Chapter 74 Forgotten Promise
"Narada!!"
The booming echoes of Indra's voice reverberated in Narada's ears, shaking him to his core. For a moment, he froze, caught in the waves of sound that seemed to rattle his very being.
"!!!"
Narada Muni's eyes widened in alarm, and the panic that flashed across his face seemed to grow tenfold. The shock in his gaze was unmistakable—his usually calm demeanor shattered by an overwhelming sense of dread. His body went rigid, an icy chill creeping down his spine, as an unshakeable panic surged from deep within his heart.
Could it be? Was the King of Svarga about to curse him?
Narada's mind raced, his eyes darting nervously from side to side, seeking escape, but it was too late. The surrounding Devas and Rishis had all turned their attention toward him, and the Trimurti watched closely. There was no way out now.
With a deep, resigned breath, Narada steeled himself. The only option left was to face Indra head-on.
His resolve hardened. He could not afford to back down. Narada was an immortal, a sage whose wisdom and eloquence were unmatched. To be outdone by Indra in a battle of words would be unthinkable. It would turn him into a laughingstock among the Rishis, a humiliating defeat he could not endure.
"Narayana Narayana..."
Narada recited his mantra under his breath, closing his eyes to steady his racing thoughts. When he opened them again, a calm smile graced his lips. There was a rare seriousness in his gaze, a flicker of caution mixed with his usual confidence. He stood slightly sideways, cradling his Veena close to his chest, preparing himself for the confrontation.
Indra's gaze never wavered. He raised his hand, pointing directly at Narada, and an invisible tension crackled between them. The air grew thick with unspoken words, the silence laden with anticipation.
Dong… dong… dong… dong…
The soft celestial music of Vaikuntha shifted, becoming urgent, almost frantic. The once-gentle melody now mirrored the rising tension in the air.
"Narada!" Indra's voice cut through the stillness, sharper now. "Do you remember your promise to me last time?"
The question hung in the air like a weight, and the surrounding Devas and Rishis gasped in surprise. A murmur spread among them. What had led to this confrontation? Why had the King of Svarga turned his wrath toward Narada?
Even the Trimurti and the Devis, who watched from a distance, were drawn into the unfolding drama. Every subtle shift in the expressions of the two figures—every flicker of emotion in their eyes—was noted with keen interest.
"There is a rift between Narada Muni and Indra!"
Narada Muni has been causing trouble for the Devas for quite a while now. It's becoming unbearable. I fear he's finally drawn the wrath of the King of Svarga. We'll have to see how this plays out."
"But Narada in the end is a Rishimuni," some of the Rishis whispered among themselves, their voices filled with concern and curiosity.
Narada, ever the confident and unflappable sage, flashed a bewitching smile. "King of Svarga, I merely failed to answer the Devi's question. What harm is there in that?" He spread his hands, exuding a charm that was impossible to ignore. "Besides, the Devas must show respect to the Tridevi. Are you blaming me for her questions?"
Narada Muni cradled his Veena in his arms, his smile lazy and unbothered, his demeanor as carefree as ever.
But Indra was far from amused. His eyes narrowed, a subtle yet menacing smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Who told you to speak like this?
"Narada Muni!" Indra's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "What are you insinuating? Did I ever say it was because of the Tridevi?" His tone was sharp, laced with an undeniable authority. "What, are you changing the subject?"
A flash of light flickered in Indra's eyes as he lowered his head, his gaze intense and unyielding. His hands rested firmly on his waist as he tilted his body slightly, radiating an oppressive aura so powerful that it seemed to swallow the space around them, leaving Narada momentarily breathless.
The weight of Indra's presence was overwhelming. It felt as though the very air had thickened, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken tension.
Narada Muni was taken aback. His gaze shifted instinctively to Devi Lakshmi and Devi Parvati, both of whom had turned their heads in his direction. Their eyes held unspoken questions, confusion, and perhaps a hint of reproach.
There is another reason for this rift? What does Indra's word mean? Does Narada know what Indra is going to say?
In that fleeting moment, Narada understood the silent messages in their gazes. A cold realization settled in his chest.
"Wait!" Narada's voice faltered, his words breaking as he tried to explain. "I didn't—"
Before he could finish, Indra's voice erupted like thunder, cutting through the air with an intensity that seemed to rattle the heavens themselves.
"Narada!!!"
The force of Indra's shout reverberated across Vaikuntha, his voice ringing with the fury of a thousand storms.
