Chapter 53 The Devas' Messenger
Narada Muni's voice was smooth and enchanting, his words dripping with sincerity as if every sentence he spoke held an undeniable truth. He smiled gently, his eyes flickering as they scanned the room, looking left and right. But there was one person he did not see.
"The King of Svarga is not here?" Narada Muni asked, his tone laced with curiosity.
Agni, deep in thought, replied, "The King of Svarga is preparing a counterattack plan to reclaim Svarga..."
Snap!
Narada Muni clapped his hands together, the sharp sound echoing through the temple. With a broad smile, he spread his hands in mock surprise. "A counterattack plan? Isn't that exactly what the Lord had in mind?" His eyes sparkled mischievously. "So, where is the King of Svarga?"
Without waiting for an answer, Narada Muni picked up his veena and, with a graceful motion, began to walk out of the temple, his steps light and purposeful. "Let's see if we can find him ourselves."
The Devas, momentarily stunned by his sudden action, followed suit. They abandoned their banquet, leaving the luxurious setting behind as they trailed Narada Muni through the city of Amravati, searching for the elusive Indra.
"He isn't here in Amravati or Indra's Palace!" Vayu called out as they searched, his voice sharp with urgency.
"Nothing in Swarga Mandapa either!" Agni added, his tone tinged with frustration as he scanned the surroundings.
Their search continued, but the King of Svarga remained elusive.
…
Narada Muni and the Devas searched relentlessly, their steps echoing through the vast halls of Amravati. Vayu, with his swift winds, surged ahead, sweeping through the palace like a powerful breeze. The air fluttered the shawls of the goddesses, rustled the leaves of precious trees, and carried a faint whisper as it passed by.
"Where is he?" Vayu muttered under his breath, his voice filled with concern. "Indra, where are you?"
He darted through the grand spaces, the search growing more frantic with each passing moment. Finally, as he reached Nandana Gardens, a familiar figure caught his eye beneath a pipal tree. His heart skipped a beat, his eyes widening in surprise. Vayu froze mid-air, his hands instinctively falling back as he stared, a mixture of awe and fear clouding his thoughts.
"The power of penance..." Vayu whispered, barely believing what he was witnessing.
Indra, the King of Svarga, lay beneath the Pipal tree, his arms resting behind his head in a posture of ease. His usual regal attire was replaced with simple, plain white robes, and a visible aura of ascetic power surrounded him. The very air seemed to hum with the strength of his penance. Vayu blinked, trying to reconcile the scene with his memories of the mighty King of Svarga. If he hadn't sensed the unmistakable divine power, he might have missed him altogether.
Indra is undergoing another penance...
Vayu clicked his tongue in disbelief. He knew what needed to be done. Turning on his heels, he sped back to find Narada Muni.
"Found him!" Vayu called out, his voice a mix of relief and frustration as he flew toward the sage and the Devas.
Narada Muni's eyes lit up at the news.
"Where is the King of Svarga?" he asked eagerly.
Vayu grinned mischievously, pointing in the direction of Nandana Gardens. "He's over there. Let's go."
The group, led by Vayu, soon arrived at the serene Nandana Garden. They walked toward the tranquil lake, the sight of the green pipal tree coming into view. And there, beneath its shade, lay Indra.
Narada Muni's smile faltered as he took in the sight before him. His eyes widened in disbelief. Indeed, it was the King of Svarga, but something was off. Narada Muni blinked, his gaze intense as he focused on the aura around Indra. The power of penance crackled around him, like thunder and lightning, confirming that the King of Svarga was deep in his ascetic practices.
Narada Muni exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable. This was not what he had expected to find.
"I heard Garuda mention that the King of Svarga was deep into his penance before, and now it seems that he is doing penance again," Narada Muni remarked, his voice tinged with amusement.
"But I'm afraid I won't be able to wake him up like this," he continued with a thoughtful frown.
