A column of golden lightning erupted from Indra's body, splitting the sky and clouds as it surged upward toward the Svarga. Almost simultaneously, the throat chakras of other Devas—Vayudev, Agni, Varuna, and Suryadev—flared to life. The wind, fire, water, and light columns followed, racing toward the Svargaloka.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
The light columns, brimming with the power of the chief Devas, shot upward, joining Indra's lightning column. Indra's lightning reached the Svarga first, exploding upon impact. The lightning danced like dragons and Snakes, crackling as it struck at the very center of the divine realm.
In the heart of the explosion, an immense and indescribable city materialized amidst the lightning.
This city, Amaravati, spanned 2,500 yojanas on each side and rose one and a half yojanas high. Its vast, flat expanse stood as a gleaming testament to divine craftsmanship. The city walls, made of radiant gold, emanated an ethereal glow. A thousand gates, each facing a different direction, were adorned with pearls, conch shells, corals, and lush trees. White clouds floated gracefully at ground level, creating the sensation of walking on a luxurious brocade.
Amaravati was the dwelling place of Indra, the lord of the Svarga.
Not far behind, the palaces of the wind, fire, water, and sun Devas rumbled into existence, rising alongside the divine columns of their respective elements. Wind, fire, and water surged and spread throughout the Svarga, each element blessing the power of the Devas with its divine might.
"Indra's power is coming back!"
Indra felt the surge of energy coursing through his body. His heart raced, his blood boiled, and he couldn't help but mutter in awe.
The Svarga was the domain of the Devas, but it was also the domain of the King of Svarga. While the Devas—Vayu, Agni, Varuna, and Surya—had divided the Svarga into their respective divine realms, the entire expanse ultimately belonged to Indra, the ruler of all.
Lightning flashed in Indra's eyes as he felt a tremor ripple through his mind.
Power.
The power of the entire Svarga flowed through him. It was overwhelming, too powerful to fully grasp.
As Indra reveled in his newfound strength, his senses sharpened.
Meanwhile, Hiranyaksha's eyes opened wide with excitement, his beard curling in eager anticipation as his body trembled with renewed vigor. The power of the earth surged through him, completely restoring him to his peak. As the Asura King, he now had the strength to shake the very foundations of the world. Combined with the divine blessings he had received, he was nearly unstoppable.
"I am invincible!" Hiranyaksha declared, his voice thunderous. His gaze locked onto Indra, and a wild grin split his face as he laughed with manic excitement.
"Hahaha! Let me test the power of the Svarga and see what you're truly made of, Lord of the Svarga!"
With a roar of laughter, Hiranyaksha took a step forward. His massive body covered thousands of miles in an instant, and a colossal golden hammer descended from the sky, aimed directly at Indra.
A terrifying aura filled the air, and Indra instinctively extended his hand, his fingers splayed wide.
In a flash of golden light, a Vajra materialized in his grasp. Violent lightning crackled and surged across the weapon's surface, bursting with destructive energy like the very fire of the Svarga.
Boom!
When the two forces collided, a shockwave of unimaginable power erupted. The air trembled, and even the fabric of space seemed to crack under the strain.
After the initial clash, the aftershock made Indra's wrist numb, but it also cleared his mind. He stood ready for what was to come next.
"Hiss!"
Indra couldn't help but inhale sharply. With the power of the Svarga coursing through him, he felt nearly invincible, ready to charge at Hiranyaksha Ashura and engage in combat. But the power from Svarga couldn't compare with the boon of Trimurti Brahma.
As soon as his mind cleared, Indra swiftly retreated, feigning defeat as he withdrew back toward the Devas.
Hiranyaksha, sensing his victory, raised his hand and pointed at the retreating Indra, a sneer curling across his lips. "Is this all the power of the Lord of Svarga?" he mocked, shaking his head. "After churning the Kshira Sgara, I will return to fight you in the Svarga. Just wait!"
With that, he turned and walked away, his laughter echoing.
