Chapter 28 Amrita
"The demon Halahala is endangering the world!" Brahma declared, his voice resonating with divine authority.
"I curse that once he leaves the neck of Shiva, his ability to think and reason shall be annihilated. His form will be divided into myriad poisons, blending into all things, incapable of sustaining life."
Brahma's words echoed through the cosmos, reverberating across the Svarga, the Pataloka, and the Bhuloka of humans. The power of the curse spread far and wide, shaking the balance of existence.
All living beings, animals, and plants already imbued with poison trembled as they felt the curse take effect. Dasra, one of Ashwini Kumaras god of medicine nodded in understanding and spoke with clarity:
"The poison that moves belongs to the creatures, while the poison that remains still is of the earth. If Halahala were ever to escape from Lord Shiva's neck, it would blend with the poisons of the world, dissolving into the very fabric of existence—forever entwined with the forces of destruction and renewal."
Despite this proclamation, it was evident that Halahala, having been consumed by Shiva, had no way to escape. The curse, though powerful, now served as a safeguard rather than a remedy.
Brahma's act did not go unnoticed. The Devas, with hands folded in reverence, praised him with heartfelt devotion.
"Only Brahma's wisdom could have known the true depth of this poison."
"By his will, the universe is spared from destruction."
Their voices rose in unison, honoring the Creator for his divine intervention, even in the shadow of Shiva's greater sacrifice.
....
Brahma's lips curved into a subtle smile, clearly pleased as he basked in the wave of compliments.
"Uh-huh! Uh-huh!" his four heads murmured to himself, his satisfaction evident.
Before long, amidst the chorus of praise, Brahma. Mahadeva Shiva departed. Their divine presence faded, leaving Vishnu behind, his gaze fixed on the massive vortex created by the churning of Mandara Mountain. A serene smile graced his face, but not everyone shared his calm demeanor.
Indra's thoughts stirred uneasily.
That curse...
His eyes darted to his Sahasrakavacha, the divine armor that had absorbed a substantial amount of Halahala during the events. Would Brahma's curse affect it as well?
Quickly, he lowered his head to inspect the armor. To his relief, the Sahasrakavacha remained intact, its brilliance undiminished. Shining brightly, it radiated divine light. Indra, curious about its current power, activated his divine energy. Wisps of blue light emerged, dancing around the armor. The light shimmered intensely, akin to a miniature sun, radiating in all directions.
But the reaction was swift and unexpected.
"Ah! It hurts!" Chitrasena exclaimed, clutching his head as if the very light were searing his thoughts.
"Indradev, stop it! Stop it!" Tumburu pleaded, his voice trembling with both fear and awe. He staggered back, unable to escape the fiery brilliance of the divine armor.
The light intensified, and their cries grew louder, laced with desperation. The burning radiance seemed to seep into their very beings, overwhelming their senses.
"This light burns! Please, stop!" Vishvavenu shouted, his wings flapping in vain as he tried to shield himself from the unbearable glow.
A cacophony of agonized cries erupted from the surrounding Devas. The blue light emanating from the armor caused them visible pain, as though pierced by a searing force. Alarmed, Indra quickly withdrew his divine power. The blue glow faded, restoring calm to the gathering.
He glanced at his armor, then at the Devas, who were now visibly shaken, their expressions marked by fear and discomfort.
"The poison of Halahala is truly terrifying," Indra remarked. His voice carried a mix of awe and unease. "Even its energy mirrors that monstrous being—merely touching it causes unbearable pain."
The Grandharavas and Devas murmured in agreement, huddling together as they gazed at the Sahasrakavacha in disbelief. The lingering fear was palpable. If a mere glimmer of the armor's glow caused such agony, what unimaginable consequences could its full power unleash?
Suryadeva appeared particularly affected. His expression was dazed, and his gaze was fixed on the sun-shaped emblem on Indra's armor. To him, it seemed as though the golden sun had turned an ominous blue, radiating a toxic energy.
Indra's eyes burned with a mix of pride and excitement.
The effect of this divine armor is astounding, he thought, his lips curling into a faint smile.