As a bewitching messenger, Narada Muni had caused trouble for countless beings primarily through his love for spreading news, and gossip, and his charm, he had a method for dealing with ascetics. However, he wasn't one to get his hands dirty himself; he preferred to let others take part in the fun. Gently strumming his Veena, he rolled his eyes and then grinned, a mischievous glint in his gaze.
"How about this?" he proposed with a sly smile. "Why don't you gather a few Apsaras and have them dance around the King of Svarga? It just might awaken him."
Narada Muni's suggestion was met with silence. The graceful, captivating figures of the Apasaras were often the most tempting distractions for ascetics, known to interrupt their rigorous practices with their sheer allure.
But the Devas hesitated. Surya remained quiet, and Vayu turned his head away in discomfort. Agni and Varuna also fell silent, their eyes flicking uneasily toward the Pipal tree where Indra sat in deep meditation.
They all remembered the last time they had seen such a thing unfold. Garuda had been cursed just for disturbing Indra's penance.
Though the Devas were on good terms with their big brother, none of them wanted to risk incurring his wrath. The consequences of interrupting an ascetic's discipline were well-known, and the King of Svarga's fury would be something to dread.
Moreover, disturbing an ascetic's penance was a direct violation of dharma.
Even the devas of Svarga, who oversaw such practices, disapproved of it.
"This isn't a good idea," Surya finally spoke up, shaking his head in dismay. "Ascetics are sacred, and Indra is no exception."
Agni, too, chimed in, his voice filled with concern. "Indra might be focusing on his penance to find a way to defeat Hiranyakashipu. It would be best not to disturb him."
Vayu nodded in agreement, his gaze turning thoughtfully toward Indra beneath the Pipal tree. "That makes sense. We may not even stand a chance against Hiranyakashipu if we try to test him now."
"I agree," Vayu continued, deep in thought. "We don't necessarily need to confront the Hiranyakashipu ourselves. There's another solution."
He turned toward the Devas. "You see, the key is to run fast enough. Even if the Hiranyakashipu can't be defeated by us, there's someone who will not be harmed by him and can get our of a dangerous situation very easily. You don't even need to be a deva for that."
"Eh?" Surya raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
Varuna nodded slowly, catching the drift of Vayu's thoughts. "Oh, I see."
As realization dawned on the group, they began to nod in unison. There was indeed someone among them who was uniquely suited for such a task.
Swish, swish, swish!
In an instant, all eyes converged on Narada Muni. The Devas' gazes locked onto him, their focus sharp and unwavering.
Narada Muni, the divine messenger, held a unique power—he was cursed with no fixed abode, free to roam wherever he desired. He could travel effortlessly between the Svarga, the human world, and even the Patala itself. With such freedom, running away from Hiranyakashipu would be no challenge at all.
But even he was taken aback by what he now faced. The eyes of the Devas met him in the air—some were stunned, others surprised, while a few looked on with growing realization. The tension in the air thickened.
Narada Muni stepped back, holding his Veena close to his chest, instinctively inhaling a sharp breath. Something wasn't right. This wasn't how things were supposed to unfold.
"Narayana Narayana~," he muttered, forcing a smile onto his face as he quickly waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. "I think... this matter requires further consideration!"
The Devas, all observing him closely, were unmoved. Their eyes remained clear and steady as they clasped their hands together, bowing in reverence.
Surya stepped forward, his golden aura casting a radiant glow as he addressed Narada Muni, his voice filled with urgency. "Narada Muni, the Devas are in turmoil, and the human world teeters on the brink of destruction. We need your help and intervention. Only you can talk with Hiranyakashipu can come back alive."
Vayu, with a worried expression, added, "Narada Muni, your insight has always been the light in times of darkness. Please, help us now in our moment of need."
Agni, his flames flickering with intensity, spoke up as well. "The Triloka is on the edge, Narada Muni. Without your intervention, we fear it may slip beyond salvation."
Soma, ever earnest, nodded. "Indeed, Narada Muni, your presence can bring the balance back. The humans and Devas both need your help."