"As a messenger to the Lord Vishnu, when you came to aid Svarga and the Devas, you personally vowed to assist Agni in repelling the army of Hiranyakashipu in the human world!" Indra's words rang out, heavy with accusation. "Where is that promise now?!"
Indra's eyes blazed with cold fury, the fire of his anger reflected in the storm raging behind his gaze. His words echoed, sending a chill down Narada's spine, the weight of his reproach pressing down on the sage.
The eyes of every Deva and Rishi in the room turned to Narada, their expressions a mix of surprise, concern, and judgment. It was clear: this was not just a personal dispute anymore. The whole of Vaikuntha had become a stage for this confrontation, and every divine gaze was fixed upon the immortal sage.
One by one, all eyes were drawn to Narada—Devas, Rishis, even Tridev, and Tri Devis, all focused on the Narada Muni.
Vishnu's gaze fell upon Narada as well, his eyes sharp and calculating.
"Narada...?"
Under the weight of the Lord Vishnu's gaze, Narada's smile faltered, freezing on his face. The word barely escaped his throat, his voice thick with dread. This situation…
Carelessness. Narada's heart sank.
Indra's lips curled into a slight smirk, his eyes cold and unwavering. He took a deliberate step forward, his pace slow but purposeful. Each step seemed to echo in Narada's chest, a heavy thud that reverberated deep into his soul.
"Narada! You! Before the war had even begun, before the Svaraga's army descended upon Earth, you ran away, fleeing without even looking back!"
Indra's voice was a biting frost, his words laced with unforgiving ice. The sound was like the grinding of ancient glaciers—cold, unyielding, and relentless. Narada Muni's body shuddered beneath the weight of that voice, a cold that pierced him to his very core.
"..."
Narada's confident expression shifted, his smile fading into something more strained and uncomfortable. The mocking tone in Indra's voice sent a wave of embarrassment crashing over him. He had hoped to avoid this moment—had hoped the truth would remain buried. But here it was, thrown into the open.
At that time, when the Devas' army surged forth, Narada had sensed the danger, the sudden threat of Asura's surprise attack. His instincts had screamed at him to flee, and so he did. He had run.
"I..." Narada hesitated, fumbling for the right words. "I noticed the Asuras' ambush. It came so suddenly. I felt…"
"Heh!"
Indra's laugh was sharp, cutting through the air like a whip.
"I don't care what you felt!" Indra's voice rose in intensity. "Answer me this!" He fixed his gaze on Narada, his eyes blazing with righteous fury. "Did you warn Agni before the battle? Did you warn him of the danger? Did you speak to him at all?!"
Narada could feel the heat of Indra's gaze like the sun itself burning through him.
"No!" Indra's voice rang out, his words like a hammer strike. "You didn't! You didn't offer a single word of help! Not a warning, not a piece of advice!"
Indra's fury surged, and he leaned in closer, his voice growing louder. "So tell me, Narada—was your promise to Agni just empty words? Are the words of a muni worth nothing at all?"
Narada stood there, unable to reply. The silence hung heavily in the air, thick with tension.
As Indra's words echoed in the vast space of Vaikuntha, the surrounding Rishis stirred restlessly. Their discontent grew louder, each word cutting deeper into Narada's pride.
"Hmph! Narada Muni is truly mischievous. He promised the Devas and yet failed to fulfill his promise. He deserves every bit of this shame."
"He causes chaos at every turn, and now this is the price of his karma!"
The murmurs of the Rishis echoed in the chamber, each voice adding to the weight of the accusation against Narada. There was no escaping it now—the immortal sage had been exposed, his promises shattered before the eyes of all.
…
One after another, the Rishis spoke, their voices harsh with rebuke as they castigated Narada Muni.
Narada, caught off guard, felt a flush of panic rise in his cheeks. His mind spun in confusion, and for a moment, his thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind.
Tightly gripping his veena, Narada turned toward Vishnu, his face painted with desperation. He silently begged for help, his eyes wide with panic, seeking solace in the Lord's gaze.
Vishnu's smile was tinged with helplessness. His eyes, like a still and reflective pool, mirrored the helplessness and panic now consuming the sage.
The Lord's gaze seemed to say it all: You must pay the price for your broken promise.
Had Narada taken Agni when he fled, this might have been forgotten. But now, there would be no escaping the consequences.
"Narada!!!"
Indra's voice thundered like a storm. "You've thrown your promise aside! You've deceived all living beings! Your wisdom has turned to dust in front of fear!"
His words were a sharp lash against the sage's pride.