"It seems the essence of Halahala within this armor remains potent," he said aloud, almost as if to himself. Then, with a dismissive shrug, he added inwardly:
After all, Brahma's curse targeted the monster Halahala, not the poison absorbed by my divine armor. Plus why would Brahma nullify the boon he gave me in the first place?
Indra stood tall, his confidence bolstered, as the Devas looked on, still uneasy in the presence of the enigmatic power radiating from his Sahasrakavacha.
With a single thought, the divine armor transformed into golden light, enveloping Indra's body in an instant.
Boom!
The whirlpool stirring the Halahala showed no signs of calming. Instead, it churned with greater intensity, sending a brilliant golden beam shooting straight into the heavens.
"At last Amrita! It finally has emerged!"
Vishnu's gaze turned toward the Kshira Sagara, his serene expression flickering with curiosity. Within the dark and viscous whirlpool of the Milk Sea, jars radiating a golden glow slowly surfaced. Rising from the vortex, they ascended along the golden pillar of light, their brilliance illuminating the turbulent sea.
All eyes—Devas and Asuras alike—fixed on the jar containing the coveted nectar of immortality. The air grew thick with tension, an eerie silence preceding the inevitable chaos.
"The Amrita is finally here!" Surya exclaimed.
With that, the stillness shattered. Devas and Asuras roared in unison, surging toward the floating jar. They even ignored the person who was holding Amrita, Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda. The Kshira Sagara erupted into frenzied motion as beings of immense power rushed to claim the nectar.
Vishnu, calm and composed, stepped forward. In a single stride, he crossed countless voids, appearing directly before the Dhanvantari. Another formidable figure, radiating golden light from its eyes, materialized alongside him.
Hiranyaksha.
The Asura's colossal form loomed over Mandara Mountain, his presence like a storm that bent the heavens. Winds howled, clouds churned, and the sound of his voice reverberated like rolling thunder.
"Vishnu!" Hiranyaksha's roar shook the Kshira Sagara. "By our agreement, this Amrita belongs to us!" Fury and frustration marred his face as his massive hand reached toward the jar of Amrita.
Vishnu, ever unperturbed, smiled faintly. "No. You were the ones who stirred up the Halahala, and so it should indeed belong to you. However, you abandoned your claim. The Amrita rightfully goes to the Devas."
Hiranyaksha froze, disbelief and rage flashing across his features. His wild, black hair seemed to dance like flames in the chaotic wind. His anger boiled over, his roar shaking the Milk Sea itself. Waves of darkness rose skyward, crashing against the brilliance of the golden light.
"Abandoned our claim?" Hiranyaksha roared, his voice thundering like a storm crashing through the skies. "This is no failure of ours—this is the work of your Maya! Who in all of Triloka does not know of your hatred for us, the Asuras? You will never show us a favor, always weaving your deceitful traps, hoping to see us fall into them!"
The sea beneath him seethed, as though mirroring his wrath, the waves crashing with violent fury. His eyes burned with fury as he glared at Vishnu, his entire being seething with anger. Yet, despite the storm of rage, Vishnu remained as still and serene as ever, his smile calm and unwavering.
"You dare lie to me!?" Hiranyaksha's voice shook the very heavens as he bellowed, his rage consuming him. "It is you who are the cause of this!"
With a roar, Hiranyaksha summoned the full force of his anger and hurled a massive punch toward Vishnu, his arm cutting through the air like a tidal wave.
Vishnu, calm and measured, extended a single hand. The Sudarshan Chakra spun into action, flying from his finger and intercepting the blow with effortless grace. The clash sent ripples of energy through the air, but Vishnu's expression remained composed, though his brow furrowed slightly.
Hiranyaksha is formidable, he mused. Even if I were to manifest the Varaha avatar, it would take a millennium of fierce combat to overcome him. And with so many Devas present, the collateral damage from a battle of that scale would be catastrophic.
It wasn't the time for incarnations. Meanwhile, the Devas surged toward the Amrita. Indra led a host of Gandharvas but intentionally hung back, careful not to rush too far ahead.
Getting too close to the Amrita will only make me a target, Indra thought. The Asuras will swarm, and worse, Hiranyaksha might land a devastating blow.
