Chapter 22 The Curse of Puloman
Vishnu smiled faintly. "Kaustubha Mani!" he declared, his voice calm yet authoritative.
"The Lotus-hued ruby is the most magnificent Ratnam in all creation, a symbol of wisdom, holiness, prosperity, and boundless vastness."
As Vishnu spoke, the Kaustubha mani radiated an ethereal brilliance from his chest. Its light shone like the meeting of the bright moon and the first rays of dawn as if offering silent prayers to the glory of the Lord. Hanging resplendently on Vishnu's chest, the gem seemed alive with divine energy.
Hiranyaksha snorted angrily, his head turning aside in frustration.
"What bad luck!" he muttered bitterly to himself. 'Why did everything of worth always fall into the hands of the Trimurti?'
Hiranyaksha's irritation was palpable, and the other Asuras stood silently, unwilling to provoke his wrath. After a tense moment, Hiranyaksha frowned and glanced at the group behind him. His expression darkened as he asked sharply, "Where is Puloman? Why is he missing?"
Both Vajranga and Viprachitti exchanged uncertain glances and shook their heads.
"We haven't seen him for a while my King," Viprachitti replied.
Just then, Puloman stepped forward from among the crowd of Asuras, flying toward Hiranyaksha with an uneasy smile on his face. "I'm here, King!" he announced hastily. "Some of the Asuras at the rear were struggling, so I went back to assist them."
Hiranyaksha's sharp gaze shifted to Puloman, noticing the beads of sweat dripping from his forehead. His frown deepened as he let out a cold snort.
"Lazy fool!" he barked. "Sweating just from churning one mountain when amrita is right around the corner? Go back and train harder!"
Puloman lowered his head, bowing respectfully as Hiranyaksha dismissed him and turned his focus back to the Devas of Svarga.
As Hiranyaksha's attention shifted, Puloman sighed in relief, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. However, his narrowed eyes glinted with malice as he glanced at the Devas.
"Indra..." Puloman hissed under his breath, gritting his teeth in silent fury.
The curse of Shukracharya still echoed in Puloman's ears. At the time, his mind had gone completely blank, and he couldn't even recall how he managed to return to the Asura army.
Meanwhile, the Devas and Asuras continued churning the Kshira Sagara with unwavering effort. Puloman stood at a distance, his sharp eyes fixed on Indra, observing him in secret.
To be honest, Puloman wasn't impressed. Apart from the moment when Indra pulled Vasuki's tail with brute force, the King of Svarga seemed to throw himself into the task with reckless abandon, lacking any semblance of strategic thought.
"Just a foolish brute!" Puloman thought, a sly grin creeping onto his face as he shook his head in disdain.
"Indra, you rely solely on brute strength," he muttered to himself. "You don't even know how to conserve your energy for defense. That's all there is to you!"
Puloman's lips curled into a cunning smile. "Ha! Once I become the King of the Asuras, I'll lead an attack on Svarga, destroy your arrogance, and kill you, Indra! Then the curse will never come to pass!"
He chuckled darkly at the thought, stroking his curly beard with an air of pride, basking in what he believed was his superior wisdom and strategic brilliance.
"Teacher," Puloman murmured under his breath, "I will never let your curse come true."
...
...
"If my calculations are correct, Uchchaihshravas should emerge soon! My penance is only fifty years away from completion!" Indra silently counted the time in his mind.
With the continued churning of the Kshira Sagara, the next treasure to appear should be Uchchaihshravas, the magnificent white horse. Beyond that, the remaining items from the Milky Sea included the horse king, Kalpavriksha, Halahala, and finally, Amrit.
Of all these, Indra's interest was solely fixated on Amrit.
"Vishnu would never allow the Amrit to fall into the hands of the Asuras," Indra mused. "In that case, I'd be better off retreating to avoid any risk of exposure to Halahala."
Indra weighed his options carefully. Vishnu had always been a reliable ally to the Devas, and it was through his efforts that they could claim Amrita, the divine nectar of immortality. With that comforting thought, Indra made up his mind to step back.
Just as he was about to retreat, a voice interrupted him. "Indra, where are you going?" Suryadev tilted his head, his expression curious.