Surya, basking in his golden radiance, raised his left hand with a graceful yet arrogant air. "Once Soma returns, and we drink his Soma rasa, these Asuras will be no match for us!" he declared, his golden attire gleaming brilliantly as he walked with a regal swagger.
The darkness that had once clung to him had receded, leaving him with a striking appearance: handsome, adorned in golden garments, and exuding an undeniable arrogance in every step.
"Yes," added Vayu who wore a golden hoop and light armor, his posture noble and confident. "Once Soma is here, our divine power will be strengthened!"
Agni and Varuna stood nearby, both restored to their former glory. Clad in golden armor and jeweled ornaments, their radiance shone brightly as they nodded in agreement.
Indra remained silent, his thoughts deep in contemplation.
Soma was the Deva of wine and the moon. His name was synonymous with the potent beverage that, when consumed by the Devas, significantly increased their strength, boosting their divine power and doubling their combat abilities.
But...
Indra knew that, in comparison to the divine boon, the power gained from drinking Soma was feeble. The true strength lay not in the drink, but in the divine favor bestowed upon them.
Soma's power, while useful, had become outdated. The new generation understood that boons were the true path to greater strength. The ship that once carried Soma had long since sailed.
Boons were the true answer, the key to achieving ultimate power.
"From this perspective, the Devas are conservatives, and the Asuras are the reformists!" Indra couldn't help but reflect, his mind running wild with thought.
At that moment, a radiant cascade of beams of light descended from the Sky, illuminating the world below. From within the celestial glow, Lord Vishnu appeared beside Goddess Lakshmi, his face adorned with a gentle, knowing smile. As he stood by her side, Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, gazed at him with profound affection, her eyes reflecting the timeless bond they shared. In a gesture of sacred devotion, she lovingly adorned him with a varmala—a garland of divine flowers, symbolizing their eternal union.
It was as though the very cosmos had conspired to honor this celestial marriage, a union that transcended all realms and time. In that fleeting, yet infinite moment, the divine couple exchanged a glance filled with love and promise before vanishing together, leaving behind a sense of peace and blessings that made Asuras and Devas happy and jealous.
Seeing this, Hiranyaksha snorted coldly, his face tightening with displeasure. His mission to the Kshira Sagara had been to capture Goddess Lakshmi and enshrine her in Patalaloka, but now she had been taken by Vishnu once again, just as he had finally managed to bring her out. His fists clenched, and his anger flared.
Just then, the Asura general Viprachitti approached Hiranyaksha.
"King, it wasn't just Goddess Lakshmi who emerged just now," Viprachitti reported. "Another Goddess has appeared as well."
"We've located another goddess!" he added.
"This Goddess was recently born. There wasn't much of a disturbance when she emerged, but we found her."
Viprachitti's words caught the attention of the surrounding Asuras, and their eyes lit up with interest. Goddess Lakshmi had followed Vishnu, leaving the Devas empty-handed. But now, they had found another Goddess.
"Good fortune!" Hiranyaksha murmured.
Rishi Shukracharya furrowed his brow, sensing something unusual about this new Goddess.
Hiranyaksha, on the other hand, was ecstatic. "Bring her here, quickly!" he ordered eagerly.
"Yes, King!" Viprachitti responded and sped off. Before long, he returned with the Goddess in tow.
Hiranyaksha's expression shifted as he examined the Goddess. He frowned, confusion clouding his thoughts. The Goddess stood before him in tattered clothing, her hair wild and unkempt. Her appearance was unsettling—her feet were shaped like those of an antelope, her eyes like the unblinking gaze of a goldfish, and her thick, twisted lips were sharp like the teeth of a bull. Nothing about her seemed divine, yet the potent surge of divine energy emanating from her form made Hiranyaksha pause—doubting, but unable to ignore the unmistakable aura of her true nature.
Goddess Lakshmi was a vision of glory, so why did this one appear so ragged and unattractive?
After a long silence, Hiranyaksha finally asked, "Devi... what is your name?"