From the corner of his eye, Indra noticed Vayu darting forward with unparalleled speed. Vayu stretched out his hand toward Dhanvantri and the jar of amrita, the golden light almost within his grasp.
The light of the Amrita reflected in his eyes, and for a moment, it seemed as though nothing could stop him.
But then—he froze.
A sudden force held him in place, as though the universe itself had turned against him. His divine energy surged through his veins, his will commanding him to move, but his body was trapped, immobilized by some unseen power.
What's happening?
Vayu glanced down, his gaze catching something unusual in his shadow. Emerging from the darkness was a strikingly beautiful Asura girl. Her slender figure moved with grace, her waist adorned with subtle patterns of fruit, while her full, undulating curves seemed to defy reason.
Simhika.
Her lips curved into a sly smile, and she licked the corner of her mouth with a pink tongue, a gesture both mocking and provocative. With a casual elegance, she extended a pale arm, and her shadow entwined itself around Vayu's wrist.
The Vayudev was helpless. In a swift motion, Simhika's shadow hurled him backward, his divine form crashing away from the Amrita.
"Hehe~"
Simhika giggled softly, her laughter dripping with amusement. She darted forward, snatching the jar of Amrita from Dhanvantri before anyone else could react. With a triumphant flourish, she flew toward the Asura army.
"Hahaha! Simhika, you've done it!" Viprachitti threw his head back in laughter, his booming voice filled with glee. "Amrita is ours!"
He hadn't anticipated that his wife, Simhika, would silently approach the jar of Amrita. Her innate blessing of shadow control made her a formidable presence—even the Devas were powerless against her manipulation. Bound by her shadows, their movements were completely restrained.
"Mother! That's incredible!" In the ranks of the Asura army, Rahu's eyes gleamed with excitement. His fists clenched tightly, brimming with pride and exhilaration.
Whoosh!
Simhika shot through the air, her trajectory aimed squarely at the safety of the Asura army. Victory seemed within their grasp.
Just as she was about to reach the Asura ranks, Vishnu acted. From his hand, the Sudarshan Chakra spun into motion, its brilliance lighting the battlefield. At the same time, Vishnu's golden eyes gleamed with divine intensity.
A flash of golden light quietly emerged amidst the throng of Asuras.
From the radiant light, a stunningly beautiful woman materialized. She appeared as though woven from the essence of the stars themselves. Her presence radiated an ethereal glow, as if the world itself paused in awe, drawn to the grace of her being.
She was not of this world, but of a realm far beyond, where beauty knew no limit, and no words could ever capture the infinite grace she embodied.
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Chapter 29 Jag Mohini
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She was not of this world, but of a realm far beyond, where beauty knew no limit, and no words could ever capture the infinite grace she embodied.
Mohini, the celestial enchantress, was beauty incarnate, her face a flawless masterpiece of divine artistry. Her dark, lustrous hair flowed like a shimmering waterfall, complementing her warm, dusky skin that glowed with an irresistible allure.
Her slender waist curved delicately, and her golden-red gown clung sensuously to her form, swaying gracefully with each step. Despite her enchanting figure, her wide, innocent eyes held a childlike purity, silently pleading for protection—a captivating contrast to her otherworldly allure.
Mohini was not merely an avatar of Vishnu; she was a living paradox—a being who could captivate the heavens and bring even the most steadfast hearts to their knees with a single glance. A divine avatar, the embodiment of beauty and enigma, she was Vishnu's ultimate manifestation of charm and grace, capable of enchanting the cosmos itself.
Gulp!
At that moment, the hundreds of thousands of Asuras charging toward the Amrita abruptly stopped. Their minds went blank as though struck by an enchantment. Frozen in place, they stared unblinkingly at the woman, their throats dry and their breath caught. Many couldn't help but swallow hard, overwhelmed by their desire.
I want her! I need to protect her!
These thoughts burned in the hearts of countless Asuras, consuming them with longing.
"Perfect! The embodiment of Maya's allure, flawless in every way!"
"She is..."
Brahma's four heads turned in unison, all eight of his eyes fixed on the woman. His expression, though serene and composed, betrayed a fleeting glimmer of awe, as if even the Creator himself marveled at this unparalleled manifestation of Vishnu. Even Lord Shiva, known for his unmatched detachment, seemed mesmerized. His gaze lingered, not with desire, but with an intensity that seemed to pierce the veil of her mystery, searching for the divine purpose woven into her ethereal form.