Indra coughed, trying to mask his intention. "Ahem! Ahem! While churning the Kshira Sagara, I noticed Vayu blowing fiercely at Vasuki's tail. Some of the Gandharvas couldn't keep their grip and were thrown off. They were struggling to follow the rhythm, so I thought I'd go help them!"
He straightened up, his tone growing more confident as he spoke. "Yes, exactly that!"
Surya raised an eyebrow, his surprise was evident. "For that reason?"
Turning to glance at the group of Gandharvas behind them, Suryadev noticed that some were indeed injured, their efforts hampered by the chaotic gusts stirred by Vasuki's tail. It seemed Indra's excuse held some truth.
They had never paid attention to such matters before!
"King?!" Soma the moon deva gaped in confusion and shock, unable to contain his astonishment.
Having only just returned, Soma's consciousness was frozen in the moment he had vanished from Svarga. He had no idea what had transpired among the Devas during his absence. Why had their arrogant king and big brother changed so much?
What happened? How many years have passed? What did I miss?
As Soma tried to process his confusion, Brihaspati stepped forward, his pace slow and deliberate.
With a calm smile and a look of approval, Brihaspati turned to Indra and spoke with quiet admiration: "Then let the Ashwini twins accompany you. They are the Devas of medicine and can tend to the injured Gandharvas behind us."
"Great idea! I'll summon them!" Suryadev offered enthusiastically.
"The more hands, the better!" Indra agreed, nodding quickly.
Deep down, Indra was just looking for an excuse to step out of the fray. He hadn't thought too deeply about it, but now he had an opportunity to divert attention.
The Ashwini Kumaras often referred to as the 'Horsemen' forever young, handsome, and athletic, were named Nasatya and Dasra. These twin Devas were the sons of Surya, embodying the brilliance of Dawn, medicine, health, as well as healing sciences.
In no time, two strikingly handsome young men approached Indra, their eyes gleaming with reverence. They clasped their hands together, bowed low, and greeted him respectfully: "Pranam to the benevolent King of Svarga! Only you could think of the warriors' plight!"
Indra: "…"
For a moment, Indra was speechless, caught off guard by their heartfelt praise.
Clearing his throat, Indra straightened his posture, raised his hand to his heart with practiced authority, and said to the twins, "This is simply the duty of the King of Svarga. Now, let's move on!"
Hearing their words of admiration, the Ashwini Kumaras followed Indra with even greater respect. Their devotion and awe only grew as they walked toward the injured Gandharvas.
"The King of Svarga is truly compassionate!"
Rishi Brihaspati observed the scene from a distance, his heart stirred with emotion. Taking out his sacred book, he resumed writing:
"The compassionate King of Svarga, Indra, dispatched the Ashwini Kumaras, the celestial healers, to tend to the injured Gandharvas, offering both medicine and solace..."
...
Soon, both sides were ready once more. The Devas and Asuras assembled at their respective ends of the great serpent Vasuki, resuming the monumental task of churning the Kshira Sagara.
"Asura warriors!" Hiranyaksha bellowed, his voice resonating with fierce determination.
"Let the Devas witness your strength! The treasures of the Kshira Sagara belong to us—the true rulers of the Triloka! We are the rightful heirs to all its riches!"
Raising his fist in defiance, he declared, "I swear by my title as King of the Asuras, the next treasure will be ours!"
Though brimming with arrogance, Hiranyaksha understood the stakes. Having lost the last two treasures to the Devas, he knew morale among his ranks had to be restored. If not, the burden of reclaiming the glory might rest solely on his shoulders.
His rousing words ignited a fire within the Asuras. Their eyes blazed with renewed Vigor, their voices rising in unison.
"Ours!"
"Ours!"
They roared with conviction, their collective fervor shaking the very heavens.
...
The roar of the Asuras echoed through the air, a thunderous chorus of power and determination that sent tremors through the atmosphere. Their energy and unity were undeniable.
From afar, Indra observed the scene with a sigh. He couldn't help but admire their sheer might and discipline. "These Asuras are truly formidable," he muttered to himself.
In stark contrast, his side presented an entirely different picture.
"O Merciful King of Svarga, I dedicate my very being to you!" a Gandharva warrior declared fervently, kneeling before Indra. His eyes brimmed with tears, a mixture of reverence, gratitude, and awe shining in his gaze.
Before Indra could respond, the Gandharva lowered his head to touch Indra's feet with his hands, placing them against his forehead in a gesture of deep devotion.
