Chapter 44 Indra's Wrath
Indra stood sideways, his colossal elemental form stretching as vast as the sky. Blue lightning coiled around him like serpents, crackling with divine energy. His Sahsrakavacha gleamed brilliantly, radiating a light that seemed to illuminate the sky. At this moment, he appeared as a furious giant who shall crush all who opposed him.
His eyes, blazing like twin suns, burned with an intensity that could pierce through any shadow. His presence was as immovable as a mountain, exuding an aura of overwhelming dominance.
In his immense hand, he held the divine bow, its bowstring shimmering like a rainbow across the skies. With a steady motion, Indra drew back the string, the tension crackling with raw energy.
Whoosh!
A thunderbolt of light burst forth, slicing through the air with terrifying speed.
The blue lightning streaked past the edge of Makara, narrowly missing the divine beast. The sheer force of the bolt caused Varuna and Makara to freeze in terror. Both trembled, momentarily stunned by the devastating power that had just been unleashed.
The pursuing Asura general halted in his tracks, his expression shifting from rage to alarm. His grip tightened on the scimitar in his hand—a weapon forged by the legendary Asura craftsman Maya, imbued with waves of divine power. With a defiant roar, he swung the scimitar downward.
The blade gleamed, radiating a galaxy-like cascade of light as its power surged forward in a torrent of destruction.
Boom!
Indra's arrow struck with perfect precision. The thunderbolt tore through the void, meeting the scimitar mid-swing. The weapon shattered into countless shards, each fragment glowing with remnants of divine energy.
The fragments shot backward, embedding themselves in the Asura general's chest with explosive force.
A blinding thunderstorm erupted from the impact. Lightning surged outward like a swarm of furious serpents, writhing and striking with relentless fury. The electric Naga coiled around the Asura's form, biting deep into his flesh.
In an instant, his chest was ripped apart. Flesh and blood erupted violently, scattering in all directions. A gaping, smoldering wound now marred his once-imposing figure.
"Ahhhhhhh!"
The Asura let out an earth-shaking scream as his body twisted in agony. In his desperation, he revealed his true form—a massive, grotesque giant with three heads, ten arms, and a serpentine tail. Yet even in this monstrous shape, a gaping hole remained in his chest, leaking divine ichor.
With a swift motion, the Asura turned and fled, his serpentine tail undulating wildly as he retreated into the distance.
Indra tilted his head slightly, a mix of amusement and disdain flickering across his expression.
"It didn't die in one shot?" he mused aloud, his voice laced with both awe and irritation. "This Asura is quite capable."
Yet his sharp gaze never wavered. Indra raised the divine bow again, drawing another arrow with ease.
Boom!
This time, the thunderbolt struck its mark with absolute finality.
All three heads of the Asura exploded simultaneously, bursting into countless fragments. The sky was filled with a cascade of blazing light as the remnants of his form were obliterated.
The battlefield fell silent, the Asura's monstrous figure reduced to nothing but ashes scattered by the winds.
Varuna quivered slightly, his face shifting from alarm to astonishment. He quickly clamped his legs together, urging his mount, Makara, forward. The divine beast, swift as lightning, charged toward Indra.
"Indra! My good brother, the commander of the Devas, I'm glad you're here!" Varuna called, his voice laced with a hint of fear as his gaze darted around, searching for any sign of danger.
Indra, standing with an air of supreme calmness, observed the space behind Varuna and asked, his voice steady yet tinged with suspicion, "Where is Surya? Didn't he retreat?"
Indra's eyes had witnessed Surya retreating from the battlefield with his gaze, and now, it troubled him to see his absence.
"He should have gone to the Kshira Sagara to find Lord Vishnu," Varuna answered quickly, his expression grim. "Vayu and Agni have both fallen into the hands of the Asura."
As he spoke, Varuna's face darkened, a sudden realization flashing in his eyes. "Many Asuras have already reached Svarga, what should we do?"
Indra frowned deeply. He grasped his divine bow with practiced ease and extended his senses, scanning the entire realm of Svarga.
The divine light of Svarga illuminated everything, its vastness stretching far and wide, reflecting in Indra's focused eyes. The clouds shifted lazily overhead, the essence of all things visible. But something was amiss. Not only were Asuras here, but a surge of "foreign objects"—likely enemies—had begun appearing, converging upon their position.
He exhaled slowly, assessing the dire situation. "You move Amravati City to Brahma Loka, and I will handle the rest."
Indra took a step forward, his eyes narrowed in determination. With his back to Varuna, his presence was all-consuming. His power radiated as he prepared for the battle ahead.
Varuna looked around, bewildered. In the vast expanse of Svarga, only the massive Amravati City remained—every other city and palace had vanished.
"Brahma Loka?!"
The realization struck him like a thunderbolt. Indra had already thought of an escape route.
Varuna's eyes brightened, his anxiety easing into understanding. "I understand now!"
Nodding rapidly, he called to his mount, Makara, and urged it toward Amravati City, moving swiftly to carry out his part of the plan.
Meanwhile, Indra stood still, his eyes gazing into the horizon. With a calm, measured motion, he raised his divine bow and pointed it toward the heavens.
In that instant, he drew the bowstring back, and the full moon-shaped string crackled with blue lightning. The electric energy coiled around it, transforming into dozens of lightning arrows.
Whoosh!
With a thunderous release, the arrows shot into the sky, their streaks of blue light like bolts from the gods themselves.
The Svarga shuddered, as the Asuras, already swarming in, rushed forward with unrelenting fury. Their numbers surged like a tidal wave, and leading the charge were the fearsome Asura generals, Nishumbha and Shumbha.
The battle was about to begin.
Nishumbha had wild black hair, his form was encased in dark armor that seemed to pulse with primal energy. His body was massive and sturdy, exuding a raw, ancient power like a beast unleashed from the depths of time.
Shumbha, on the other hand, had piercing blue eyes that glinted coldly, his lean frame deceptively powerful. In his hand, he gripped a crescent-shaped sword, its sharp edge gleaming ominously in the light.
"Is this Svarga?" Nishumbha muttered, his voice rough as he gazed around in awe.
"It's vast... far more spacious than I imagined," he added, scanning the endless expanse. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of the empty, rolling sea of clouds.
"Why is there nothing but clouds?" Nishumbha's voice was laced with confusion.
"No!" Shumbha suddenly interrupted, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Over there, a city!" His cold tone carried the weight of realization. "They've all run away, but there's still one city left. We'll go there!"
Nishumbha's lips twisted into a grin as he laughed heartily. "The Devas are nothing but cowards. It's good they've fled. This place is ours now!" His voice boomed, filling the space with mocking amusement.
The entire Asura legions joined in, their laughter echoing ominously through the clouds, adding to the growing darkness.
Boom!
Suddenly, the sky above the horizon exploded with a brilliant blue light. A pillar of radiant energy shot into the heavens, casting everything in Svarga into chaos. The serene white clouds instantly darkened, turning into ominous black masses, swallowing the light and plunging the realm into shadow.
Varuna, standing beside Amravati City, turned his gaze upward. His eyes filled with awe as he clasped his hands together, bowing deeply.
"Everything else is up to you Indra!" he chanted reverently.
As the black clouds rolled in, they devoured the light, slowly erasing the Asuras' shadows as they fell into the consuming darkness. The sea of clouds trembled violently, and in the distance, the air crackled with energy.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Thunder rumbled through Svarga, shaking the very foundations of the realm. Lightning tore through the void, and endless bolts of thunder cascaded from the sky like torrents of rain. The air was thick with the sizzling heat of divine power.
Each bolt of lightning struck down, exploding upon impact, tearing into the Asuras with terrifying force. Thunderous Nagas—serpentine beings made of pure lightning—danced in the air, their bodies flashing like streaks of light, amplifying the chaos. The Asuras screamed in pain, their bodies consumed by the relentless bolts of thunder.
Screams echoed through the clouds, the sounds of Asuras scrambling to escape the storm of destruction.