"Out of the three of us, this one does the most outrageous things," Brahma murmured, his tone carrying a blend of bemusement and awe as his many eyes followed her radiant form.
"Jaganmohini!"
"Her name shall be Mohini," Shiva's voice resonated, deep, and filled with a rare reverence that was almost palpable. His intense gaze softened, a flicker of understanding and admiration passing through his eyes. Mohini. The Enchantress.
Just then, a deep, resonant voice echoed softly, as if the fabric of existence itself had spoken. It was Samay, the personification of time, who watched from the endless flow of moments he governed.
"The one who could make even me stand still," he mused, his tone laced with wonder, "just to gaze upon her beauty."
The divine gathering seemed to hold its breath as Samay's words lingered in the air, a tribute to the enchantress whose grace had captured not only the eyes of gods but the attention of Samay itself.
For a moment, it seemed as though his entire world revolved around this enchanting figure.
The Devas, too, were spellbound. Many stood rooted to their spots, unable to look away, their hearts ignited with an unfamiliar fire.
Indra quickly glanced around, noticing the stunned expressions on the Devas. A realization dawned upon him, and he immediately lowered his gaze.
Could it really be Mohini?
The legendary female incarnation of Vishnu, renowned as the most beautiful being in existence, was said to have even fascinated Shiva, the great ascetic, who could not resist her charm.
Indra lowered his head and took a deep breath, forcing himself to regain composure. He needed to resist the allure.
Hmm? A sudden sensation drew his attention. How is my ascetic power increasing so quickly?
To his astonishment, Indra found his ascetic power rising rapidly, burning like an intense flame within him.
Could it be? Rejecting temptation increases ascetic power?! Indra was slightly stunned.
Swish!
Simhika darted into the Asura army, her movements swift and purposeful. She quickly reached Rahu and Hiranyaksha, clutching the pot of Amrita with joy and triumph.
"Child, I got the Amrita! Let's drink it together!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement as she offered the precious jar to Rahu.
Bang!
To her shock, Rahu raised his hand—not to take the jar, but to shove her aside. Simhika stumbled backward, barely managing to keep her balance.
"Get out of my way! You're blocking my view!" Rahu snapped, his tone impatient and dismissive, his gaze fixed intensely on something far in the distance.
Simhika frowned, confusion and concern flashing across her face. Something was wrong.
She glanced around and noticed that the Asuras nearby were all frozen, their eyes wide and vacant, as if under a spell. Her heart sank. She quickly turned to her husband, Hiranyaksha, hoping for answers.
"Husband, what's going on?" she asked urgently, moving toward him and grabbing his arm.
But as she reached out to shake him awake, she suddenly felt a firm bump against her waist.
"Huh?"Simhika's gaze dropped, and her eyes widened in shock.
Viprachitti's form seemed rigid, he completely ignored his wife who nearly died.
"Husband!" Simhika cried, now shaking his shoulders frantically.
But Viprachitti didn't respond. He stood utterly still, his gaze locked on the horizon. His throat moved in a slow rhythm as he swallowed, seemingly lost in a trance.
What is happening?
Simhika's mind raced, but her instincts drove her to follow his line of sight. Turning her head, she froze as her eyes fell upon a figure approaching in the distance.
Her thoughts shattered.
So beautiful! So beautiful! So beautiful! The woman walking toward them was beyond comprehension—an embodiment of divine allure. Simhika felt her mind spiral into chaos as she struggled to comprehend the sheer perfection before her.
Her body betrayed her; her hands fell limply to her sides, her knees weakened. Like the other Asuras, she could only stand there, trembling. Her lips parted slightly, and from the corner of her mouth, a single crystal-clear droplet of saliva slid down, hanging in the air as if time itself had slowed.
Simhika, like all the others, was utterly captivated, her rationality unraveling in the presence of this divine beauty.
Mohini approached gracefully, like an enchantress weaving a spell over all who beheld her. She delicately tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her every movement a blend of innocence and allure.