The act seemed to trigger a ripple effect. One by one, other Gandharvas surged forward, crowding around Indra to perform the same ritual.
Flustered, Indra bent to help the first Gandharva to his feet, but the steady stream of followers showed no sign of abating. Hundreds, thousands of Gandharvas pressed closer, all eager to demonstrate their devotion.
By this point, Indra couldn't help but think wryly, at this rate, I might just complete an ascetic's penance for standing on one leg.
"Enough, enough! This is what a King of Svarga must do!" Indra said, waving his hands. "Now, focus—back to churning the Kshira Sagara!"
The Gandharvas retreated reluctantly, and the grand task resumed.
Boom!
The Mandara Mountain spun ceaselessly, its massive form churning the ocean below. Fiery embers erupted from its surface, as molten rocks fell like meteorites into the swirling waters. The intense heat from the mountain seared the skies, igniting flames that blazed across the horizon.
For thirty long years, the effort continued without pause. Slowly, the waters of the Kshira Sagara thickened, taking on the consistency of honey, their rich texture glowing under the divine light.
And then, suddenly—
Swish!
A beam of radiant white light burst from the ocean's depths, shooting skyward in a dazzling arc.
"There!"
The cry echoed through the air, and both Devas and Asuras immediately turned their gaze toward the spectacle. But before anyone could react, another burst of blinding brilliance erupted from the ocean.
Swish!
"No! There aren't just one, but two treasures!"
A wave of excitement and confusion swept through the crowd. What treasures awaited them this time?
---
Ratnam translates to "jewel" or "gem." In a metaphorical sense, "Ratnam" can also mean something or someone that is highly precious, valuable, or admired.
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Chapter 23 Kalpavriksha
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The two beams of white light shot out from the Kshira Sagara one after the other, soaring over the vast expanse of water before colliding mid-air.
Boom!
The impact was immense. Waves of air surged outward, and the viscous milk of the Kshira Sagara rippled like jelly, their surface undulating violently.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
"What are these wonders?" Puloman muttered, his voice laced with curiosity and greed.
"Wait... could it be?" Agnideva stepped forward, his eyes widening with realization. "Yes! I recognize them!"
"Uchchaihshravas!" exclaimed Vayudev, pointing at the majestic seven-headed flying horse. Its ethereal mane gleamed with the colors of the dawn, each head exuding an aura of divine power. "The King of Horses, born from the essence of purity itself!"
"And there!" Agnidev called, as the massive, cloud-like figure of Airavata stepped forward, its white, radiant form wreathed in mist. "Airavata! The celestial elephant, bearer of the clouds and storms, destined to serve as Indra's mount!"
The Devas and Asuras alike were drawn to the spectacle, their attention fixed on the massive collision. As the radiant white light slowly began to fade, the shapes of two colossal creatures emerged, their forms as tall as mountains. They clashed together with thunderous force.
First came Uchchaihshravas, the celestial steed. Its seven heads reared high, each letting out a harmonious whiny that echoed like a divine symphony through the heavens. The sound wasn't merely a cry but a melody, a layered cascade of tones that wove together like celestial flutes singing in perfect unison.
"Eeeeeh-aahhh! Eeeeeh-aahhh!"
Even as they marveled, the waters of the Kshira Sagara surged again, and from the vortex emerged the towering figure of Airavata, the cloud elephant of legend. Its emergence was marked by a thunderous trumpet, a call so deep and powerful that it seemed to resonate with the core of the Earth itself.
"Prrrraaaahhh! Prrrraaaaahhh!"
The sound rolled across the ocean, shaking the skies and silencing all other noise. Water cascaded from its massive form like waterfalls, crashing into the ocean with deafening roars. As Airavata stepped onto the solidified foam of the sea, each step landed with a heavy, resounding thud, leaving ripples that expanded outward infinitely.
Once again, the two giants collided, their heads and trunks twisting and struggling, creating waves across the milk sea as their forms shook violently.
The Devas recognized the elephant at once. Airavata, the divine white elephant, was unmistakable.
"Then this white horse must be the king of horses—Uchchaihshravas!" Indra thought, his heart stirring with excitement.
"Uchchaihshravas!"
Unable to contain his enthusiasm, Indra stepped forward, calling the horse by name.