"Scatter, you fools! Get out of here before we're all dead!"
"No! Don't leave me here! Someone, help me!"
"Please, I throw down my weapon! Have mercy!"
The Asura legions fell into disarray as they were blasted apart by the divine fury raining down from the heavens, their pleas drowned out by the thunder that echoed through the very heart of Svarga.
Accompanied by screams of agony and terror, more than half of the Asura legions were obliterated in an instant. The remaining ones, paralyzed with fear and unable to flee, were left helpless in the wake of the storm.
"Ah!!!"
In an instant of carelessness, Shumba's thigh was struck by a massive bolt of thunder. The flesh blackened and began to smoke, the smell of burnt meat filling the air. The destructive power of the lightning coursed through his body, searing him from the inside out.
Uh-huh!
With quick reflexes, Shumbha swung his scimitar, severing the blackened flesh from his mount. His heart raced as he realized the intensity of the assault.
"It's the King of Svarga!" Shumbha exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.
He had not expected Indra, the King of Svarga, to remain in Svarga while the Asuras ransacked it.
"I will block these arrows!" Nishumbha's eyes glowed with renewed vigor. "I have the blessing of invulnerability! Let's kill him together!"
A deep, rumbling roar escaped Nishumbha's throat as he struck his chest with both fists. His body expanded in size, turning into a massive beast that blotted out the sky and sun. Lightning arrows rained down upon him, but they seemed to have no effect, dissipating harmlessly against his indomitable form.
Shumbha, seeing this, quickly darted behind Nishumbha for cover, following closely as they charged forward.
In the distance, Indra stood, eyes narrowing as he observed the charging Nishumbha. He tilted his head slightly, a faint flicker of interest in his eyes.
"Is that so?" Indra's voice was cold and deliberate as his gaze lingered on the approaching beast. Blessing? A dangerous thought crossed his mind.
A flicker of light sparked in Indra's eyes. Without hesitation, he pulled his divine bow once more, releasing a volley of arrows. Rolling black clouds descended again, heavier and darker than before. Thunder and lightning crackled through the air, and arrows of pure divine energy sped toward the massive beast.
The lightning rained down upon Nishumbha's form, but it was as if the arrows were mere droplets in a storm. The power of Nishumbha'sinvulnerabilityy shielded him, and the bolts dissipated without even leaving a mark.
"No Astra and Shastra, Dev, Asur can kill me!" Nishumbha roared triumphantly, his voice booming across the battlefield. "You can't defeat me, Indra!"
His voice echoed through the clouds, filled with maddening confidence as he prepared for the next move in this divine confrontation.
---
Chapter 45 The Sun, The Eagle, and The Poisoned Sky
---
"No Astra and Shastra, Dev, Asur can kill me!"
Nishumbha's booming voice echoed across the heavens, his colossal figure barreling toward Indra like a living storm. The Asura's every step shook the ground beneath them, confidence radiating with the unyielding arrogance of his supposed invulnerability.
Indra's eyes narrowed. The golden glow of his irises flickered, his expression calm but calculating. Nishumbha's words repeated in his mind like a riddle meant to confound a lesser deity.
This blessing... It's surprisingly simple to unravel.
If no Astra and Shastra couldn't harm him, Indra thought, then the answer was clear: Don't use weapons at all. If the divine and demonic energies offered him immunity, then Svarga, the celestial realm, would serve as his battlefield.
As these thoughts churned, the air before Indra shimmered with the force of Nishumbha's approach. The Asura's body surged forward, a living wave of destruction. His fist, as large as a mountain peak, swung with enough momentum to sunder the earth.
Boom!
Indra moved with divine precision. The golden light of his Sahsrakavacha armor flared as he slung his bow across his back, raising his arms in readiness. His skin, shimmering like molten gold, shone brighter than the midday sun. Muscles coiled like the Naga kings of the Nagaloka, and with a single motion, he unleashed a punch that rippled through the fabric of reality.
The impact was cataclysmic. Nishumbha was hurled backward, his enormous form crashing into the sea of clouds that stretched across Svarga.
For a moment, silence reigned—broken only by Nishumbha's guttural laughter as he pulled himself up.
"You can't kill me!" he snarled, baring jagged teeth. His voice carried a mocking edge as if daring Indra to try again.
With a roar, Nishumbha lunged forward, hands outstretched, aiming to crush Indra in his grip.
But Indra stood unshaken.
From behind the chaos, another figure emerged—Shumbha. Smaller in stature but no less dangerous, he darted from Nishumbha's shadow. His eyes gleamed with cunning as he leaped into the air, both hands gripping a magic blade that shimmered with an eerie light.
"Attack his knees!" Shumbha roared, descending with the force of a falling star.
The blade flashed as it sliced toward Indra's knees, but before it could connect—
The Sahsrakavacha armor ignited. Bluish-green light blazed outward, and with it came the searing, toxic glow of Halahala. The venom's energy crackled like chained lightning, sending waves of agony through Shumbha's body. His attack faltered, and in his moment of weakness, Indra struck.
A golden foot shot forward, impossibly fast. The air itself roared in protest as the kick connected, sending Shumbha spiraling through the sky.
Boom!
The Asura's body arced like a rainbow, crashing into the distance with a force that rattled the heavens.
Meanwhile, Nishumbha's sneer turned into a pained grimace. Even he was not immune to the poisonous aura radiating from Indra's armor. The briefest touch had sent him recoiling, his immense form staggering backward.
Indra's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
"My Sahsrakavacha armor bears the venom of Halahala," he said, his voice calm, yet brimming with divine authority. "Its light alone brings pain. Its touch ensures destruction."
The battlefield stilled, and the Asuras were left writhing in agony. Above it all, Indra stood radiant, his golden figure shining like a beacon of unyielding power.
The Asura before Indra let out a harrowing scream, collapsing onto the ground in agony. Its massive frame trembled as it writhed in pain, unable to withstand the radiant force of Indra's presence.
Indra smiled, a glimmer of satisfaction in his golden eyes. "The venom of Halahala. Even its faintest light causes unbearable pain. A single touch ensures certain poisoning."
He cast a glance at the two Asuras struggling nearby. Neither had even laid a hand on his divine armor, yet both were already incapacitated by the mere radiance of the Halahala's light.
"Not as resilient as Hiranyaksha," Indra remarked, his tone almost dismissive. "Their pain tolerance is disappointing."
Without hesitation, Indra bent down, his hand closing around the spindly calf of one fallen Asura. The creature thrashed weakly but was powerless against the god's overwhelming strength.
As Indra's grip tightened, his form began to shift. His figure expanded, towering and colossal until his size dwarfed the Asura entirely.
Now, Indra stood like a mountain against a mere mound, an elephant before a lion, a tiger looming over a helpless wild dog.
With a roar of effort, Indra swung the Asura's body in a wide arc, wielding it as effortlessly as one might swing a cloak. Left and right, he slammed the flailing creature against the storm-darkened clouds. Each impact reverberated through the heavens, a deafening rumble echoing like a divine drumbeat.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
"This Asura," Indra mused, a grin spreading across his face, "makes a fine weapon and shield. The balance, the weight... it's perfect. I'm getting better at this at the moment."
He chuckled, his booming laughter filling the sky as he swung the Asura like a war hammer, crushing everything in his path. Clouds dispersed in chaos, and the battlefield trembled under Indra's relentless might.
...
The Kshira Sagara stretched endlessly beneath the blazing chariot of the sun. Its dark, abyssal waves churned violently, their frothy peaks glinting under the searing rays of the sun. The celestial chariot, drawn by seven radiant horses, galloped across the stormy waters, each hoofbeat leaving shimmering trails of sea mist in its wake. The reflected brilliance of the sun painted a golden path over the enigmatic black waters.
Surya clung to the edge of the chariot, his usually composed demeanor shaken. He cast nervous glances over his shoulder, his fiery gaze laced with unease.