The unattractive Goddess spoke slowly, her voice rough and grating, like the sound of metal scraping against stone.
"Jyestha," she said, her tone almost like a whisper.
Hiranyaksha crossed his arms, deep in thought. This Goddess, Jyestha, may not be as beautiful as Lakshmi, but being born alongside Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, surely there is some connection between them. Their names are similar too. She must have some significance. We can't let the Devas learn of her—she must be sent away immediately, back to the Patalaloka.
With this decision in mind, he waved his hand, summoning Asura Holika.
"Holika, take this devi back to the Patalaloka at once!" Hiranyaksha commanded.
---
Jyestha otherwise known as Alakshmi, the Goddess of Misfortune, stands as the shadow of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. While Lakshmi bestows fortune and abundance, Alakshmi represents the absence of both, embodying misfortune, scarcity, and adversity. She is also the wife of Kali (The embodiment of Kalyuga, the Age of Darkness and Strife.)
---
Asura Teacher, Rishi Shukraacharya, suddenly interjected.
His white sacrificial robe was impeccably straight, and as he stepped forward, the Naga staff was firmly planted by his side. He clasped his hands together and greeted Devi Alakshmi before him.
"Devi!" he exclaimed. "Please remain here for the time being. Now is the time for various items to rise from Kshira Sagara. We cannot afford to send a single asura back to Pataloloka!" Rishi Shukraacharya spoke with deep conviction, his voice steady and urgent.
"As the Amrita is about to emerge from the churning of the ocean, it is vital that we hold our ground. The Devas have regained their strength, and their forces are once again formidable. Sending one of our strongest warriors, like Holika, to Patalaloka at this moment could lead to irreversible consequences. We need every capable Asura here, ready to claim what is rightfully ours before the Devas can make their move."
Though he felt that Devi Alakshmi and Devi Lakshmi were closely related, like sisters, something about the situation seemed amiss. His wisdom urged caution.
"If we send Devi Alakshmi back to Patalaloka now, I fear something disastrous may occur," he continued. "It would be wiser to keep her with the Asura army for now. I will meditate and, through the power of the Vedas, explore the inner and outer realms to uncover the true identity and authority of the Devi."
At this, Hiranyaksha Asura became restless and could not listen any longer.
"Teacher!" he interrupted.
"With me on the battlefield, I will not be defeated by any Deva. What's more, my brother is about to complete his penance. When that happens, the Trimurti will be powerless against us."
Hiranyaksha clenched his right fist and struck his chest. A thunderous boom echoed as if the very earth itself shook with the immense and boundless power within him.
Having said this, Hiranyaksha ignored Rishi Shukraacharya's warning and waved to Asura Holika.
"Go!" he commanded. "Upon returning to Pataloka, build a temple for the Devi, light the Yajna Agni, offer tributes, and worship her!"
Turning to Devi Alakshmi, Hiranyaksha spoke with sincerity. "I swear by King Asura that from this moment on, the Pataloka shall be your eternal home, Devi!" With open arms, he smiled warmly in welcome to the Devi.
Boom!
The ground trembled slightly, as though the oath of Hiranyaksha was being witnessed by the very trilokas itself.
At the sound, Alakshmi 's once grim face flushed slightly, and a mix of emotions swept over her. Her goldfish-like eyes blinked, feeling a surge of emotion, and she nodded firmly.
"From now on, I will remain in the Underworld!" Alakshmi declared gratefully.
"Hahaha, very well!" Hiranyaksha beamed with pride. "My kingdom needs a Devi like you!"
Rishi Shukraacharya's face remained as rigid as a stone statue. He said nothing, merely turning and walking away.
Thud!
It wasn't enough!
Hiranyaksha, not even bothering to glance at him, turned his head dismissively. This old man had been telling him how to do things for too long. It was clear to him that they had welcomed a Devi and would soon defeat the Devas after churning the Kshira Sagara. Yet, this old man continued to talk back and challenge him.
It was better this way, now that he was gone.