At the sound of Indra's voice, Airavata, the six-tusked elephant, shook his massive head, its large ears flapping like fans made of cattail leaves. It was as though the elephant had been stirred by an unseen force, reminiscent of a child calling for its father.
Eeeeiiiihhhh!
Airavata lowered his head with a mighty trumpet before lifting his enormous body. The elephant's trunk swung up, and in a single swift motion, he lifted Uchchaihshravas off the ground with his tusks.
Boom!
With a powerful thrust, the white horse was sent flying through the air, hurtling toward the Asura army.
"Huh? Hahahaha!"
Hiranyaksha let out a gleeful laugh, his knees bending as he prepared to leap into action. In a flash, he shot forward, charging toward the airborne horse.
"If Indra claims the King of Elephants, then the King of Asuras shall command the King of Horses—Uchchaihshravas! Mark my words, I will ensure you never set foot in Svarga again!"
Hiranyaksha sought to subdue the wild white horse, but this creature, with its tall, pointed ears, was furious. It neighed loudly and charged at him like a meteor, its speed and force even faster than the speed of thought.
Boom!
Despite Hiranyaksha's immense strength—powerful enough to lift the very Mandara mountain the axis of the earth and Svarga—the king of horses struck him with a swift kick. Its neck was caught in his grasp, but the sheer strength of the horse caused Hiranyaksha to stagger sideways.
Boom!
Uchchaihshravas's ears standing tall in anger, let out a fierce roar as it crashed into the Asura army, sending shockwaves through their ranks. The Asuras screamed in panic as they were knocked aside, falling into the milky sea.
"Wait a minute! This wasn't the direction I aimed for—why did it land in the army?"
Hiranyaksha cursed under his breath. "I've been unusually unlucky lately."
Still disoriented, the white horse quickly regained its footing, letting out a loud hiss before charging back to its feet. With the fury of a wild king, it began trampling over the Asura army with all four of its hooves.
Hiranyaksha sneered, his eyes narrowing with fury as he glared at the rebellious steed. He straightened up, ready to face the white horse once more.
"Airavata! You've come!" With a smile on his face, Indra raised his right hand and clenched his fist in victory.
PRUUUUMMMMM!
The four-tusks and seven trunks white elephant, Airavata, let out a long cry. His large, watery eyes blinked, and he happily shook his head. His slender trunk reached out and gently touched Indra's fist in a gesture of affection.
Indra nodded, a sense of gratitude swelling in his chest. His beloved elephant had finally returned.
Glancing around, Indra motioned with his hand and whispered, "Come over."
In response, Airavata nodded and, with a quiet grace, moved closer to Indra. His enormous ears, like cattail leaves, folded around Indra, creating a protective shield. The two shared a quiet moment as secret talks began.
"The Kshira Sagara will be very dangerous soon, so don't get too close," Indra whispered urgently.
Airavata nodded, his eyes shifting slightly as if to say he understood everything.
"Good," Indra said, his voice soft. He patted Airavata's head, stepped back, and turned his gaze toward the vast Milky Ocean.
Placing his hands on his waist, Indra sighed in relief, a sense of comfort settling over him. As long as he secured the Amrit, he could focus on his training in peace. He had no desire to be drawn into the dangers of battle with the Asuras in the future.
"Hey! King of Svarga, only a fool would attempt that!"
Indra couldn't help but smile in amusement.
Boom! Boom!
Suddenly, violent tremors shook the Milky Sea. Indra looked toward the disturbance and saw Hiranyaksha engaged in a fierce struggle, repeatedly knocking the white horse to the ground. Each time, the white horse tumbled into the Asura army, seemingly guided by some unseen force. Many Asuras were caught in the chaos, letting out cries of pain as they were trampled by the mighty hooves of the horse which couldn't even be bound by time and space.
Indra couldn't help but click his tongue in disapproval.
Even a mare was difficult to tame, let alone a stallion. And not just any stallion, but the King of Horses—Uchchaihshravas.
Finally, after an unknown amount of time, Hiranyaksha emerged from the Asura army, his expression dark and grim. Behind him, the white horse, its tall ears drooping, was tightly bound by five-colored ropes.
"This white horse is truly extraordinary!" Hiranyaksha muttered under his breath.
"Vajranga, take this white horse back to Patalaloka immediately." Hiranyaksha's tone was frustrated as he addressed his subordinate.