"Faster, Aruna!" Surya urged, his voice tinged with panic.
Aruna tightened his grip on the reins, spurring the celestial steeds to an even greater speed. The chariot surged forward, a streak of light against the Milk Sea's darkness. At last, their eyes fell upon a figure standing ahead—a silhouette both unexpected and familiar.
"Narada Muni!" Surya exclaimed, relief washing over his golden face.
The celestial sage, cradling his veena, turned abruptly at the sound of his name. His expression froze, caught between recognition and hesitation.
"Ah... Lord Surya," Narada said awkwardly, his eyes darting from the chariot to the abyssal sea around him.
"Thank the heavens!" Surya called out, waving his hand to signal Aruna to halt. The chariot slowed to a graceful stop beside the sage. "Narada Muni, I can't believe you're unharmed!"
Narada offered a nervous chuckle, adjusting his grip on the veena. "Narayana Narayana. It's fortunate indeed."
"Quick, get in!" Surya leaned over, extending his hand toward the sage. "We're heading to find Lord Vishnu and plan our next move to rescue Svarga!"
Narada hesitated, but seeing the urgency in Surya's gaze, he allowed himself to be pulled into the chariot. "Narayana Naryan," he murmured reverently as he climbed aboard.
Surya grinned, his relief palpable. "I didn't think you'd escape the Asura legions unscathed! You're truly fast, Narada Muni."
Narada's smile faltered slightly as he settled into the chariot. The memory of his escape lingered, a far cry from the Sun God's heroic assumptions. The truth was far less dignified—when the Asura legions descended, Narada had discreetly slipped away amidst the chaos, avoiding confrontation entirely. It seemed ironic, even laughable, that his retreat had brought him face-to-face with Surya in the middle of the Kshira Sagara when he was deciding where to go.
"Yes, well... I was fortunate," Narada replied, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.
Surya gripped Narada's arm with surprising force, his golden eyes blazing with determination. "Come! We'll find Lord Vishnu, and together, we'll reclaim Svarga!"
Narada winced inwardly at the Sun God's vice-like grip but managed to maintain his genial smile. "Of course. Lord Vishnu will surely have a plan."
As the chariot surged forward once more, Narada cast a fleeting glance back at the Milk Sea, wondering if perhaps his escape from the Asuras had been the easy part after all.
Three figures soared through the celestial skies, carried by the sacred vehicle. Below them, the Milk Sea shimmered endlessly, its dark waves reflecting the divine glow of the heavens. Suddenly, a magnificent golden shrine materialized above the sea, radiating brilliance that seemed to hold countless mysteries and ethereal beauty.
A faint black speck appeared in the distance, growing larger as it approached, its wings flapping with purpose.
"Garuda!"
Aruna was the first to recognize the approaching figure. His voice carried a mix of surprise and joy.
"Brother!"
Garuda also spotted Aruna and called out in astonishment. Despite their differences, the bond between them was unshakable—they were brothers, born from the two eggs laid by Vinata. Aruna, the elder, had emerged prematurely, while Garuda, the younger, hatched fully developed, brimming with power.
"Garuda!"
Surya clasped his hands together, his radiant eyes filled with hope. "Thank goodness you're here! Hiranyakashipu's boon is quite overwhelming. We need the Lord Vishnu's intervention. Please, ask the Lord to help us defeat Hiranyakashipu!" Surya's voice was fervent, his head bowed in a low prayer.
Garuda's powerful wings stilled as he hovered before the group. A solemn expression crossed his face as he shook his head. "The Lord is in Vaikuntha, just beyond here," Garuda said, gesturing toward the resplendent shrine in the distance. "But He has decreed that He will not intervene. Hiranyakashipu has not yet violated the dharma. You must return."
The weight of his words hung heavy in the air.
"Is there truly no way?" Aruna stepped forward, his hand grasping Garuda's arm. His golden eyes pleaded with his brother. "Garuda, are you certain the Lord will not act?"
Garuda looked at his elder brother with a mix of pity and helplessness. He sighed deeply before replying, "The Lord said… the time has not yet come."
Aruna lowered his gaze with a sigh, his shoulders slumping in resignation. Surya, too, seemed disheartened, his earlier hope dimmed.
But Narada Muni, ever curious and restless, leaned forward eagerly. His eyes sparkled with intrigue as he gazed past Garuda toward the divine abode. Standing on tiptoe, he craned his neck, trying to catch a glimpse of Vaikuntha.
"Narayana Narayana!" Narada exclaimed with a wide grin. "Is that the Lord's new adobe, Vaikuntha? Oh, what grandeur! I haven't been inside yet!"
His excitement provided a stark contrast to the somber mood of the others, his curiosity unshaken even in the face of divine restraint.
Narada Muni's expression shifted to one of surprise as he instinctively raised his foot, ready to leap off the Sun Chariot. But before he could act, a massive golden wing unfurled before him, blocking both his view and his path.
"By the way," Garuda said, his voice steady yet firm, "the Lord has a message for you, Narada Muni. He instructs you to remain with Surya Dev and continue aiding the Devas. When the time comes, you will be called to Vaikuntha."
Garuda curled his lips slightly, his tone tinged with a subtle satisfaction as he lowered his wing. He silently thanked the Lord for sparing him from a trip to Svarga. The thought of encountering Indra again was enough to make his feathers bristle. Narada Muni, on the other hand, was a dependable ally—but under no circumstances could he be allowed into Vaikuntha now.
"Wait, what?!" Narada Muni was stunned, blinking in disbelief.
Surya, his face heavy with disappointment, shook his head. "It seems we have no other choice but to return. Lord Vishnu must have His reasons for this decision."
Turning toward Aruna, Surya gestured resolutely. "Let's go back to Svarga. We must inform the King of this news without delay."
Aruna nodded in understanding, bidding a quick farewell to Garuda before commanding the Sun Chariot forward.
As the radiant chariot surged into motion, Garuda watched his elder brother and Narada Muni depart. He noticed the sage's lingering gaze toward Vaikuntha, his longing palpable even as the distance between them grew.
"Huh~ That's perfect!" Garuda exhaled in relief, a bright smile spreading across his face. He flapped his wings vigorously, the golden light emanating from his feathers shining brilliantly. With Narada Muni bound for Svarga to assist the Devas, Garuda could remain in Vaikuntha, ever close to the Lord.
"Cool!" he thought, his heart soaring as high as his flight.
The Sun Chariot raced across the heavens, its seven horses galloping at divine speed. The sacred vehicle blazed with endless brilliance, piercing through layers of space and cutting through the veil of darkness like the first light of dawn. Its destination: Svarga.
Standing tall on the chariot, Surya peered into the distance. His radiant face was lined with worry, his voice tinged with urgency.
"The Legions are crumbling!" he exclaimed. "Svarga cannot withstand this assault. We must act quickly. Hasn't Indra already fled to Brahma Loka?"
His panic was evident as the Sun Chariot soared onward, leaving trails of light across the vast cosmic expanse, heading straight for the embattled Svarga.
---
Chapter 46 Battle for Svarga
Surya's chariot sped through the void, its wheels turning relentlessly as it carried the endless light of the sun. The chariot tore through layers of darkness, racing toward Svarga.
Whoosh!
The shining expanse of Svarga grew closer with every passing moment. Suddenly, the chariot lurched violently. The divine horses neighed in panic, their hooves striking the air with wild abandon. Aruna panicked, grabbed the reins, and pulled them tight, struggling to regain control of the frenzied steeds.
Surya and Narada Muni were thrown about by the sudden jolt. Both grasped the sides of the chariot to steady themselves.
"Who's ahead?" Surya demanded, his voice tinged with alarm. His eyes scanned the void ahead.
A dark presence emerged: a swarm of Asuras, heading straight toward Svarga. At the front of the horde stood Hiranyakashipu, his gaze sharp and menacing.
"Hiranyakashipu!" Surya gasped, his voice shaky. "Aruna, hurry!"