Vajranga's gaze followed Rishi Shukraacharya as he walked away, and he took a step to chase after him. But after that first step, he hesitated. He glanced at his eldest brother, Hiranyaksha, unsure of whether to proceed.
"Well..." he murmured.
"I suppose only a Hiranyakashipu can sway Hiranyaksha, right?" Vajranga couldn't help but sigh, then withdrew his steps.
The Hiranyakashipu was his twin brother. Currently, he was in the Bhuloka, enduring a prolonged penance to Brahma, the creator, and had yet to come to the Kshira Sagara.
"Teacher!"
Puloman, visibly anxious, looked around a few times before quietly flying out, moving with care.
"Puloman!"
Rishi Shukraacharya flew high above the Kshira Sagara, his expression dark as he prepared to return to Earth.
"Teacher! Wait!"
Suddenly, a voice called out from behind him. Could it be that Hiranyaksha had changed his mind?
Shukraacharya froze, slowly turning around. A flicker of disappointment crossed his face when he saw Puloman standing behind him.
"Teacher!" Puloman clasped his hands together and bowed respectfully.
"What's the matter?" Rishi Shukraacharya's face was as stone, his voice deep and steady.
Puloman smiled, looking at Rishi Shukraacharya with respect. "Teacher, Hiranyaksha is arrogant and reckless. I have come to apologize for his rudeness."
Shukraacharya, too tired to entertain pleasantries, narrowed his eyes. Was Puloman here for this?
A joke!
"Stop with the nonsense. What do you actually want? If you don't speak clearly, I'll leave." Shukraacharya snorted coldly.
Puloman visibly stiffened, taking a deep breath before speaking. "I ask, Teacher, that you come to the palace of our Danava clan and guide us in our fight to defeat the Devas."
At this, Shukraacharya's gaze shifted, appraising Puloman carefully. "I know you, Puloman," he said, his voice measured. "You are the son of Danu, the mother of the Danava clan. It seems you've grown quite wise."
The Asuras are generally divided into two branches. One branch is the sons of Diti, known as the Daityas. The other branch is the Sons of Danu, called the Danava.
Puloman's excitement was evident as he quickly clasped his hands together and said, "Thank you..." But before he could finish, Shukraacharya's tone shifted, and a sneer crossed his face.
"Ha, it's a pity you're too weak." Rishi Shukraacharya continued, his voice cold.
"Not only are you no match for Hiranyaksha and the Hiranyakashipu, but can you even defeat the Vajrasna? You can't. Without hard work, you can't even become the king of Asuras let alone Triloka."
He stared at Puloman, delivering each word with measured slowness. Puloman's earlier joy quickly faded, replaced by unease.
"The current Lord of Svarga, Indra, is far too cunning and ruthless," Shukraacharya continued. "Even if you control the Bhuloka and Patalaloka and receive the boons, you still wouldn't stand a chance against Indra. He would destroy you without hesitation. What's worse, he's even stronger and wiser than before."
Puloman's face darkened with frustration.
"You still have tens of thousands of years before you could possibly defeat Indra," Shukraacharya's voice was calm, yet it struck deeply into Puloman's heart. "If this is the mindset you have, you'd be better off focusing your energy on serious penance."
Puloman's face turned from blue to black with anger. His lips trembled, his expression deeply troubled.
"Hiranyaksha is indeed arrogant, but his strength is real, and his dedication to training is even more so. Hiranyakashipu may be stubborn, but his strength is also the result of relentless effort. His hard work will make him even more powerful than Hiranyaksha."
Rishi Shukraacharya paused and looked at Puloman with a critical gaze.
"Almost all of Diti's offspring in your generation are stronger than you. Perhaps you should return, focus on having more children, hope for a better chance, and make your mother proud in the future." Shukraacharya's voice grew colder.
"I'm glad you came to me, but I'm angry that it was for such a reason. You are Danu's son but don't forget Hiranyaksha is your King and brother from father's side. Do you want to go against him?"