Uchchaihshravas had been a wild force, kicking anything in sight. If not for Hiranyaksha's immense power, taming it would have been nearly impossible. Moreover, if the horse remained in the army, it was bound to cause more chaos and harm to the Asuras. It was better to send it away.
Hiranyaksha paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face.
"I feel as though misfortune has been following me lately. The temple of the goddess Jyestha should have been completed decades ago. She is associated with wealth and fortune. When you return, go to her temple and offer your prayers."
Hiranyaksha's words carried a weight of warning.
"I will fulfill your commands, my Lord," Vajranga replied immediately, his voice firm with understanding.
Hiranyaksha exhaled in relief, then turned to face the Deva army. His fists clenched with determination.
"Continue!" he shouted, his voice ringing across the battlefield.
Indra's eyes flashed with determination as his expression grew serious. He grasped the tail of Vasuki and maneuvered his way among the many Gandharvas.
Only the Kalpavriksha, Halahala, and Amrit remained in the Milky Sea. The white horse and the white elephant had emerged together—two magnificent beings appearing simultaneously.
Halahala and Amrit were also twin entities. Next would be the Kalpavriksha, the wish-fulfilling tree. This sacred tree, which belonged to the Devas, had been transported to the peak of Mt. Meru, nestled within the heart of Indra's five paradise gardens.
Legend had it that anyone who prayed devoutly beneath the tree could have their righteous desires fulfilled. Even Parvati, the personification of the creative energy that sustains the cosmos, once made a wish under its branches for a daughter, and thus Ashokasundari was born.
"The Asuras will surely try to seize the Kalpavriksha," Indra muttered. "Thankfully, my divine armor is almost finished."
His gaze sharpened with resolve as he grasped the long tail of the serpent, pulling it closer to himself. He pressed his arms firmly against the snake's scales and began to pull with all his might.
Airavata, ever loyal, extended his trunk and wrapped it around the serpent's body, helping to pull it as well.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The massive body of the Snake King Vasuki was tugged from left to right, causing Mandara Mountain to rotate slowly. The sound of its movement was like that of the Patalaloka shaking, a loud rumbling echoing through the air.
As time passed, year after year, Indra felt the power of his penance growing stronger within him, a burst of energy radiating like lightning from his body. His meditation had reached its pinnacle.
Boom!
A deafening crack of thunder and lightning exploded in his mind. Indra's focus was shattered, and he slowly lowered his head, ending his penance.
A faint golden light began to glow around him, and within that radiance, the figure of Surya appeared. The golden sun armor became even brighter, its first layer now complete.
"What power should I bestow upon this first layer of divine armor?" Indra pondered deeply, his mind already turning to the next phase of his preparation.
…
On the other side, Vishnu's eyes suddenly opened as he returned from his meditation. His gaze fell upon the churning Sea of Milk below, his expression growing serious.
"Narayana, what's wrong?" Lakshmi, the Devadess, asked, her beautiful eyes sparkling with concern.
"I caught a glimpse of the future during my meditation," Vishnu replied slowly. "What comes next is..."
"The Kalpavriksha!"
He paused, his voice heavy with gravity. "This wish-fulfilling tree will be tied to Shiva in the future. The Asuras must not get their hands on it!"
---
Ashokasundari was born from the wish-fulfilling tree, Kalpavriksha when Parvati wished for a daughter to reduce her loneliness. Her name is derived from her creation. Ashoka refers to the easing of Parvati's Shoka, which means "sorrow", while Sundari means "beautiful girl
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Chapter 24 Faster than Vayu
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Vishnu's gaze drifted downward, his eyes locked on the Kshira Sagara below. Mandara Mountain was spinning faster and faster, its rotation accompanied by billowing waves and flames from Vasuki's mouth. The sky fire fell into the sea, but instead of sinking, it seemed to hover like dust settling on water like oil, rising and falling with the ripples of the milky sea.
The surface of the Kshira Sagara rippled, slimy, and undulating, signaling the imminent birth of a treasure from its depths. The air crackled with energy.
"It's coming out!" Hiranyaksha exclaimed, his eyes narrowing as he stared intently at the base of Mandara Mountain. A realization formed in his mind.