Aruna's hands tightened on the reins, urging the divine horses into action. With a sudden tug, the chariot veered, its golden wheels spinning faster as it surged toward Svarga.
Hiranyakashipu's eyes narrowed as he spotted the sun god's chariot in the distance. His voice rang out across the void. "That is Surya's chariot is ahead! After him!"
With a single command, the mighty Asura legions surged forward, their pursuit relentless.
"Faster Aruna faster!" Surya urged, looking back in terror as the Asuras closed in.
Narada Muni's eyes flickered with thought as he strummed his Veena. "Narayana Narayana. The other Devas are in Hiranyakashipu's grasp, Suryadev. Perhaps you should rescue them first."
Surya shook his head vehemently, his words a blur of urgency. "No! No! The Devas drank the Amrita. Hiranyakashipu can do nothing to them. We must find the King of Svarga and unite our strength to free them!" He turned to Aruna with determination. "Aruna, go straight towards Svarga!"
At Surya's command, Aruna yanked the reins with a sharp snap. The seven divine horses raised their heads, their manes flowing in the wind as they neighed loudly. In an instant, they transformed into blazing white light, accelerating with the speed of a celestial fire.
Narada Muni watched the spectacle, disappointment flickering in his eyes. This one is too cowardly, he thought.
Swish!
The distance between the two parties widened rapidly.
"Huh~" Surya exhaled deeply, his heart still racing. "They can't keep up with my divine horses!" He patted his chest in relief, a long sigh escaping his lips.
Swish!
The Sun God Chariot neared the edge of Svarga, its golden wheels cutting through the air. As it drew closer, the sunlight burst forth, painting the sky above Svarga with a pale, fish-belly white glow. The light pierced through the endless black clouds, bright and clear.
Huh?! In Svarga, Indra, sitting atop his throne, glanced to the side. His sharp gaze swept across the distance, where a gleam of light gradually reflected in the sky. His eyes widened with realization.
The sun was about to rise! Surya had returned!
With a swift motion, Indra hurled Nishumbha to the ground with a single hand, his expression hardening. The sea of clouds roiled beneath him. Nishumbha, blood staining his hands, slowly rose to his feet, his scarlet eyes burning with fury.
"You can't harm me!" he roared, his voice echoing like a cataclysmic earthquake, shaking the very sea of clouds around them. His massive body swelled once again, his hair writhing like cosmic ravines, a storm of energy swirling around him.
Indra stepped forward, his golden skin radiating a fiery brilliance as if forged from the molten core of a star. His eyes burned with divine resolve, and the very air around him seemed to hum with anticipation. Each breath he took charged the atmosphere, a harbinger of the storm to come.
With a deep breath, Indra drew his fists back to his waist. The skies reverberated with a sound like the awakening of the Sheshanaga—a guttural, otherworldly roar that silenced all else. The clouds above darkened, crackling with sparks of divine energy.
Then, with a sudden motion, Indra launched his fists forward.
Boom! Boom!
The force of his thunderous strikes collided with Nishumbha's chest, shaking the skies themselves.
Nishumbha's massive body trembled violently as his flesh split open, a blinding light erupting from the wound. The agony was etched across his face, his features contorting in pain as sharp, ferocious fangs bared in a twisted snarl.
Staggering, Nishumbha gazed in disbelief at the damage. It hurts! he thought, shock and anger seething within him. I'm actually hurt!
Indra's cold, piercing voice cut through the air. "My fist is neither a Divine or Demonic Astra nor Shastra. Now tell me, do you have the strength to fight me in Svarga?"
With a steely gaze, Indra took a step forward, his movements calculated and powerful. He twisted his waist, drawing his right fist back, and in a flash, it shot forward.
Boom!
The punch struck Nishumbha's left shoulder with the force of a divine hammer. The shoulder exploded, sending shockwaves through the air. Nishumbha was hurled backward, struggling to maintain his footing.
The second punch followed instantly, the golden fist expanding to fill Nishumbha's vision.
Boom!
The impact shattered Nishumbha's consciousness. His body flew through the air like a comet, a burst of light trailing behind him as he crashed into the distant landscape of Svarga.
"It seems your boon's immunity was insufficient." Indra turned slowly, not bothering to look at the explosion behind him. He shook his head, a faint sigh escaping his lips.
KO!!!
Clang!
The wheels of Surya's chariot slammed onto the black clouds beneath, creating a resounding crash. The sky brightened with an endless surge of light, and the oppressive black clouds began to dissipate, revealing the clear, vibrant sky of Svarga once more.
But just as the scene seemed to settle, a shout echoed through the air.
"Indra, it's not good. Vayu and Agni have been captured by Hiranyakashipu!" Surya's urgent voice carried through the clearing sky.
As Indra turned, he saw Surya leap from the sun god's chariot with the fluid grace of a fish, soaring effortlessly toward him. Indra blinked in surprise, his brow furrowing slightly. He reached out and gave Surya a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"I've seen it too."
His gaze shifted, eyes narrowing as they scanned past Surya and out toward the distant Svarga. A powerful ripple stretched across the horizon, signaling the arrival of the Asura armies, who surged forth like a relentless tide.
Hiranyakashipu's eyes gleamed with sharp focus as he entered the heavenly realm. His gaze swept over Svarga, his vision cutting through the distance like a blade, allowing him to see the entire realm in a single glance.
In an instant, his pupils narrowed. He spotted the bodies of his two Asura generals, Nishumbha and Shumbha, lying motionless on the ground.
He slowly raised his head, his eyes locking onto the distant figure of the King of Svarga. A low chuckle escaped his lips as he murmured to himself, "The King of Svarga actually killed two of my generals in a row. No wonder you were able to defeat my eldest brother."
Suddenly, there was movement.
Shumbha, who had been lying motionless, shot to his feet as though revived from the dead. He fled toward Hiranyakashipu with the frantic speed of a cornered animal, his movements erratic and panicked.
"King!" Shumbha's voice rang out, a mix of shock and relief. He had narrowly escaped death, fortunate to have been kicked aside rather than pummeled into oblivion like Nishumbha.
Hiranyakashipu tilted his head, raising an eyebrow as he watched the general. His lips curled into a wry smile. This one pretended to be dead, he thought, his amusement evident. He waved his hand dismissively, signaling for Shumbha to retreat.
Hiranyakashipu's gaze shifted, eyes narrowing again as he spotted another figure on the horizon—another mountain of body blood flowing from his chest. This one, however, was eerily still, offering no sign of life.
Seems like he's truly dead, Hiranyakashipu mused.
With a dismissive grunt, he stepped forward, brushing past the still-uncertain Shumbha, his footsteps echoing with power. Each step seemed to warp the space around him as he moved with purpose toward Indra.
"You are strong," he said, his voice heavy with respect and challenge. "No wonder you were able to kill my eldest brother and Nishumbha. But you are no match for me. You see, my hard work far exceeds yours."
---
Chapter 47 The Calculated Storm
Hiranyakashipu stood amidst the swirling tempest, his figure looming like a mountain carved from the void. His eyes burned with an unholy light, his voice carrying the weight of divine defiance as he addressed Indra, who stood resolute but watchful before him.
"Foolish Indra!" Hiranyakashipu bellowed, his laughter rolling across the Svarga like distant thunder. "Do you not see? Your and Svarga's struggles are meaningless! I have surpassed the limitations of mortals, of devas, of this entire Triloka!"
He stepped forward, his shadow stretching across the broken battlefield as his voice grew louder, more triumphant. "Brahma himself has granted me his blessings, and with them, I have become immortal! No weapon forged by man or god can harm me. No force of the Svarga or the earth can touch me!"
He raised his arms as if to command the skies themselves. "I cannot be slain be it day or night, within the walls of a home and outside them or beneath the open sky! I cannot perish by the hands of man, beast, or divine! The very laws of this universe protect my existence!"