Amidst the chorus of respectful requests, the sky itself seemed to shift. The clouds swirled, and a divine, smiling face began to materialize in the ether.
The creator god—Brahma.
Brahma had already heard everything. He watched as Narada Muni's mischievous plan began to unravel, and his smile deepened.
"Narada!" Brahma's voice rang out, calm and steady. "Indra is deep in his penance. Do not disturb him!"
The Devas looked on with expectant eyes as Brahma continued, his tone both gentle and firm. "You are well aware of the mission entrusted to you from the preserver of the World. This task has been given to you, and it is your responsibility to investigate the Asuras. I trust you will not disappoint Vishnu's expectations. Go as a messenger to the Asura king he will not harm you as he is bound by his Dharma as a king."
Narada Muni, who was known for causing trouble, now found himself on the receiving end of it. Brahma's words were a reminder of the divine responsibilities he could not escape.
"Pranam Brahmadev!"
The Devas of wind, water, fire, and sun lifted their heads in unison, offering their devout Pranams to the shadow of Brahma that loomed above them. Their voices echoed with reverence, and Brahma's smile widened in satisfaction.
Narada Muni, however, had little cause for celebration. The Devas, though capable, could not match his mischievousness. Yet, at this moment, he was keenly aware that they had outsmarted him. Brahma's presence, his gentle rebuke, was proof enough.
"Yes, Father," Narada Muni responded stiffly, his shoulders sinking as he gave a half-hearted bow. "I understand."
For a fleeting moment, he wondered if he might just get away with it this time. But reality soon set in. Not only had Indra not been fooled, but Narada Muni himself had fallen into a trap set by these very Devas.
"I must return," he thought with a sigh. "Next time, I'll find a way around this."
But for now, he bowed once more, acknowledging his defeat with a wry grin.
Narada Muni wore a wry smile, his thoughts dancing with mischief. He shook his head, took a single step forward, and vanished into the Brahmaloka.
In the blink of an eye, his surroundings shifted. A flash of light filled his vision, and as it cleared, he was met with an unexpected sight.
A pair of cold, golden eyes locked onto his own, piercing through the very fabric of his being.
"!!!"
Narada Muni froze, his heart skipping a beat as the intensity of the gaze struck him like a bolt of lightning.
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Chapter 54 Messenger in the Eye of the Storm
"Who?!"
In an instant, a terrifying figure with golden eyes descended before Narada Muni. The air crackled with power as a large hand reached out, grabbing Narada Muni's wrist with a grip so firm it felt like a lock forged from the heavens themselves.
Hiranyakashipu!
Narada Muni's heart skipped a beat. The curse from Daksha had granted him the ability to move unhindered across realms, but if anyone laid a hand on him—if he left Svarga—the full force of Hiranyakashipu would be upon him.
In a flash, Hiranyakashipu's right hand shimmered, and a massive, black mace appeared, raised high, casting a terrifying shadow. The weight of its presence was overwhelming.
Narada Muni's heart raced his senses on high alert. His voice, though quivering slightly, carried the weight of urgency and a touch of fear. "Oh, Hiranyakashipu, please, do not act in haste!" he pleaded, his words almost choking him. "I am a Muni, a humble messenger of Svarga! If you strike me down, it would be as though you are committing the gravest of sins—slaying Brahman and the messenger in one stroke!"
He quickly summoned a kamandala in his left hand, the water of the sacred Ganges rippling violently within. With a swift motion, he reached into it, his fingers brushing the water—its holy power ready to spill out, capable of invoking a curse strong enough to protect him.
"Are you faster than me?" Hiranyakashipu's voice was cold and dripping with disdain.
Sages, Rishis, and Muni with all their ascetic power, were sacred, and killing one would be a heinous crime—a violation of the sacred law of Brahma himself. But to Hiranyakashipu, these laws meant little. He had already overthrown the Devas, banned their Yajanas, and made himself an enemy of the Devas. Killing a sage would hardly matter to him. What angered him more was the audacity of this Muni daring to enter his palace, showing no respect for his rule as the Lord of the Tri-Loka.