With a sudden rush, a beam of golden light shot up from the sea, soaring into the sky. The light expanded, blooming into a towering, radiant tree. The Kalpavriksha, a tree of boundless power, soared high into the sky, its emerald leaves shimmering with divine radiance. Hanging from its branches were fruits that granted any wish, while the air around it was thick with the scent of blooming celestial flowers. Though its branches did not bear gems, the tree itself radiated an aura of wealth and abundance, as if every divine treasure of the cosmos lay within its reach. The tree shone with brilliance, radiating its splendor in all directions.
The Kalpavriksha, the divine wish-fulfilling tree, was a creation of immense power. The tree could grant any desire, producing everything needed at the perfect moment. However, its gifts were always aligned with Dharma, ensuring that only those whose wishes were righteous and in harmony with the divine order could receive them.
"What a magnificent sacred tree," Suryadev remarked, stepping forward with a proud smile on his face. "This tree rightfully belongs to Svarga. Only we, the Devas, are worthy of its blessings."
He stood to the side, his mind already picturing himself beneath the Kalpavriksha, envisioning the glory and reverence that would follow, imagining himself as the most glorious and heroic figure among the Devas.
"Indeed, the very essence of the cosmos resides in such a tree," Somadev Soma agreed, nodding with a solemn expression. "It was meant for us, not the Asuras."
"I'll bring it back!" Vayudev, the god of wind, volunteered eagerly. His eyes narrowed with resolve as he tapped into his speed, the wind rushing around him.
The Devas could feel the weight of the situation. The Kalpavriksha was more than a mere symbol of power—it was a cosmic tool, capable of reshaping the very fabric of existence. In the wrong hands, especially those of the Asuras, it could bring about a shift in the balance of power, and the Devas feared what that could mean for their dominance.
The thought of the Asuras using the tree for their gain ignited a deep sense of insecurity within the Devas. They could not afford to let the tree slip away; without it, they feared losing the favor of the Brahman, the power that sustained their reign.
As Vayudev shot into the sky, his speed leaving a trail of wind in his wake, the Devas exchanged nervous glances. Their urgency was palpable.
"I'll bring it back!" Vayudev volunteered eagerly. As the fastest among the Devas, he wasted no time. The words had barely left his mouth when he shot into the sky, heading straight for the wish-fulfilling tree.
"Kalpavriksha!" Vayudev's eyes sparkled as the light from the tree grew brighter and brighter. Excitedly, he reached out toward it.
"It belongs to the Asuras!" Hiranyaksha's roar rang out. He lunged forward, crashing into Vayudev with the force of an iron mountain.
Boom!
The impact was deafening. It was like a speeding truck colliding with a stationary wheelchair. Vayudev was sent spinning, tumbling through the air, and crashing into a group of Gandharvas like a flaming wheel.
"Vayu!!!" Surya and his siblings cried out in shock.
Indra, taken aback, stepped forward, his eyes wide in surprise. So fast! Hiranyaksha wasn't just incredibly powerful—he was faster than Vayu, the embodiment of wind itself.
Before Indra could process what had just happened, Vayudev had already plummeted toward them. His eyelids twitched. He raised his hand, and with a sharp crack, a massive electric grid spread out to encompass the area.
Boom!!!
Vayudev was suddenly engulfed by the divine power of thunder and lightning. The air buzzed with energy as bolts of lightning shot out in every direction, swirling like wild dragons and serpents.
Not good! The power is too strong—I can't control it!
Indra quickly dissolved the electric grid, but when he looked up, he saw Vayudev crashing into the Sea of Milk. His body twitched and shuddered as the lightning continued to course through him.
"Vayu, are you okay?" Indra rushed forward, lifting him. Placing his palms on Vayudev's chest, he focused, withdrawing the violent lightning energy with fierce concentration.
"Vayu! Vayu!!!" Soma hurried to his side, concern etched on his face.
Fortunately, Vayudev's divine body was incredibly resilient, so the injury healed almost instantly.
Amidst the many watching eyes, Vayudev slowly rose to his feet, his chest still heaving with lingering pain and his eyes filled with resentment.
"Indra, I admit that you are stronger, but compared to him, your beating hurt more!" Vayu couldn't help but mutter, a bitter edge to his voice.
After speaking, he glanced at Indra, swallowed hard, and then turned his attention back to Hiranyaksha in the distance.
"Indra, what should we do now?" Vayudev asked, his voice filled with anxiety. "This sacred tree is about to fall into Hiranyaksha's hands!"