Hiranyakashipu's eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a mocking sneer as he fixed his gaze on Indra. "And you, King of Svarga, dare to stand against me? You, whose might is nothing compared to the boons bestowed upon me?"
He took another step forward, his voice now a low growl, dripping with menace. "Know this, Indra: your thunderbolts will shatter like brittle glass. Your armies will crumble like sand before the waves. I am beyond defeat, beyond destruction, beyond death itself!"
His laughter erupted once more, wild and unrelenting as if daring the heavens to refute his claim. "Come then, Deva! Test your strength! Let the heavens and earth bear witness to the futility of your defiance!"
Boom!
The shockwave of his power reverberated, sweeping outward, making the very ground tremble beneath it. With the blessing of the earth's might, his strength surpassed even that of his brother Hiranyaksha, reaching an entirely new level.
Rishi Shukracharya and the Asura warriors nearby recoiled, instinctively retreating from the overwhelming force. None dared challenge it.
The Asura army gathered in hushed awe, their eyes fixed on the towering figure of their king, Hiranyakashipu. The air was thick with anticipation, the atmosphere charged with the raw energy of his newfound power.
"Today, Hiranyakashipu stands stronger and more fearsome than even Hiranyaksha!" Viraksha muttered, his voice heavy with respect and a touch of awe. He was an old warrior, and he had seen many battles, but nothing like this.
Durnita, a younger strategist with a nervous streak, shifted uneasily beside him. "Stronger? He's unstoppable!" His eyes darted nervously toward the horizon, as though expecting a challenge. "Even Indra, with all his might and thunder, is no match for our king now. The Devas must be trembling in their golden halls."
Raktashira, bold and brimming with pride, snorted at Durnita's words. "Indra? He won't even be able to break through our king's defenses!" The Asura's chest swelled with pride as he spoke. "The Tri-Loka is as good as his. No dev, no man, no beast can challenge him—not with the boons granted by Brahma. Have you heard how he laughed off Indra's latest assault? A single roar and the Svarga shook!"
Manthaka's youthful eyes gleaming with ambition, leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I heard he plans to rewrite the laws of the universe itself. No more sacrifices, no more devas ruling over us. It will be an age of Asuras, an age of power!"
Bhimaratha, the elder of the group, nodded solemnly. His face was marked with wisdom, yet his voice held the caution of experience. "And under his rule, none shall dare to defy us." His gaze shifted toward the horizon, where the golden gates of Svarga were now a distant memory. "The Devas are already in retreat. Soon, we will march on Svarga and claim the Svarga as our own."
Rishi Shukracharya, holding his snake staff, eyed the scene with cold calculation. His gaze flickered, and he spoke with unwavering confidence, "The King of Svarga will fall today."
Indra, however, frowned. He could feel it—the weight of Hiranyakashipu's power. It was more troublesome than Hiranyaksha, his brother. There was no desire to engage in battle. After all, he had already killed Nishumbha; now, faced with the true strength of Hiranyakashipu, a real threat, Indra knew a direct confrontation would be disastrous.
No, this can't be the way! Indra's mind raced. There had to be another way. He could try to outsmart him—find a loophole, a chance to strike without facing the full brunt of Hiranyakashipu's might.
He narrowed his eyes, watching the Asura king approach with measured steps. Slowly, he raised his hand, palm aimed squarely at Hiranyakashipu.
Hiranyakashipu's eyes narrowed, sensing that the King of Svarga was about to act. But he was unphased, his steps unwavering.
Whatever attack Indra planned—be it a vajra or a lightning arrow—Hiranyakashipu had no doubt in his victory. With the blessings he bore, no force could stand against him.
The eyes of Surya and Narada Muni Rishi also lit up, their curiosity piqued. The King of Svarga was always composed, even in the face of such power. Could it be that Indra had received a divine boon too to counter Hiranyakashipu's strength?
"Wait!" Indra called out, his voice breaking the tension. "Before we begin, I have a question."
Hiranyakashipu halted, his gaze turning to the King of Svarga. His voice was slow and deliberate, tinged with impatience. "Speak."
"Are Agni and Vayu both your prisoners?" Indra asked, his tone sharp.
"Yes," Hiranyakashipu answered, nodding slowly. "I bound them with my divine power."
Among the Asura legions, the Vayu and Agni were dragged forward. Both were bound tightly with divine ropes of light green power securing them in place like human-shaped stakes. They were completely immobilized.
"Brother save us!" Agni cried, struggling against the ropes.
"Damn Asura!" Vayu shouted, furious. "Let us go if you have the courage!"
Hiranyakashipu sneered at their pleas, raising his arm and pointing toward the King of Svarga. "Next, you shall join your fallen brothers here, Indra. You who think yourselves untouchable, having drunk Amrita, believe that no power can touch you. But know this—your time of arrogance is over. I will crush you, break your spirit, and render you no more than slaves to my will. You will know the agony of eternal degradation, for this is the price you will pay for the death of my elder brother!" His voice dripped with cold malice.
Indra chuckled softly, his gaze sharp as he slowly lowered his head and rolled his eyes. "It's a good plan, but you've miscalculated," he said, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
Hiranyakashipu's eyes narrowed in confusion.
Indra's mind raced, remembering something from his past life. His divine memory was sharp, and as the pieces fell into place, he recalled the name with clarity—Saṃhrāda.
"Your son's name... it's Prahlada, isn't it?" Indra said, his smile widening.
Hiranyakashipu froze for a moment, his face contorting in surprise. "How do you know?!" he demanded, his voice tinged with disbelief.
It was true—his son, Prahlada, had been born to his wife, Sumukhi, after thousands of years of penance. The child had only just been born when he completed his penance, and no one—aside from him and his wife—should have known the name.
Indra nodded, his expression both calm and knowing. "Yes, that's right." He smiled, his eyes glinting as he slowly raised his head to meet Hiranyakashipu's gaze directly.
A moment of silence passed before Indra continued, his tone suddenly turning more pointed. "Isn't it strange, though, how empty my kingdom feels?"
Hiranyakashipu narrowed his eyes. "What are you talking about?" he asked, though a sense of unease crept into his voice.
Indra's lips curled into a grin. "Oh, by the way, you've never been to Svarga, have you?" He spread his arms wide as if presenting a grand revelation. "But Rishi Shukracharya should know well how many Gandharvas reside in my realm. Tell me, do you really think I only have a legion of 100,000 in Svarga?"
Indra's laugh echoed across the battlefield, as if he were in on a secret Hiranyakashipu had yet to understand.
Hiranyakashipu frowned, turning to look at Rishi Shukracharya in surprise.
"That's right," Indra said with a sly grin, "There's more to Svarga than just my legions."
Rishi Shukracharya scanned the surroundings, his eyes narrowing as he noticed the emptiness. The palaces had vanished, and there was no sign of the Gandharva warriors. A chill ran down his spine.
"Where did everyone go?" he muttered, unease creeping into his heart. "Is your remaining army attacking Patalaloka?" Rishi Shukracharya asked, his voice tinged with shock.
"Exactly!" Indra's eyes lit up, his excitement palpable. "Rishi Shukracharya, you're so sharp!"
Hiranyakashipu's face darkened, the uneasiness in his chest growing. He suppressed it with a scowl.
"Hmph, you think you can deceive me?" he sneered. "My territory is guarded by Puloman and Viprachitti. There's no way you can defeat them."
Indra's eyes narrowed as he processed the situation, his mind working quickly.
"Devas might not be able to," Indra muttered under his breath, "but an Asuras might be able to sneak in."
He took a deep breath, his hand rising in a sweeping motion. The thick clouds and mist in Svarga parted, dissipating like a mirror of water, revealing shadows of the human world below. Stars surrounded Mandala Mountain in a stunning display.
"What is this?" Hiranyakashipu demanded, his voice laced with anger.
Indra raised his hand, his fingers pointing toward two dim stars among the constellation. "Do you see these two stars?" he asked calmly.