"I can endure much defeat, Narada," Indra continued his voice now a growl. "But betrayal?!"
A heavy silence hung in the air, thick with the weight of his words.
"I curse you!!!"
Indra's figure now stood directly opposite Narada, his eyes blazing with the fury of the sun, divine light radiating from him, burning through the stillness of the moment.
"Narada!!!"
The word reverberated through Vaikuntha like a rumbling storm, echoing across the heavens. The air itself trembled, and a surge of power—the power of asceticism—filled the space, rising toward the sky like an unstoppable wave.
The entire realm of Vaikuntha seemed to shift under the weight of the curse, the very atmosphere crackling with raw, divine energy.
---
Chapter 75 Price of Mischief
"Since you delight in sowing confusion and vanishing at crucial moments, I curse you!"
Indra's voice thundered across the vast celestial expanse of Vaikuntha.
He turned to Narada, his divine eyes blazing with fury.
"Narada!" His command rang out like a Vajra from the skies. "Whenever you weave words to ensnare others in illusion, your voice shall fade into silence! The world shall not hear your mischief—your voice shall be shrouded!"
BOOM! BOOM!
Narada Muni's face turned ashen. His mouth opened in shock, but no words escaped. The gazes of the Trimurti, the Devis, the Devas, and the Rishis flickered between the severe countenance of Indra and the horrified expression of Narada.
Garuda, trembling, hastily retreated, his massive wings folded tightly against his body. He tucked himself behind one of the great pillars at the far edge of Vaikuntha, his eyes wide with both fear and relief. Memories of Indra's fury from ages past flashed through his mind, making him silently thank his stars for not being caught in the storm this time.
Nearby, other divine mounts huddled together, their heads tilted upward in awe and trepidation.
The air crackled with the raw energy of Indra's penance. An invisible force, ancient and unyielding, wove itself into a curse, threading through the disputes between Indra and Narada. Like an unstoppable tide, it surged toward Narada Muni, enveloping him.
The curse was complete.
With a heavy thud, Narada's veena slipped from his grasp and struck the ground. Desperation filled his eyes as he tried to speak.
"Listen to my explanation!" he began frantically. "I—"
But the moment the first word left his lips, his voice vanished. Silence enveloped him, his mouth moving in vain, as though performing a mute pantomime.
The Devas and Rishis exchanged bewildered glances, their faces a mixture of confusion and suspicion.
"Narada Muni must be deceiving us again," Rishi Bhrigu said, his tone heavy with disapproval.
"Indeed," muttered Rishi Angiras. "What other reason could there be for his voice to suddenly fail?"
Rishi Atri stepped forward, his expression stern. He slammed his wooden staff against the ground, the sound reverberating like a judge's gavel.
"It is clear to me," Atri declared, his voice filled with disdain, "that Narada has once again tried to slither out of harm's way with his words."
Around him, the other Rishis nodded in agreement, their faces etched with disdain as their gazes bore into the now-mute Narada Muni.
Narada's silence stood as a testament to the power of Indra's wrath—a curse that had not only silenced his voice but also his schemes, leaving the once-vocal sage isolated and humbled.
"Rishi Atri is right! Narada has gone too far! Even now, he tries to weave his lies before the Lord!"
The voices of the Rishis echoed in disdain, their murmurs growing louder and more condemning. The air was thick with judgment as all eyes fell on Narada Muni.
Narada: "!!!"
His wide eyes darted left and right, scanning the gathering with increasing panic. It took him a moment to realize the truth—his voice had not been heard at all.
Not good!
The weight of Indra's curse came crashing down on him. His attempts at defense, his carefully crafted words, had been interpreted as silence, leaving the crowd to assume the worst.
My reputation... ruined! Completely ruined!
Narada's thoughts raced. His chest tightened as he replayed Indra's curse in his mind. A horrifying realization dawned:
I can only talk to myself? No one else can hear me?
No!
With newfound urgency, Narada clutched his veena and dashed forward. For all his portly build, he moved with surprising agility. His frantic footsteps carried him straight to Vishnu, his last hope.
"Narayana! Save me!"
Narada fell to his knees, hands clasped in fervent prayer, his eyes brimming with desperation.
Vishnu's smile was warm and radiant, exuding a calmness that seemed to reach into Narada's very soul. Like a sunflower turning toward the sun, Narada's panic momentarily eased under Vishnu's serene gaze.
"Narada," Vishnu said gently, his tone as soothing as a spring breeze. "Even the Trimurti are not exempt from curses. Perhaps you should speak to Indra directly."