"May I share this Amrita?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with a pleading sweetness that could melt the hardest of hearts. Her enchanting eyes blinked slowly, radiating a guileless charm.
A faint, intoxicating fragrance surrounded her, reaching Simhika and making her cheeks flush a deep crimson. Simhika gulped, her breath hitching, and managed to croak in a hoarse voice, "Of course! Of course!"
Her eyes glazed over with adoration, Simhika continued, "There is no one as perfect as you in the entire world—not among the Asuras, the Devas, or even the goddesses. Only you are worthy to share this Amrita with us!"
Simhika, intoxicated and overcome, raised her hand and offered the Amrita jar with trembling reverence.
"Thank you!" Mohini said with a gentle bow, her smile radiant as she accepted the jar. Her voice was melodious, like the tinkling of delicate bells.
That smile was enough to cause many Asuras to stagger, their knees weakening as if they had lost the strength to stand.
"Y-Yes…" Simhika stammered, nodding fervently. Her gaze followed Mohini as she ascended gracefully into the air. With her eyes sparkling with admiration, she sighed dreamily, "What a polite and wonderful girl. Even her back is so beautiful!"
"Yes, so beautiful!"
"I've never seen anyone like her before!"
"Such beauty—no king, not even ours, could possess it! If anyone dares to claim her, I shall kill them."
The Asuras murmured among themselves, their awestruck gazes fixed on Mohini as she floated effortlessly above the battlefield on the Milky Sea. Even the Golden-Eyed Vishnu watched in silence, his expression calm but contemplative.
Mohini's radiance carried her to the midst of the Devas, who were similarly spellbound. She approached Indra, the King of Svarga, with poise and elegance, her smile as warm as the spring sun.
"King of Svarga," Mohini said, her voice like the lilting chirp of a songbird, filling the air with a melody that made hearts race. "I am Mohini. Here is the Amrita—for you."
Indra, standing amidst his stunned peers, kept his eyes tightly shut. His body burned as if consumed by an inner fire, her voice igniting something primal within him. A soft but insistent whisper seemed to echo in his mind, urging him to open his eyes.
But he resisted. Indra took a deep, steadying breath and extended his hands. "Thank you," he said firmly, his voice even despite the storm within. "Please place it in my hands."
He stood resolute, his closed eyes shielding him from Mohini's overpowering allure, while his heart thudded heavily in his chest.
There was a brief moment of silence, followed by a sensation like a soft kitten's tail brushing against the skin, causing a flutter in the mind.
Finally, a jar landed gently in Indra's hands.
"King of Svarga! I hope we meet again. Next time, open your eyes and look at me!"
The words came like the melody of a lark, light and sweet.
Indra let out a sigh of relief, his body finally relaxing. Slowly, he opened his eyes. He surveyed the scene around him, seeing the Devas with expressions of disappointment. They looked around frantically as if searching for Mohini.
"She was so beautiful! It almost felt like a dream! Do you remember her name?" Surya murmured in awe.
"I forgot… but her face… her face…" Agni said, shaking his head.
"She was beyond beautiful! Even the most beautiful Apsaras pales in comparison! Not even my wife could rival her!" Soma added, his voice filled with longing.
The Devas continued murmuring among themselves, but Indra paid them no mind. He focused on the surge of energy within him, the power of his penance now undeniably greater.
"My ascetic power has increased by a hundred years!" he thought in shock. "What an incredible boost but what a lethal temptation!"
Indra marveled at the power flowing through him, amazed that it had grown so rapidly—without even a direct exchange with Mohini. It was unbelievable. He sighed deeply, lowering his gaze to the golden pot in his hands.
The Amrita inside shimmered with a crystalline glow as if imbued with endless vitality.
"Amrita…"
"The Amrita of Immortality has finally been acquired!" Indra whispered to himself, feeling a wave of excitement wash over him. He slowly lifted the jar to his lips.
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Jagan – meaning "world" or "universe." Mohini – meaning "the enchantress" or "the one who bewilders."
Samay is a Sanskrit word that means "time" or "moment."