Hiranyakashipu's eyes narrowed, his expression icy. With a deadly calm, he prepared to bring the hammer down.
"Stop!"
A powerful voice rang out, sonorous and commanding, cutting through the tension in the air. The entire hall fell into a heavy silence.
Hiranyakashipu and Narada Muni stood frozen, their heads slowly turning as they squinted at Rishi Shukracharya, who walked into the room with measured steps.
"Put it down," Rishi Shukracharya's voice rang out, deep and commanding.
He glanced over, his gaze sharp as he noticed the mace still clutched in Hiranyakashipu's hand and the kamandla held by Narada Muni. With a disdainful snort, he raised his hands, which began to glow with a golden light.
Suddenly, a flash of movement—a blur of energy—and the scene shifted. In the blink of an eye, Rishi Shukracharya was holding a gleaming Chakra in his left hand, while a Kamandala appeared in his right. The sharp blade now faced Hiranyakashipu, while the kamandala was pointed directly at Narada Muni.
Something wasn't right.
Another flicker of golden light and the positions of the Chakra and Kamandala reversed. Now, a cold, gleaming blade rested ominously before Narada Muni, its sharp edge reflecting the light and sending a chill down his spine. Meanwhile, the spout of the kamandala was now aimed at Hiranyakashipu, with the Ganges water swirling dangerously inside, ready to unleash its curse.
"You put it down," Rishi Shukracharya repeated, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Under the intense pressure of this third party's power, both Hiranyakashipu and Narada Muni froze, their bodies stiff with tension. Hiranyakashipu's expression remained cold, but he slowly released Narada Muni's arm, his gaze lifting to meet the immortal's eyes.
Narada Muni exhaled sharply, a breath of relief escaping his lips.
"Narayana Narayana…" he began, his voice faltering as he moved to bow in respect.
But just as the words were about to leave his mouth, he paused, a thought crossing his mind. He quickly swallowed the rest of his sentence.
Rishi Shukracharya and the Asura King clearly held grudges against his Deva, Vishnu. To invoke Vishnu's name in their presence could be dangerous, even deadly. He suppressed the words, forcing a smile onto his face as he turned to Rishi Shukracharya.
"Rishi Shukracharya," Narada Muni began, trying to sound casual.
Rishi Shukracharya's eyes narrowed as he shot a cold glance in his direction. "Are you here on behalf of the Devas?" he asked bluntly.
Narada Muni's smile faltered for a moment, his eyes blinking in surprise.
"Well... that's it," he muttered quietly, realization dawning.
Rishi Shukracharya snorted coldly, his disdain evident. With a wave of his hand, the Chakra and Kamandala vanished, replaced by a long staff. He slammed it into the black stone floor of the main hall, the resounding thud echoing through the space.
"Hiranyakashipu and I have already discussed this," Rishi Shukracharya declared, his voice firm. "From now on, we will no longer interfere with the Devas fulfilling their duties. However, the Tri Loka still belongs to the Asuras. Yajnas to devas are prohibited, and the Devas have no right to interfere."
He paused, his cold gaze narrowing. "Of course, if the Devas refuse to obey the decree of the King of Triloka, then feel free to test it. But be warned—you will bear the consequences."
The words hung in the air as Narada Muni beamed with satisfaction. He had done nothing but stand by, and yet the task had been completed. He clasped his hands together and gave a respectful nod.
"I'll go speak with the Devas immediately," Narada Muni said, his surprise still evident on his face.
With a smile, Narada Muni turned, his feet light as he moved with quick, purposeful steps. As he stepped into the void, his voice lifted—half deliberate, half casual—calling out in reverence.
"Narayan Narayana~"
The words reverberated, their echo lingering in the temple like a soft, sacred hymn.