His words were delivered with a calm finality, but there was a glimmer of knowing in his eyes, one that almost teased Narada's predicament.
Narada blinked in disbelief. "Lord, please! I promise—I'll never—"
But before he could finish his plea, his voice vanished again. The silence was deafening. Narada's mouth moved desperately, but not a single sound emerged.
"Even before the Preserver Himself, he dares to behave so brazenly!" Rishi Bhrigu shakes his head.
Rishi Vasistha stepped forward, his ancient eyes glowing with wisdom. "Changing a person's nature is no simple task. It is the most difficult thing in the world. One can bend the body, manipulate the mind, even alter fate itself, but the essence of one's nature remains steadfast."
Narada flailed, gesturing wildly, his expression pleading. But his antics only seemed to deepen the misunderstanding.
Vishnu, unperturbed, continued to smile, a faint trace of amusement tugging at his lips. He had seen countless cosmic dramas unfold, and Narada's predicament was merely another twist in the eternal dance of fate.
Perhaps, in time, Narada would come to understand that true communication didn't always require words. For now, though, Muni's plight served as a lesson to all—and a reminder of the delicate balance between divine will and mortal pride.
Vishnu's smile grew warmer, his expression radiating patience and amusement. With a gentle blink, he said, "Narada, I can't hear you. Perhaps you should ask Indra."
"!!!"
Narada Muni froze, his body going stiff as a board. Slowly, painfully, he turned his head toward Indra. Their eyes met.
For a moment, Narada stood there, silent and defeated. His shoulders sagged as he lowered his gaze, a bitter expression crossing his face. He had no choice but to acknowledge it—this time, he had been utterly bested. The one he had always belittled, the King of Svarga, now held all the power.
The thought of never being able to speak freely again, of having his voice unheard by all, struck Narada harder than any physical blow. To him, it was a fate worse than death.
He glanced nervously at the gathered Rishis, hoping for some semblance of support. Instead, he was met with disapproving glares, their faces painted with displeasure, even anger.
Narada shuddered. He knew the temperaments of these revered sages all too well. If he walked away now, there was a very real chance that one of them might curse him again for his perceived disrespect towards ignoring Lord Vishnu's advice.
Narayana, he thought with resignation. The path you've shown me... apologizing to Indra... perhaps it truly is the only way out of this mess.
Taking a deep breath, Narada slowly bowed his head. His pride, though battered, had to be set aside.
He clasped his hands together in a gesture of supplication, his voice soft yet laden with sincerity. "Please forgive me, King of Svarga. Allow me to play a song on my veena to express my repentance. I beg for your mercy."
Narada bent slightly forward, his humility on full display. The words were unlike anything anyone had ever heard from the mischievous sage, making the scene all the more striking.
Indra regarded him in silence, his expression unreadable. The mighty King of Svarga circled Narada slowly, his presence commanding.
For a moment, Narada feared he might reject his plea outright. Then, Indra spoke, his voice steady and laced with authority.
"There's no need to sing," he said, his tone firm but not unkind. "It is enough that you recognize your error. To know one's mistakes and strive to correct them is a virtue. But…"
Indra's gaze narrowed slightly, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "The question remains: are you truly sincere?"
Narada swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Indra's scrutiny. He knew this was not just a test of his words but of his very soul.
Snap!
Indra stepped forward, his hand landing firmly yet playfully on Narada Muni's shoulder.
"Narada Muni!" he exclaimed with a grin. "Lord Vishnu invited us. It is such a joyous occasion. Come on now, smile! It feels strange not seeing that mischievous grin of yours."
Indra's tone carried a teasing lilt, and his expression betrayed the effort it took to keep from bursting into laughter.
Narada Muni, however, looked utterly crestfallen, his usual energy dimmed to a mere shadow of itself.
Indra studied his face for a moment before finally giving in. "Hahaha!" A hearty laugh escaped him, shaking his shoulders as he struggled to compose himself.
Narada Muni's lips twitched, his expression a blend of resignation and amusement. An awkward, almost reluctant smile formed on his face as if he were caught between annoyance and acceptance.
Shouldn't I have just kept quiet from the start? He mused silently, his thoughts filled with regret.
Across the room, Brahma watched the exchange with a faint smirk. His gaze flitted between Indra and Narada before his lips curled slightly upward.
"Indra truly is clever," Brahma remarked, his tone laced with admiration. "To think he could resolve such a tricky matter between the two devi with such ease."
Standing beside him, Goddess Sarasvati smiled softly, her serene expression radiating warmth. She glanced at Brahma, her eyes sparkling with quiet mischief.