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Chapter 30 Dangerous Boons
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Indra brought the cool Amrita to his lips. The sweet and pungent taste exploded in his mouth, as fine wine mingled with the clarity of a spring, carrying an indescribable power that flowed from the top of his head to the depths of his divine body. It penetrated his chakras, seamlessly merging with him.
At that moment, Indra felt an overwhelming sense of relaxation and bliss, as though he were immersed in a hot spring that had endured for eons. It was pure comfort, pure enjoyment.
His divine power surged, rising exponentially, growing stronger by the second.
"Immortality and eternal youth! The power of Svarga!" Indra shouted, his voice echoing with excitement. "Hahahahaha!"
He laughed, exhilarated, as the thunder and lightning within his body spread out, extending beyond his divine form. Powerful lightning surged from him, rippling outward like a fountain, crackling with energy.
The Devas looked on in awe, quickly backing away from the overwhelming display of power.
"The King of Svarga has become even more powerful!" Suryadev exclaimed in amazement. "Is this the power of Amrita?"
"I can feel it too... such an increase in divine power!" Soma murmured, his eyes glazed in wonder.
The Devas, eyes wide with longing, stared at the jar of Amrita. Their throats tightened as they swallowed in unison.
Amrita. They all wanted to drink. Meanwhile, Indra, smiling and filled with excitement, felt the Amrita coursing through him, sealing its power into his divine form.
In the 4.2 billion years of this Samsara, he was the first being to achieve immortality. Indra's eyes gleamed, and a victorious laugh escaped his lips. "No Asura can kill me now..."
But then, suddenly, his smile faltered. His eyes narrowed as he blinked, lowering the golden jar of Amrita in his hands.
"Wait a minute..." Indra thought, his brow furrowing. "If I remember correctly, from the stories I've heard, Lord Shiva will bless an Asura in the future. Anything that Asura touches with his hands will be annihilated, even the Trimurti."
Indra's mind raced. There were countless blessings from Brahma and Shiva, and the Asuras were not the only ones who had received them.
The strange blessings bestowed upon various Asuras endowed them with incredibly powerful and peculiar effects. Some were even capable of breaking the immortality granted by Amrita! And how could one forget Indrajit? As an Atimaharathi, he possessed divine qualities that far surpassed those of ordinary warriors. Indrajit was a true Atimaharathi, a status shared by only a few — Rama, Krishna, Parashurama, Indrajit, and Hanuman. What made this even more astonishing was that three of them were incarnations of Vishnu, while Hanuman was a rudra avatar of Shiva.
While there were Asuras who couldn't negate the immortality of Amrita, many others had blessings that allowed them to capture the Devas, imprison them, and even force them into servitude. Dozens of such Asuras remained, their power ever-present. The most notorious being Ravana the father of Indrajit. He was quite a collector, not he would try to capture the Devas including Indra, Surya, Varuna, Vuyu, and Celestial Objects like planets so he could control the destiny of mortals as a master astrologer, Sages, and Wife of Rama, Sita.
Indra's eyes suddenly cleared as realization dawned, leaving him speechless.
Well... it seemed his joy had been premature. The Amrita, which he believed to be the solution, now seemed like the beginning of the Devas' suffering. Indra shook his head, his expression turning complex as he looked at Surya. With a resigned sigh, he stepped forward, raising his hand and placing the jar of Amrita into Surya's arms.
"Drink," he said, his voice filled with a surprising sincerity and a hint of pity.
At that moment, Surya, overwhelmed with joy at receiving the Amrita, failed to notice the change in Indra's demeanor. Like a child with a sweet treat, he happily accepted the jar and began drinking.
Gul-gle! Gul-gle!
Suryadev closed his eyes as he drank deeply, the rolling Amrita flowing into him.
The other Devas—Vayu, the Dev of Wind; Agni, the Dev of Fire; and Varuna, the Dev of Water—watched intently, their gazes fixed on Surya.
"How does it feel?" Vayudev couldn't help but ask.
"Ahhh!!!" Surya exhaled a long sigh of relief. Golden light erupted from his body, piercing the eyes of the Devas around him.
"It's blinding!" Vayu cried. "The power of Amrita is truly a miracle!"
"It's my turn now!" Agnidev exclaimed eagerly. "Hurry up!"