"Even if you succeed, you still can't defeat Indra! I advise you to focus on taking care of yourself!" Rishi Shukraacharya had barely finished speaking when Puloman snarled in fury.
"Enough!" His eyes burned scarlet, his beard and hair whipped in a wild frenzy—he was furious. A massive scimitar materialized in his hand, its sharp edge gleaming with menace.
At this point, Puloman had lost all control. Knowing something was one thing, but hearing it spoken aloud was entirely different.
"It's just Indra. If Hiranyaksha can defeat him, so can I! I will conquer the Svarga! I will surely defeat Indra!" he bellowed, his voice filled with fury.
"An old man who only knows how to teach—what do you know of war?" he roared. With a flash of golden light, Puloman swung his scimitar toward Rishi Shukraacharya, his anger boiling over.
But Rishi Shukraacharya's gaze hardened, and an overwhelming aura of power surged from him.
"Presumptuous!" Rishi Shukraacharya's voice rang out like thunder, each word shaking the very air. Puloman staggered back, taken aback by the force of the sage's presence. His chest heaved, and slowly, his fury began to subside.
"Puloman, you dare to attack me? I curse you!" Rishi Shukraacharya's white hair whipped violently around him as his voice echoed with divine fury. "Puloman, everything you hold dear will be taken from you by Indra! You will fall by his hand as well!"
At these words, Puloman froze, his expression turning blank as a cold chill ran through him.
"Something I hold dear?" He muttered, confusion seeping into his mind. "My wealth? My throne? Or... my daughter, Shachi?"
---
"Ah-choo!" Indra sneezed violently. He frowned, instinctively raising a hand to rub his nose. Strange, he thought. He was the mighty Lord of Svarga, the Deva of Thunder and Lightning—the sovereign of the celestial realms. Could he be affected by something as trivial as a cold? It was perplexing. Could someone be calling him?
He pondered, then shook his head. As the eldest Deva and ruler of the Svargas, he could hear the prayers of any devotee who built an altar, kindled a Yajna Agni, and called upon him with devotion. But to sneeze at the mere mention of his name—unlikely, unless one had attained extraordinary devotion.
Only by opening the Ajna Chakra, the sixth of the seven chakras, could a Deva be alerted when someone simply spoke his name. The Ajna Chakra, a symbol of wisdom, granted insight and awareness, enabling a Deva to feel even the faintest invocation as a tribute and a source of strength.
This heightened perception was just one gift of the Ajna Chakra. Its greater power lay in helping the Devas endure and overcome divine trials. The entire existence of the universe was divided into four cosmic ages, each representing a distinct phase in the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. These ages were: Satya Yuga, the Age of Truth, where righteousness reigned supreme; Treta Yuga, the Age of Three, during which Vishnu incarnated in three avatars to preserve the waning righteousness; Dvapara Yuga, the Age where the last two pillars of humanity—compassion and truthfulness—stood firm; and Kali Yuga, the Age of Strife, marked by moral decay and chaos. Together, these ages spanned 4.32 million years.
Satya Yuga was the Age of Perfection, where truth, virtue, and righteousness (dharma) reigned supreme. It was a golden age, where harmony and divine presence flourished. The Devas and humans lived in purity, with no need for strife. Life was long, and the consciousness of all beings was elevated. The divine order was upheld without effort, and sin did not exist.
As time moved forward, Treta Yuga emerged. In this age, righteousness began to wane, with dharma divided into three parts, and human beings became more inclined toward material desires. Although virtue still existed, it was not in its perfect form. Divine intervention became more frequent as the Devas worked to guide the world back toward harmony. It was during this age that Lord Rama incarnated to restore balance, marking one of the greatest divine acts in human history.
Following this was Dvapara Yuga where dharma was reduced to only half of its former strength. The world descended into conflict and strife, with the divine presence growing weaker. The Devas continued their efforts, but the material world was increasingly dominated by greed and ambition. The Mahabharata unfolded in this age, where the epic battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for righteousness.