Hiranyakashipu's eyes narrowed, confusion crossing his face as he looked at the stars. He turned his head, searching for an answer in Rishi Shukracharya's expression.
The Rishi's face hardened, his gaze piercing through Svarga and locking onto the two stars. A cold shiver ran through him as he recognized their faint glow. The familiar, despised power of Vishnu radiated from them.
The stars flickered and slowly coalesced into a hazy light and shadow, revealing the silhouette of a ferocious Asura's head and a giant tail.
It was a form Rishi Shukracharya knew all too well—the very power he had feared.
"Rahu!"
Rishi Shukracharya's expression shifted abruptly, and the words seemed to force themselves out of his throat.
"Rahu?!" Hiranyakashipu's face twisted in confusion.
Rishi Shukracharya gritted his teeth, his anger bubbling over. "This is the power of Vishnu. He turned Rahu into a star god, and now he is one of the Devas!"
"So what?" Hiranyakashipu sneered. "Patalaloka is guarded by Puloman and Viprachitti. Even if this Asura knows the world well, there is no way he can breach it so quickly."
"No!" Rishi Shukracharya shook his head. "You've been focused on your penance, you don't understand. Rahu is Viprachitti's son!"
Boom!
The words struck Hiranyakashipu like a thunderbolt. His mind went blank, and for a moment, everything around him seemed to fade away. His eyes turned bloodshot, and his head snapped toward Indra, his gaze sharp with realization.
All the pieces fell into place.
"You deliberately led us to the Svarga," Hiranyakashipu hissed, his voice laced with fury. "Then you sent a large legion, led by Rahu, to secretly invade Patalaloka, colluding with Viprachitti to capture my wife and children. No wonder my elder brother died at your hands!" His fists clenched, the sheer rage in his voice impossible to ignore. "You are the most despicable man I have ever met!"
At that moment, Hiranyakashipu wanted nothing more than to strike down the King of Svarga. But his wife and children were still in Indra's hands—he couldn't afford to act recklessly, not yet.
Rishi Shukracharya too, looked at Indra with shock and fury.
What a vile scheme! What treachery! What brilliance in planning! Even his old rival, Rishi Brihaspati, would never have been able to deduce such a move.
It could only have been the King of Svarga, the mastermind behind it all. Indra had sent Rahu to infiltrate the underworld, to prepare this devious plot. Surya and Narada Muni, who had been watching in stunned silence, now shared their disbelief.
Indra had sent a legion, and they had been kept in the dark all this time.
Surya's voice broke the silence. "He even deceived me. No wonder he deserves to be the Protector of Svarga. He truly deserves to be the King of Svarga!"
Indra blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the reaction.
"Well," he said, raising his hands in a mock gesture of defeat. "That's right. You're absolutely right. That's exactly what I did." He nodded solemnly, his face serious but oddly calm in the face of the accusations.
---
Chapter 48 Indra’s Honor vs. Hiranyakashipu's Fury
"Hiranyakashipu, you are truly worthy of being King of the Asuras. You saw through my plan so easily!" Indra said, his voice steady but tinged with respect. He nodded in acknowledgment.
Hiranyakashipu gritted his teeth, his face a mix of fury and fear. His eyelids twitched like taut bowstrings, and his fists clenched so tightly they trembled with barely restrained rage.
At this moment, capturing Indra was not the problem. The real issue was how long it would take.
The Amrita of immortality, a powerful elixir that blessed the Devas, was a serious obstacle. And the Svarga realm itself was a seat of divine power and authority. If he tried to capture Indra, time would be his greatest enemy—by the time he succeeded, the earthly realm would likely be turned upside down.
What's worse, his son, Prahlada, was now in the hands of the King of Svarga.
Hiranyakashipu slowly lowered his head, releasing the tension from his clenched fists. "What do you want?" His voice was cold, a trace of resignation in his tone.
Indra's lips curved into a slight smile, surprise flickering in his eyes. This arrogant Asura king actually backed down?
After a brief moment of thought, Indra spoke again. "Hiranyakashipu, I admire your courage and fearlessness. I believe we should settle this between us—compete openly to determine who truly is worthy to become the king of Svarga."
Hiranyakashipu's eyes brightened with anticipation, and he made a move to act.
"But!" Indra raised his hand, a playful smile on his lips. "Not yet."
Hiranyakashipu paused, waiting for what was to come.
"You will release Vayu, Agni, and all soldiers," Indra continued, "and I will call off Soma and Rahu's legions. In return, I will free your wife and son respectfully."
A shadow of suspicion crossed Hiranyakashipu's face. "How can we trust you? What if you don't follow through?"
Rishi Shukracharya, ever vigilant, gripped his snake staff tightly, his voice sharp with doubt. "How can we be sure you'll keep your word?"
Indra clasped his hands together, his gaze narrowing slightly as he remained calm. "I will swear an oath to Lord Vishnu as the witness that I will not harm your wife or children today. Let the devas and the Svarga bear witness to this solemn oath."
"Wait!" Hiranyakashipu's voice rang out, powerful and commanding, cutting through the air as he raised his hand. His eyes locked onto Indra's with a piercing intensity that sent a flicker of doubt through the King of Svarga.
Did he see it?
Indra's heart skipped a beat. Divine chakra surged within him, ready to spring into action. He braced himself, prepared to flee at a moment's notice.
Hiranyakashipu snorted coldly, his expression darkening with anger. He gritted his teeth, clearly dissatisfied.
"Change the witness to Brahma!" he commanded. "And if you break your oath, I want you to relinquish your position as King of Svarga immediately."
His eyes were icy, his tone sharp. Indra and Vishnu were the ones responsible for his eldest brother's death. Having to submit to Indra today had already been a blow to his dignity. If Vishnu were to be used as a witness, it would be the greatest insult of all.
It seemed clear that Hiranyakashipu did not trust Vishnu.
"I, Indra, will never break my word uttered once," Indra replied, his voice steady despite the tension that hung in the air. His words carried a weight of ancient pride, a Kshatriya's sense of honor and duty.
He paused for a moment, deep in thought, before quietly nodding in agreement. Then, raising his palms toward the sky, he spoke with unshakable conviction.
"In that case, I swear to Brahma that if Hiranyakashipu releases Vayu, Agni, and the Heavenly Legions today, I will not harm his wife or children. I will withdraw the Legions from the Patalaloka and leave the entire patalaloka untouched. Should I break my vow, I will relinquish my position as King of Svarga."
His voice boomed like thunder, echoing across Svarga, carrying the weight of his words to every corner of the realm.
Hiranyakashipu exhaled slowly, feeling a sense of certainty settle in his chest. He raised his hand, his voice cold as ice.
"If Indra fulfills his promise, I will release Vayu, Agni, and the other Devas, as well as the Celestial Legions. If I break my oath, I will die at the hands of my enemies."
The gravity of his words hung in the air.
In Brahma's realm, the Creator God sat cross-legged on his lotus throne, a serene smile on his face as he looked down at Svarga. He listened to the exchange below—Indra and Hiranyakashipu invoking his name as a witness. Some still remembered him as the Creator, and for that, Brahma felt a sense of satisfaction.
But he couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. How could Indra claim to have large legions in Patalaloka? All the legions were under Brahma's domain in Satyaloka, especially Rahu, who was currently enjoying himself immensely.
With a slight movement of his eyes, Brahma glanced toward the divine cities of devas in Brahmaloka. The Gandharvas were steadily restoring order, resuming their duties of guarding the realm.
In a grand palace surrounded by a host of guards, Rahu lounged comfortably, his eyes glinting with pleasure as he watched the Apsara dance. He casually coiled his tail around the wine glass, sipping the intoxicating drink.
Though the wine dripped lazily from his throat, his face was flushed, a sure sign that he was thoroughly intoxicated—whether from the Soma Ras or the beauties before him, he couldn't say.
"Hahaha! This is great! I truly love Svarga!" Rahu laughed heartily, his voice full of drunken joy.