The Devas shielded their eyes from the radiant light, yet the excitement in their expressions was undeniable.
After finishing the Amrita, Surya handed the jar to Agni, the Dev of Fire. One by one, the Devas drank from the jar, and with each sip, strange phenomena began to unfold: flames shot into the air, the water rippled in unnatural patterns, and cold moonlight filled the air with an eerie glow.
"The six of us have finished drinking. Now, let's deal with the Asuras first!"
"Once these Asura armies are pushed back, we can share the Amrita with the other Devas!"
Indra declared.
His gaze shifted toward the Kshira Sagara, where countless Asura armies were already charging in, manifesting as monstrous beings. They clashed violently with the Gandharvas. The roar of battle reverberated through the three realms, as black clouds rolled in, unleashing terrifying fluctuations and sending huge waves into the sky.
Now was not the time to share the Amrita. Moreover, Indra still recalled the Asura Rahu, who could use the illusion of Maya to disguise himself as a Deva and sneak into the Amrita-drinking group.
"Understood!" Soma, holding the jar of Amrita, passed it to Indra.
Indra stored the jar, and with a flash of golden light, his hand summoned a vajra. He pointed it at the Asura armies in the distance.
"Let's go fight the Asura army! The reason for existence! We will never let the asuras destroy the universe for their whims." Indra smiled.
He paid no attention to Hiranyaksha, considering such formidable foes better left to Vishnu. There was no need to bother with them when there were plenty of lesser Asuras to defeat!
The Devas, too, ignored Hiranyaksha, leaving him out of their focus and leaving the battle targets solely on the Asura minions.
"Let these Asuras feel the wrath of the Devas!"
"Onward!"
"Let's go!"
The Devas nodded in unison, brimming with confidence. If they could handle the smaller Asuras, surely they could defeat the others!
Boom!
Suddenly, the sky darkened, and rolling dark clouds rose like flames, continuously swirling into a blood-red hue. A massive hand, stretching across the sky, shot down from above.
"Amrita!!!" The earth-shattering roar echoed through the realms.
"Hiranya....! Hiranyaksha" Suryadev gasped in shock.
All the Devas froze, horrified by the sight. "Lord Vishnu, what are you doing? Why didn't you stop Hiranyaksha?!"
Indra's heart raced as he saw the enormous hand descending closer, its weight causing even the sea of clouds to burn with its heat.
"This isn't good!"
With no time to waste, Indra unleashed his divine power, summoning the Sahasrakavacha, which erupted in a terrifying blue light. The Devas screamed in fear and fled.
The blue light did not scatter; instead, it condensed into a beam, shooting straight into the sky and piercing the clouds.
"Ahhh! Aaaah!" Hiranyaksha's ear-piercing roar of pain echoed again.
The massive hand instinctively clenched, then paused in mid-air, briefly condensing before charging forward again, intent on reaching Indra.
"Airavata!"
Indra was quick to act. He summoned his white elephant mount, and with a powerful leap, white light flashed. The Avrata appeared beneath him, and they soared into the sky together.
So fast! The Devas stood in stunned silence, watching in awe as only the fading white light of Avrata remained visible in the distance.
At that moment, the situation in the sky shifted. The Devas looked up and saw the massive hand descending once more.
They gasped in alarm. "Not good!" Without hesitation, they flew away, scrambling to escape.
Indra, holding tightly to his white elephant, soared into the sky. The white light cut through the Milky Sea crossed the earth, and ascended high into the human world, heading directly for the Brahma Realm.
Leaning forward, he wrapped his arms around the elephant's neck, urging it on. He turned his head, encouraging his mount.
"To the Brahma Loka! Hurry! Come on Airavata, you can do it!"
Indra shouted, his voice filled with determination. Behind them, Hiranyaksha's roar continued to reverberate through the air.
"Amrita! Amrita! Amrita! Give me the Amrita! I was the first one to start looking for Amrita."
"Don't deny me! I will destroy the Triloka and imprison you in the Kshira Sagara!"
The ground trembled as huge footprints appeared in the void, crashing down into the human world. The impact was like an earthquake, causing the sky to shudder, and mountains and rivers shattered beneath the force.