Finally, Kali Yuga, the Age of Strife, arrived. This was the darkest and shortest of the four yugas, where virtue was nearly extinguished. The world was engulfed in chaos, suffering, and moral decay. Humanity was focused solely on material pursuits, with little regard for spiritual truth or divine connection. In this age, beings were short-lived and plagued by constant strife. The divine presence was veiled, and the Devas struggled more than ever to maintain balance.
4.32 billion years, made up one day for Brahma, also known as a Maha Kalpa which is followed by the "Great Wave of Calamity"—a cycle of day and night that marked the trials faced by the entire universe.
When Shiva initiates the destruction, the world will indeed meet its end, completely obliterated. Without the opening of the Ajna Chakra, the Devas would face full reincarnation, compelled to unravel the karma of their past lives and reestablish their ranks. Only then would Brahma recreate the cosmos. Thus, the Ajna Chakra marks the state of "Reincarnation at the End of Tribulation."
As for the final Sahasrara, Crown Chakra, it is said to represent the state of "Unity of Brahman and Self"—a transcendence even Indra had yet to comprehend. He murmured to himself, "Time is ticking. If I fail to unlock the Ajna Chakra, even I, the Lord of Svarga, will have only 4.3 billion years left."
With a resigned sigh, he pondered his fleeting time, ironic as it was for a being of his stature.
Just then, radiant beams streamed down from above the Kshira Sagara, or Milk Ocean, casting a warm glow that filled Indra with peace. In the heart of this golden light sat Vishnu and Lakshmi, poised on a lotus, their gazes serene yet all-encompassing, observing Devas and Asuras alike.
Lakshmi, radiant with divine light, followed Vishnu's gaze and noticed Alakshmi, who was departing with the Asuras. "She is my sister, born from Kshira Sagara," Lakshmi said softly. Turning to Vishnu, she smiled, "My dear, would you call her beautiful?"
Lakshmi's gentle smile radiated a beauty as serene and pure as a lotus in full bloom. It was as though, in that moment, her splendor filled the entire cosmos.
"Of course she is beautiful," Vishnu replied, a soft smile gracing his lips as he looked at Lakshmi with affection.
Alakshmi, the Devi of misfortune and poverty, carried the energies of conflict, jealousy, hardship, ignorance, and negativity—a near-opposite to Lakshmi. Yet, she shared almost the same origin, bound as both counterpart and contrast to her sister Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and light.
In Vishnu's eyes, Alakshmi was indeed a being much like Lakshmi. As radiant as his beloved wife, so was her counterpart, Alakshmi. To praise Alakshmi, Vishnu thought, was also to honor Lakshmi.
"Nath, you know everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen in the entire universe," Lakshmi said playfully, her eyes sparkling. "So tell me, who is more beautiful—me or her?"
Vishnu replied with a calm smile, "Alakshmi is most beautiful when she walks away from me. And you, my beloved wife, are most beautiful when you face me."
The Devas and Asuras, though unable to hear the words exchanged between Vishnu and Lakshmi, keenly felt the undercurrent of the moment. A charged silence fell over the scene as if the very air quivered with the intensity of their gaze. The Devas, ever in awe of their divine lord and goddess, exchanged looks of reverence mixed with slight discomfort. While they adored the bond between Vishnu and Lakshmi, they couldn't help but feel that such open displays of affection were out of place amidst the turmoil of the ocean churning.
On the other side, the Asuras, with their usual bitterness and rivalry, exchanged glances laden with frustration. The sight of the divine couple locked in such an intimate connection only served to fuel their envy. They muttered amongst themselves, growing more irritated with each passing moment. Their task, already arduous, seemed to carry even more weight in the presence of such a display of divine affection.
Indra, observing the scene with a thoughtful frown, couldn't suppress a sigh. He glanced around at the churning ocean and then back at the divine couple, shaking his head. "Ah, love," he muttered, his tone tinged with a mix of envy and resignation. "I can't say I envy them."