Brahma, observing from afar, looked away, lost in thought.
Boom!
Suddenly, the clouds above Svarga gathered, swirling in strange, ever-changing patterns. A massive shadow formed in the sky, casting its presence over the realm. It was Brahma's projection, a manifestation of his divine power. T
hough an ordinary oath wouldn't have required his direct intervention, the situation between the King of Svargaloka and the King of Patalaloka demanded a more serious approach.
"As you wish!" Brahma's voice rang out across the heavens, resonating in waves that echoed and lingered long after.
The dark clouds began to dissipate, and the sky cleared. Surya's radiant light bathed the realm, casting everything in a warm, golden glow.
"Retreat!" Hiranyakashipu ordered coldly, waving his hand dismissively.
At his command, the divine ropes binding Vayu and Agni snapped, and the two gods staggered before quickly retreating toward Indra, panic evident in their movements. Behind them, the antelope and white sheep mounts leaped into the air, making their way toward the Devas. Finally, the Gandharva Legions, mighty and steadfast, followed suit.
Hiranyakashipu fixed Indra with a cold, steely gaze, his voice low but filled with a deep, seething promise. "I will defeat you next time."
Indra's response was calm, almost casual, as if the confrontation were already over. "Yes, definitely next time."
"I will win!"
"Of course, next time," Indra replied smoothly, maintaining his composure.
Hiranyakashipu snorted disdainfully, his face darkening with anger. With a final, bitter glance at Indra, he turned and led his legions, storming toward the earthly realm, his mood as heavy as the atmosphere around him.
Indra stood tall and unwavering, like an immovable mountain, silently observing the asuras retreating from the earth. Vayu and Agni, along with a vast legion of Gandharvas, had also returned.
"I didn't expect Soma to head to the underworld with Rahu. No wonder I haven't seen him around," Vayu remarked, his voice laced with surprise. "I thought he had gone to the human world. Looks like I was wrong about him."
Agni sighed. "The King of Svarga shouldn't have promised them anything. They can't kill us, after all. Soma can just destroy the patalaloka instead."
"That makes sense," Surya nodded thoughtfully, his eyes glinting with understanding.
The Devas gathered together, reflecting on their previous tactics. As the group deliberated, Narada Muni, ever the sage, tilted his head, blinking his eyes as he gently plucked the strings of his veena. A knowing smile spread across his face.
"Narayana Narayana! Do you think we can wait for these asuras to return, then pursue them and catch their legions by surprise?" he asked, his tone almost playful.
"Plus Indra is bound by oath, but the devas and the entire army is not bound by the oath between the King of Svarga and Hiranyakashipu," Narada muni pointed out, and his smile deepened.
"What about Hiranyakashipu?"
"The King of Svarga will deal with him," Narada Muni responded, his eyes gleaming with hidden wisdom.
The Devas' eyes widened in realization. The plan could actually work.
"This could work," Surya murmured, his thoughts racing. "The King only needs to hold Hiranyakashipu. If we, the Devas, act together, we can strike the Asura legions with overwhelming force. Since we're acting separately, it won't violate the oath, and the legions on patala won't be involved."
Surya turned to the King of Svarga, his expression filled with anticipation. "Indra, what do you think?"
Indra's gaze flickered momentarily as a flash of thought crossed his mind. His eyes reflected a distant vision, crossing the void to Brahma Loka.
"Why aren't you running faster to Brahmaloka?! There are no legions in the Patalaloka!"
The roar reverberated in the ears of the Devas, echoing for a long time.
The Devas froze in shock.
"No legions?"
"Then where are Soma and Agni?!"
A cold chill ran down their spines. This was bad.
"Aruna!" Surya's eyes widened in realization. He whirled around, moving faster than the wind itself, faster even than the God of Wind. Without hesitation, he flew toward the Sun Chariot, shouting urgently for the God of Dawn.
Aruna, already knowing what was coming, reacted instantly. With a swift wave of the reins, a sharp crack echoed through the air. The horses neighed loudly, the wheels of the chariot creaked, and the chariot took off at full speed.
"If there are no legions, what happens when the Asuras return?" Surya thought grimly. "This isn't good."
The Devas and the Gandharva legions immediately grasped the severity of the situation. One by one, they rushed toward the Sun Chariot, scrambling to climb aboard.
Fortunately, the radiance of the Sun Chariot was like a tangible thread, an ethereal rope that they could cling to. The Gandharvas grasped the shining strands as though they were lifelines, swinging onto the chariot like a train, racing toward Brahmaloka as if they were pulling the Milky Way itself.
"Slower! Wait for me!"
"Add me in!"
Aruna's eyes widened in horror as he looked at the stumbling horses. His heart raced. Now, it was time for his skills to shine. This was high-stakes driving, a test of precision and speed!
---
Chapter 49 The Throne Claimed
"Quick!" On the other side, Hiranyakashipu's expression was tense with urgency. He nearly outran his own legions, plunging through layers of void and across vast stretches of space.
Boom!
As soon as Hiranyakashipu returned to Patala, he shot toward the Asura Temple like a meteor streaking across the sky. He looked down, the landscape of Patala passing beneath him in a blur.
But soon...
He noticed something amiss. The surroundings were eerily silent, almost unnaturally so. The area was pristine, untouched—no sign of bloodshed, no evidence of a battle.
"What is this?!" Hiranyakashipu's expression darkened. A wave of realization hit him, and his unease deepened.
As he reached the Asura Temple, the figures of Puloman and Viprachitti came into view, walking side by side with a group of Asura guards flanking them.
Boom!
Without slowing down, Hiranyakashipu crashed to the ground like a meteor, landing in a massive crater. His powerful strike sent shockwaves through the Patala, and he waved his hand violently, clearing the rising smoke with a gust of wind.
His golden eyes scanned the two figures before him.
Puloman instinctively recoiled, taking a half step back in surprise.
"King?"
"When did you come back?" Viprachitti asked confusion and surprise clear in his voice. He raised one hand to his chest, gesturing a respectful bow.
Something about their reaction was all wrong.
A sinking feeling settled in Hiranyakashipu's gut, his suspicions quickly taking root. He stood motionless for a moment, the weight of his growing anger reflected in the deepening scowl on his face.
"Is everything alright in Patala?" Hiranyakashipu's voice came out hoarse, each word struggling to escape from his throat.
"King, everything is normal!" Viprachitti answered, his tone calm, though a flicker of uncertainty flashed in his eyes.
Hiranyakashipu's face twisted in fury, his silence amplifying the weight of his anger. Without a word, he spun around and launched himself into the sky with a resounding bang.
Moments later, he crashed into a palace like a meteor. His feet barely touched the ground before he stormed inside, his pace relentless. There, he found his wife, a beautiful Asura woman, Sumukhi, cradling a child in her arms as she breastfed.
"Husband, have you returned victorious?" she asked, a smile playing on her lips. "No wonder Prahlada suddenly stopped crying!"
She looked up in surprise, the joy on her face quickly fading as she saw the rage in Hiranyakashipu's eyes. His face was bloodshot, and a deep, unsettling gloom hung around him. The sight of her husband's fury startled her, and she instinctively rocked the child in her arms, trying to calm the tense atmosphere.
But Hiranyakashipu wasn't listening.
"That lying dev...!" he growled, his voice trembling with rage.
"Indra!!"
"Rahu!!!"
His pupils turned blood red as his hair whipped around him in a frenzy, his powerful, terrifying form trembling slightly. He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles cracked, letting out a bloodcurdling roar that seemed to shake the very foundations of the palace.
He had been deceived. Betrayed.
"Damn Indra! Damn him to the depths of hell!" he screamed, his rage boiling over.
Boom!
The entire palace shook with the force of his fury. Without a second thought, Hiranyakashipu rose from the ground like a tempest, crashing through the palace walls in an instant. He shot straight toward Svarga, his body propelled forward by the sheer force of his wrath.