"Nath," she said in her gentle voice, "I, too, have a question."
Brahma blinked, startled, turning toward her with an expression that teetered between curiosity and concern.
---
Chapter 76 The Final Boss
Brahma's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of panic flashing across his usually composed face. His gaze darted between Shiva and Vishnu, searching for reassurance or perhaps a quick escape route.
No way! He thought. Sarasvati is always calm and wise—she wouldn't lose her temper over bygone matters. But what if she brings up that eternal debate again? The one about who is the greatest among the Trimurti?
He swallowed nervously, bracing himself. Why must I always be the one caught in the middle?
However, Sarasvati, with her serene composure and unruffled demeanor, offered him a gentle smile. Her hair, dark as the night sky, framed a face glowing with wisdom, and her eyes sparkled as if holding the secrets of the universe.
"Nath," she said, her voice soothing, "there is no need to worry."
Her words immediately eased some of Brahma's tension, though a trace of wariness lingered.
"What I wish to ask is not about that," she continued, her smile growing. "It's another question altogether."
With graceful steps, Sarasvati moved forward, her veena cradled elegantly in her arms until she stood before Indra. Her peaceful demeanor was tinged with an air of intellectual curiosity.
Indra's eyes narrowed slightly. A sinking feeling settled in his chest, and a subtle frown crept across his face. What is she planning? He wondered.
"Indra," Sarasvati began, her tone soft yet commanding, "your wisdom has impressed us all today. But now, I have a question for you—one that I hope you can answer."
Indra stiffened. His instincts screamed that trouble was brewing, though her words carried no malice.
"You said the Trimurti are indistinguishable in their greatness," Sarasvati continued, her voice light yet deliberate, "but I ask you—what is the greatest existence in this world?"
Her question fell like a thunderclap.
Indra blinked, momentarily stunned, while the air around them seemed to grow heavier. The Rishi, who had been murmuring among themselves, immediately fell silent, lowering their heads as they were drawn into deep contemplation.
This was no trivial query. Sarasvati's question cut to the very core of philosophical thought, far more profound than the earlier disputes between the two Devis. Unlike mere tempers that could be soothed, this demanded a true intellectual and spiritual reckoning.
The Rishi began to murmur again, each one lost in their musings.
"Is it Brahman?" one ventured aloud, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and reverence.
"Brahman is the source of all creation—unmanifest and beyond existence itself," Rishi Vasistha spoke, his tone reflective. "No… no, perhaps not. Brahman transcends form, and this presence seems too tangible to be the formless Absolute."
"Then it must be the Trimurti," suggested Bhrigu, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "But which one?"
"Is it Shiva, the destroyer of ignorance and illusion?" asked Angiras, his voice steady but uncertain.
"It has to be Vishnu, the preserver and sustainer of life!" declared Vasistha, his eyes brightening with realization.
The murmurs rose and fell as the scholars debated with themselves, some beating their chests in frustration, others pacing, stamping their feet, or shaking their heads in the grip of a profound dilemma.
Indra stood frozen, his thoughts racing as he tried to form an answer that would satisfy not only Sarasvati's intellect but also the expectations of the Rishi and Devas gathered around him. The weight of her question pressed down on him like a mountain.
The Devas looked utterly helpless, their minds blank as they exchanged panicked glances. Unable to come up with any answers themselves, they turned their gazes pleadingly toward Indra.
This… They truly didn't know what to say or think!
Indra blinked, staring at Sarasvati in disbelief. The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning.
So, you're the final boss! he thought. To ask such a tricky question… You planned this all along, didn't you?
He sighed inwardly. I just finished saying the Trimurti cannot be distinguished from one another. Now you want me to determine the greatest existence in the world? What kind of trap is this? There's no way out but to wing it!
Steeling himself, Indra raised his head, his eyes locking onto Sarasvati once more.
Meanwhile, the Trimurti—Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu—fixed their expectant gazes on him, awaiting his answer. The Devas and Rishi leaned forward, holding their breaths in anticipation.
Narada Muni, who had just managed to stifle his grin, felt it creep back onto his face. Holding his veena close, he chuckled silently to himself. Well played, Mother Sarasvati! Well played!
Indra straightened his posture, his head tilting slightly upward. The weight of countless stares pressed down on him from all directions, but he maintained his composure. A faint smile crept onto his face, masking the turmoil inside.
"If you're asking who is the greatest in the world," Indra began, his voice steady and clear, "then of course… it's I."