The Devas shared a collective sense of unease, their eyes turning toward Indra, waiting for his command.
Indra stared into the distance at Hiranyaksha, then raised three fingers, signaling the Devas to listen carefully.
"I have three steps," he declared firmly. "Step one: Retreat!"
The Devas listened intently as Indra continued, his tone serious. "Hiranyakshas is too strong for us to defeat right now. It's better to retreat. Step two: This sacred tree is a divine item, containing the power to change the balance of the universe. The Asuras cannot decipher its secrets, so let them take it. What harm can it do?"
Indra paused, blinking. He forced a calm smile, but in truth, he had yet to think of the third step.
"Well, I think you all understand the plan," Indra said, scanning the gathered Devas with a look of quiet authority.
The Devas exchanged puzzled glances. The plan? They thought. What plan? And what on Svarga was the third step?
Suryadev, ever the thoughtful one, furrowed his brow. I am second only to the King of Svarga, he thought, puffing out his chest a little. If the others understand and I don't, that would be a disaster. I must save face—immediately.
A moment passed, and then—like a bolt of lightning striking through the clouds—understanding dawned upon him. With a sly smile, he nodded slowly, raising his head high, and shot a look at the others as if to say, I get it, guys. I'm so ahead of you.
"I see!" Surya declared, his voice booming with confidence.
"Ah? What did you understand?" Agni asked, his fiery eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
Surya gave a mysterious, yet smug, smile, but said nothing. Agni glanced nervously at Indra, hoping for some kind of guidance, but Indra, too, wore a satisfied smile and remained silent.
For a moment, Agni stood frozen, his face flushing with embarrassment. No! I must understand this, he thought, his brain working overtime. We are brothers of fire, after all. Indra, the fire in the sky; Surya, the fire in Svarga; and me, the fire in Bhuloka. The other two got it—if I don't, I'll look like a fool!
The pressure was too much. Agni took a deep breath and clapped his hands together with a sharp snap, causing the gathered Devas to flinch slightly. "Ah, I get it now!" Agni laughed, nervously wiping his brow. "Oops! I understand! The King of Svarga's plan is brilliant!"
Varuna, the Deva of water, and Vayu, the Deva of wind, both nodded in enthusiastic agreement, their faces lit with understanding.
Somadev, however, still stood there, utterly baffled. What in the world did they figure out?
As Soma tried to make sense of it all, the other Devas—Vayu, Surya, Agni, and Varuna—turned to him in unison, their eyes sparkling with smug self-assurance. It was clear: they knew what was going on.
"Soma, what do you think?" Suryadev asked, his tone dripping with superiority.
Soma was silent for a moment, scanning the group. He could feel the weight of their gazes, all full of certainty. He couldn't let them get away with it. I can't be the only one in the dark!
"Ah, yes... It makes sense," Soma said, nodding with a faux-confidence. "The three-step plan Indra made is indeed sound."
Indra blinked in surprise. What on Triloka did they come up with? Indra thought, taken aback by their sudden confidence. His eyes scanned their faces, all brimming with assurance, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of surprise.
They seemed so sure... Did they figure something out?
Indra's mind raced. I need to know what they think they understand—quickly.
…
Above the Kshira Sagara, The green shade of the wish-fulfilling sacred tree fell upon Hiranyaksha's imposing figure. The strong winds from the milky sea rustled through the tree's branches, carrying a faint, fragrant breeze that eased Hiranyaksha's spirit and brought him a sense of relaxation.
He gazed at the gathering of Devas and Gandharvas in the distance and couldn't help but raise his head, laughing arrogantly. "Hahaha! A bunch of weak, cowardly Devas! I, Hiranyaksha, shall become the Lord of the Triloka!"
With a booming laugh, Hiranyaksha raised his enormous hand, sweeping away the sky and sun as he reached for the sacred tree. "This Tree is mine! Hahaha!"
Overcome with excitement, he gripped the sacred tree, inspecting it closely.
But in the shadow of the tree, a golden figure materialized, smiling faintly at him. In an instant, the sacred tree vanished with a swish.
"Hiranyaksha, I believe this tree doesn't have a connection with the Asuras," Vishnu said, holding the tree in his hand as he appeared before Hiranyaksha, a smile playing on his lips.