He folded his arms, leaning slightly to the side with a rueful expression. "I suppose I'll just keep to my duties," he added, his voice carrying a hint of dry humor. "At least I don't have to deal with the... complications of romance."
Meanwhile, Hiranyaksha confirming that Alakshmi was the sister of Lakshmi, stirred with anticipation. Stepping forward, he rallied his army, readying them to resume their efforts. Victory seemed close at hand—first, the Amrita, and then the ultimate triumph over the Devas.
In the Deva ranks, Indra readied his forces as well. "Only two hundred years left to complete the thousand I need to finish my first layer of divine armor," he whispered to himself, excitement flaring. He could hardly wait.
The two sides took their positions once more. Under the watchful gaze of Vishnu and Lakshmi, the churning of the ocean of milk resumed with renewed vigor.
Boom! Both Devas and Asuras seized Vasuki, gripping its head and tail, and with a united force, they continued the legendary act of churning the cosmic sea.
Mandara Mountain rumbled as Vasuki's vast serpent scales moved like tectonic plates, heating with friction. Chunks of earth broke free, turning into mountain-like fragments that crashed down into the Kshira Sagara, each impact shaking the ocean.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The Kshira Sagara grew thicker and denser with each churn.
A century passed. Suddenly, a brilliant silvery-white light burst from the depths of the sea.
"Something's emerging!" Hiranyaksha's eyes widened as he saw a silver moon slowly rise from the Kshira Sagara, soaring swiftly into the sky.
"Somadev, the god of moon and wine!" he whispered, his gaze hardening. Hiranyaksha clenched his fists, the sound of his grip echoing.
"Everything coming out from Samundra Manthan shall belong to us, I will bring you down to Patalaloka with me!" Hiranyaksha stepped forward, his resolve unwavering. But as he prepared to advance, he halted, eyes widening as he murmured to himself.
"Mahadeva...?!"
Before him stood a towering figure clad in tiger skin and bearing a trident. The moon ascended, resting above this figure's head and transforming into a brilliant silver ornament.
Vishnu smiled knowingly but said nothing. Indra gazed up, immediately recognizing the imposing figure before him—it was Shiva, the god of Destruction.
Lord Shiva, the Deva of Destruction, the God of Innocence, and the Mahadeva, bearer of countless titles. Among Devas, he was reverently known as Mahadeva.
"Pranama Mahadev!" Indra exclaimed, bringing his hands together in reverence.
The Devas followed, voices raised in unified devotion.
"Pranama Mahadev!"
Amidst the resounding praises, Shiva smiled gently, and a soft silver light drifted down from the moon. The light descended among the Devas, taking the form of the Moon Deva Soma, clad in gleaming silver-white armor.
"Pranama Mahadev!" Soma declared, his silver armor glinting as he joined in reverence.
Shiva nodded slightly, his form dissolving into particles of golden light before disappearing.
"Lord Shiva just came to disrupt us and help the devas! Who doesn't know Soma's drink can boost any army's capabilities to their maximum." Hiranyaksha Asura's face darkened as he clenched his fists, striking the air in frustration, causing tremors throughout the Milky Sea.
"What should we do now, King?" asked Vajranga, anxiously.
"Keep stirring! Next time, it will be ours for sure!" Hiranyaksha replied, his voice steady and determined. "Next time, without a doubt!"
Another fifty years passed.
Boom!
A radiant Mani gem, brilliant as a pearl, rose from the sea. Its light filled the surrounding space, infusing the air with a sense of clarity and renewal.
"This gem is mine!" Hiranyaksha's eyes blazed with anger and disbelief.
"Ha?!" he growled, eyes narrowed as he watched the Mani gem settle on Vishnu.
"A gem?" Indra remarked, unmoved. He recalled what it was said to eventually gravitate toward Vishnu. He watched as the Kaustubha mani, almost instinctively, flew straight toward Vishnu, coming to rest upon his chest, where it shimmered brightly.