Hiranyakashipu and Shukracharya's expressions shifted dramatically. The pride they had felt moments ago, celebrating their success, quickly turned to disgust. The plan had just taken a turn they hadn't anticipated.
"Narada Muni!!!" they hissed in unison, the tension palpable in the air.
Meanwhile, Narada Muni smiled playfully, oblivious to the frustration that lingered behind him. He trotted quickly to Brahmaloka, the Veena cradled in his arms, eager to share the news with the Devas.
Upon his arrival, Narada Muni was met with the Devas' expectant eyes.
"Under my request, Hiranyakashipu and Asura Lord Shukracharya have agreed that the Devas can return to their duties," Narada Muni said, his smile wide. "But they still prohibit the acceptance of faith from Yajana."
The Devas exchanged skeptical glances, unsure of the new terms.
"Really?" Soma questioned.
"You can have Vayu test it out. There's no problem," Narada Muni offered with a wink.
Vayu, ever confident in his abilities, stepped forward. "I'll take it from here," he declared. "I'm the fastest among us, and I should handle this task."
With a swift motion, he summoned his mount, an antelope, and without hesitation, mounted it. He spurred it forward, and the wind god was off.
The breeze picked up, growing strong and intense, as the antelope galloped into the air. Vayu, the god of wind, had returned to the Tri Loka. The winds began to stir once more, the atmosphere itself alive with energy, as the world itself seemed to awaken to the change.
"Vayu!" Rishi Shukracharya's voice rang out through the celestial temple.
He stood with unwavering focus, his gaze fixed on the distant sky. "The next to appear should be the Sun God, Surya."
A moment later, the sound of galloping hooves echoed through the heavens, followed by the arrival of the sacred chariot. A flash of pale light—like the first streaks of dawn—spread across the Tri Loka. The soft glow of the morning sun pierced through the darkness, scattering the night's shadows, and the world slowly began to awaken to the light once more.
As the rays of dawn touched the earth, fire reignited across the land. Tiny flames sparked to life, spreading their warmth. The rivers, lakes, and seas began to churn once again, swelling with renewed energy.
This was a sign that Agni, the god of fire, and Varuna, the god of water, had also emerged.
"He's the only one left now," Rishi Shukracharya murmured, a note of finality in his voice.
"Indra!" Hiranyakashipu's voice dropped to a low, intense murmur. He stood proudly beside his teacher, Rishi Shukracharya, his fists clenched tightly, struggling to contain the boiling bloodlust within him.
Yet, even as his frustration grew, Hiranyakashipu remained still, a stone statue in Svarga, waiting... waiting for Indra. The sun god, Surya, and the moon god, Soma, had come and gone every day, yet Indra was nowhere to be seen.
"Nearly ten years have passed," Hiranyakashipu muttered, his voice edged with impatience.
He turned to Rishi Shukracharya, his expression sharp. "Teacher, you promised Indra would appear soon. Why hasn't he shown himself yet?"
Rishi Shukracharya's face remained calm, his gaze narrowing with a knowing smile. "Patience, my friend. Have you not noticed? The rainfall in the human world—its steady flow—is the work of the Wind God and the Water God working together. The mist rises from the lakes and the seas, does it not?"
He paused, his eyes glinting with wisdom. "If this continues, their powers will be stretched thin. Indra will emerge soon enough, I assure you."
Hiranyakashipu could feel the weight of Rishi Shukracharya's words, but his impatience was difficult to contain. Still, he said nothing, his anger simmering just below the surface.
Meanwhile, in the world of Brahma, the Devas gathered once again in the Nandana Garden, gathered around the sacred pipal tree. Their faces were drawn, weary from the endless waiting.
Vayu and Varuna stood at the front, their expressions grim. The divine light that usually emanated from them had dulled, and their once-radiant auras were now faint. The toll of their efforts was visible in their thinner forms, their weariness evident.
"The human world cannot afford to lose the blessing of rain," Vayu muttered under his breath, his voice heavy with concern. The world needed Indra, the Provider of Rain, more than ever.
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