He was like a furious bull, a shooting star streaking toward Svarga, consumed by the humiliation and anger of having been played by his enemy. The dark, destructive nature that had always lurked within him was now fully unleashed, filling him with an uncontrollable rage.
The Asura Legions, who had just returned, were caught off guard by the unstoppable force of the "meteor" that Hiranyakashipu had become. The impact was catastrophic, like a natural disaster in motion, shattering the statues and sending them crashing to the ground. The shockwave of air tore through everything in its path.
Rishi Shukracharya, who had been observing from a distance, stumbled as the force of the impact rattled him. He looked up, his eyes widening at the sight of Hiranyakashipu's flying figure.
"Hiranyakashipu!" Rishi Shukracharya gasped, his voice filled with surprise.
Moments later, Viprachitti appeared, soaring toward the scene with confusion in his eyes.
"What happened to the king?!" Viprachitti called out, his voice tinged with concern. "Did you lose?"
He was baffled by the sight, unable to understand what had just unfolded.
Rishi Shukracharya looked at the confused Viprachitti, his voice sharp with disbelief. "Your son Rahu hasn't returned?!"
"Ah! My son is still alive?" Viprachitti's body swayed slightly, his eyes widening with shock.
The realization hit Rishi Shukracharya like a bolt of lightning. He understood now—he had been deceived by Indra, just like Hiranyakashipu. Not only had the King of Svarga tricked Hiranyakashipu, but he had also outwitted the teacher of Asura, leading him down a false path. A sense of shame washed over him.
He had been the teacher of Asura for countless eons, revered for his wisdom, yet he had fallen for Indra's deception.
"!!!"
"Damn him!" Rishi Shukracharya's rage erupted in a roar that echoed through the sky. His eyes burned with fury. Without hesitation, he lifted his snake staff high and turned toward the Asura Legions behind him. "Return to Svarga! We will make them pay!"
With a wave of his hand, Rishi Shukracharya soared into the sky, the Asura Legions close behind him, their massive presence ready to strike.
Only Viprachitti remained on the ground, still stunned and confused, trying to make sense of the chaos unfolding around him. "What about my son?" he murmured to himself.
…
Boom!
Hiranyakashipu, consumed by fury, crashed into Svarga like a meteor, his body plummeting through the sky, scattering clouds in all directions. The deafening explosion of his impact shook the heavens.
"Indra!" he roared, his voice reverberating with primal rage. "Indra!"
His body, bloodshot and crackling with energy, surged with power. Muscles bulged like rolling naga coils, veins pulsing with fiery blood that flowed like the Ganges. The terrifying shockwaves from his rage sent ripples through the air, shattering the white clouds around him.
Svarga lay in ruins, empty of its divine inhabitants... or so it seemed.
But there was something else. Something waiting.
Hiranyakashipu gritted his teeth, his bloodshot eyes narrowing as he scanned the Svarga. There, in the center, atop a cloud of pure white, sat a golden throne. It was draped with divine satin cushions and radiated a brilliance so intense it seemed to outshine the very heavens.
His anger flared as he marched toward it, each step heavy with fury.
"King of Svarga!" he roared, his voice shaking the air itself.
With a roar of pure rage, he grasped the sides of the throne. His powerful arms exploded with divine energy, lifting the throne effortlessly, as though it were nothing more than a toy. The golden throne rose high, bathed in a brilliant light that shimmered like a rainbow, like sunlight dancing across the water, like the silvery traces of the moon. It cast radiant beams of brilliance across Svarga.
Hiranyakashipu stared at the throne, his bloodshot gaze seething with contempt. His chest heaved, and the air around him seemed to vibrate with the weight of his fury.
Boom!
He slammed the throne down with a cold grunt, his expression twisted in disgust. Spinning on his heel, he waved his robe in a flourish and seated himself on the throne, gripping the golden sword that lay beside him.
A wave of satisfaction washed over him as his body sank into the throne, a deep sense of comfort flooding through him.
"Despicable Indra..." Hiranyakashipu muttered under his breath. "What qualifications does he have to sit on such a throne? A coward who only knows how to run away!"
His anger simmered down, replaced by a dangerous pride as he leaned back, his hands resting on the throne's arms. Slowly, he began to shift his weight, rubbing his backside against the seat like a child playing with a new toy.
"Svarga belongs to me now," he declared, his voice full of arrogant certainty.
As he sat there, his thoughts turned inward. "Brother, I can do what you couldn't. I can achieve what you never would."
He closed his eyes slowly, his breathing steadying as he focused his immense power. His energy spread out across Svarga like ripples on a pond, the very fabric of the realm responding to his call. It was as though he had become one with Svarga, the power of the realm gathering and surging back into his body, making him feel unstoppable.
At that moment, Rishi Shukracharya arrived, flying in with the Asura Legions behind him. His eyes immediately locked onto Hiranyakashipu, sitting proudly on the golden throne, and he felt the tremendous surge of power emanating from his comrade.
"Hiranyakashipu!" Rishi Shukracharya shouted, a mix of awe and concern in his voice. "What have you done?"
Hiranyakashipu opened his eyes, a maniacal grin spreading across his face. The power that surged through his body filled him with an almost intoxicating excitement.
"My power is endless!" he roared, his laughter echoing throughout Svarga, reverberating through the very clouds.
Rishi Shukracharya could feel it—an overwhelming wave of power, like a storm ready to break. Hiranyakashipu had transformed, and the heavens themselves trembled before him.
Hiranyakashipu rose from the golden throne, his imposing figure towering as he opened his arms wide. Each step he took toward Rishi Shukracharya carried an air of unyielding authority, his voice ringing out like thunder.
"From this day forward, Svarga will belong to the Asuras!" he declared, his tone brimming with unshakable resolve. "The entire Tri Loka will bow before us!"
His fists clenched tightly as visions of his enemies flashed in his mind—figures bathed in divine light, their gazes piercing with the cold fire of hatred.
"Vishnu," he spat, his voice dripping venom. "And Indra!" His roar echoed through the skies, his disdain palpable.
Hiranyakashipu's eyes burned with a fiery intensity, his voice resounding like the roar of a tempest as he declared his will to the heavens and earth. "Hear me, all who dwell within the Tri Loka! From this moment forth, let no prayers be offered to Vishnu! Let no hymn of praise be sung to Indra! Let the trembling Devas, those craven usurpers, receive neither offering nor reverence!"
He paused, his gaze a piercing flame that swept across the gathered Asuras, commanding their unwavering loyalty.
"From this day, the people of the Tri Loka shall bow only to me—the true lords of existence! And they shall revere but one sovereign, one ruler above all…" His voice rose, a thunderclap of defiance that shook the firmament itself. "Hiranyakashipu! The undisputed King of the Tri Loka!"
The proclamation hung heavy in the air, the sheer weight of his words sending shockwaves through his audience.
Rishi Shukracharya's eyes widened, his composure faltering as the enormity of Hiranyakashipu's ambitions became clear. For a moment, the great Rishi was frozen, caught between awe and alarm.
Brahmaloka
In the radiant city of Amravati, Indra stood at the gates, his sharp gaze fixed on the horizon. In the distance, the sun chariot gleamed as Gandharvas leaped gracefully from its celestial platform. The divine horse pulling the chariot snorted, white-hot air streaming from its nostrils like trails of fire.
Indra's expression hardened, his brows furrowing as an unsettling sensation washed over him. A faint weakness crept into his body, gnawing at the edges of his divine strength.
"Without Svarga… my power has begun to wane," he murmured, his voice laced with concern. His hand instinctively gripped his Vajra tighter.
Yet, amidst the encroaching vulnerability, a strange realization dawned upon him. He closed his eyes, sensing the shift within.
"But…" he said, his voice tinged with surprise, "the power of my penance… it's growing stronger!"
Indra's eyes snapped open, a mixture of shock and determination flashing within them. He straightened, the divine resolve of the King of Devas rekindling as he prepared for the trials that lay ahead.
