharva.
If Vishnu were to take action now and eliminate the Asura armies, it would render Hiranyaksha's boon and threat meaningless.
Upon hearing this, Vishnu lowered his head, contemplating the idea with a thoughtful expression. This argument truly made sense! He had never held much affection for the Asuras; after all, they were descendants of Brahma and not his followers. However, as he considered their plight, his heart began to stir.
Yet, he quickly realized that this was not the course of action he should take. The current was the first Yuga, Satya yuga at the dawn of creation, a time when all living beings were flourishing across the Triloka, teeming with vitality and competition.
The Satya Yuga would last for 1,728,000 years! If he were to eliminate most of the Asuras, their karmic birthright would disrupt the world's balance, causing it to leap from the Perfect Era, effectively skipping a crucial period of growth from childhood to maturity.
The karmic repercussions could be so severe that even Shiva might personally intervene to stop him. He couldn't allow that to happen! Vishnu contemplated his thoughts and shook his head immediately.
Indra couldn't help but feel disappointed at this response. He wanted to see a river of blood!
In the Mahabharata, the era of satya yuga had long since passed. Vishnu took the avatar of Krishna, igniting the war between the Pandavas and the Kuru tribe. A staggering 2.7 million soldiers gathered in the plains of Kuru, ready to slaughter one another in the Battle of Kurukshetra.
At that time, Krishna had urged Arjuna to engage in battle, declaring that those who did not uphold dharma must be eliminated.
Kill, kill!
As a result, the two sides clashed, blood spilling across the Kuru fields.
"!!!" Rishi Shukracharya couldn't help but gasp.
Indra was truly ruthless! Both the Devas and the Asuras were sons of Kashyapa Rishi, yet here was Indra, insisting that Vishnu eliminate most of the Asuras. The notion was not only extreme but also potentially disastrous.
How terrifying!
"Teacher, what should we do now?" Vajrananga, an Asura and also a son of Kashyapa, turned to Rishi Shukracharya beside him.
They were belligerent but not foolish! With one of the Trimurti aligned against them, if Vishnu truly followed through, wouldn't it spell their doom?
Shukracharya's eyes darkened slightly as he contemplated Hiranyaksha's fury. At that moment, Hiranyaksha was seething with anger, glaring at Vishnu as if ready to attack.
If we act now, it could spell disaster if Vishnu discovers the weakness granted by Brahma's boon on Hiranyaksha, Shukracharya thought to himself.
Taking a step forward, he flew to Hiranyaksha's side and addressed Vishnu. "I propose a temporary truce to churn the Kshira Sagara and restore the powers of both the Devas and the Asuras," he declared.
As soon as he spoke, Hiranyaksha's eyes widened in dissatisfaction, fixing an intense stare on Rishi Shukracharya. Shukracharya met his gaze with a cold, unyielding expression, as hard as ice.
Hiranyaksha narrowed his eyes, snorted disdainfully, and turned away, falling silent.
"Agreed!" Vishnu replied with a slight nod. A golden light emanated from his body before vanishing.
Rishi Shukracharya sighed in relief. He had genuinely feared that Vishnu might take matters into his own hands. Vishnu was known as the slayer of Asuras, having vanquished not just a few, but eight hundred of them. The animosity between him and Vishnu stemmed from the time Vishnu had used the Sudarshana Chakra to eliminate his Asura kin.
Now, Shukracharya shifted his gaze to the Devas. The Devas were completely unaccustomed to the cold, hard expression on Shukracharya's face.
The Suryadev turned his head, staring at the huge white waves of the Kshira Sagara. Agnidev, glanced nervously from side to side, avoiding eye contact with anyone. Vayudev, regarded Rishi Shukracharya with a cautious demeanor, while Varunadev, lowered his head in a daze.
Indra observed Shukracharya with curiosity. If he remembered correctly, in the future, Rishi Shukracharya would perform penance to Lord Shiva and acquire the Sanjeevani mantra to resurrect the Asuras, thereby confronting the immortal Devas with Amrita. Later on, despite any failures Asura Kings faced, Shukracharya would guide a new wave of attacks against the Devas.
This old man is quite formidable and will never give up! Indra mused. In comparison, Rishi Brihaspati, the mentor to the Devas, seemed to lack the same resolution in dealing with Asuras. Ironically, both Rishis shared a strong bond, considering each other good friends.
As Rishi Shukracharya and Indra locked eyes, their gazes met in the void for a brief moment. Finally, Shukracharya shifted his focus to Rishi Brihaspati. He snorted disdainfully, withdrawing his gaze, and turned to Hiranyaksha.
"Indra, the King of Svarga, is not easy to deal with right now. You'd better be cautious," he warned.
Hiranyaksha sneered confidently. "Rest assured! My boon is invincible. Not even the weapons of Trimuti, let alone the King of Svarga, can lay a finger on me." His tone dripped with arrogance.
Snort!
Hearing this, Rishi Shukracharya let out a cold snort. "You are far too arrogant, and sooner or later, you will fall to their hands!" With that, Rishi Shukracharya chose not to say more; his priority was to protect the remaining Asuras. With Vishnu now involved as his avatar Kurma was carrying the Mandara mountain, enshrining Goddess Lakshmi in Patala Loka out of question! It was better to seize the Amrita while they still had the chance.
As he contemplated this, a massive wave suddenly surged from the Kshira Sagara. Giant wings darkened the sky as a golden-winged eagle swept across the waters. Many Gandharva and the legion of Devas perched on the back of the magnificent creature, wielding divine spears and bows, exchanging glances with one another from a distance.
"The legions of Devas are finally here!" Indra observed the divine host, but his heart remained uneasy.
Even after churning countless treasures from the Kshira Sagara, a fierce battle still loomed between the Asuras and the Devas—a dangerous prospect indeed. And that wasn't even the worst of it! A terrifying poison was sure to be released from the depths of the Kshira Sagara.
Halahala!
"I must be careful!" Indra thought.
---
Sanjeevani Mantra is a powerful and sacred mantra in Hinduism believed to possess the ability to restore life and vitality. The word "Sanjeevani" comes from the Sanskrit root "Sanjeev," which means "to revive" or "to restore life.