For a brief moment, time seemed to freeze.
The Devas were struck speechless, their mouths agape in utter disbelief. The Rishi exchanged bewildered glances, too stunned to react.
"Presumptuous!"
The thunderous roar came from Rishi Atri, who could no longer contain himself. He shot to his feet, his face red with fury, his beard trembling as if it shared in his outrage.
The word echoed in the air as Rishi Atri stormed forward, his anger practically radiating off him. His glaring eyes locked onto Indra, and his voice boomed like thunder.
"Indra, how dare you display such arrogance?" Rishi Atri's rebuke hung in the air like a sharp blade.
Among the crowd, Immortal Radha let out a soft sigh, shaking his head, though a bright smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
Ah, here it is again. The King of Svarga and his old habit of arrogance.
Narada's smile widened. Oh, this is going to be good!
Narada Muni's eyes widened in pleasant surprise as he noticed Rishi Atri bristling with anger, reaching for his kettle as if ready to unleash a barrage of curses.
But before the situation could escalate further, Indra's voice rang out once more, steady and resolute:
"This 'I' is not just me, Indra. It is every life, every self, every Atma!"
The words reverberated through the air, striking a chord in everyone present. A ripple of curiosity and contemplation spread through the assembly as all eyes turned to the King of Svarga, waiting for his explanation.
Rishi Atri's brows furrowed deeply, his hand frozen mid-motion. The kettle, poised to pour its wrath, was forgotten for the moment. His body stiffened like a statue as his mind wrestled with Indra's cryptic proclamation.
What exactly is this 'I'?
Indra stole a glance at Rishi Atri out of the corner of his eye. Seeing the sage momentarily immobilized, he couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over him.
Phew! These Rishi are way too intense. Good thing I talked fast enough—at least the curses can't catch up to me if I keep this pace!
"I?"
The gentle murmur came from Devi Saraswati, her serene expression shifting as she sank into deep thought. Around her, the other Rishi frowned their faces a mosaic of confusion and intrigue. They mulled over Indra's declaration, trying to unravel the meaning behind his words.
"Indra, continue," Vishnu urged, his calm voice tinged with genuine curiosity. The protector of the universe was eager to hear where the King of Svarga's train of thought would lead.
"Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu…" Indra began again, his tone solemn as he named the holy Trimurti. "The Lords are supreme and unparalleled in their greatness!"
Rishi Atri's frown deepened. He shook his head vigorously, his bewilderment only growing. He raised his gaze to Indra, his confusion evident as he silently demanded more clarity.
Indra turned slightly, lifting his chin just enough to exude a confident air, even as his thoughts scrambled. I still haven't figured out where this is going… Let's stall with some well-placed praise for the Trimurti!
With that plan firmly in mind, he spoke again, his voice steady and measured:
"A compassionate heart, like Brahma's, embodies creation. Just as all things of beauty and goodness come from his hands, so does everything in this world.
"A sacrificial spirit, like Shiva's, saves the world. Remember how the great Shiva drank the poison of the Milky Sea, Halahala, to protect all living beings across the three realms? Only through such selfless sacrifice can the world be preserved.
"And a pure mind, like Vishnu's, maintains balance. The ability to sustain all things and keep the world's harmony is born from an unwavering peace within."
Indra paused, letting his words sink in before delivering his final point.
"A person who embodies these three qualities—compassion, sacrifice, and balance—is as great as the three Devas united as one."
Silence fell as Indra finished speaking.
A faint smile graced Shiva's serene face, while Vishnu's expression softened, radiating kindness. Brahma's beard quivered slightly, the edges lifting with the brightness of his hidden grin.
The celestial melodies of Svarga resonated through Vaikuntha, their auspicious tones mingling with the shared joy of the three Lords. The harmonious music awakened a deep sense of happiness within the hearts of all present, spreading an almost tangible euphoria.
Meanwhile, Rishi Atri stood rooted in place, his thoughts spiraling as he processed Indra's profound words.
The other Rishi widened their eyes, gazes fixed on the King of Svarga. Slowly, respect began to dawn in their expressions, replacing confusion.
What a good philosophy!
Even Devi Saraswati seemed to have reached a new understanding. Her soft murmur broke the silence, her words carrying a tinge of wonder:
"So, everyone has the potential for greatness."
Indra, observing her reaction, lowered his head slightly. A surge of satisfaction warmed his chest, and he allowed a small, knowing smile to form on his lips.
Hearing Saraswati's gentle musings, he spoke, his tone as soft as the breeze:
"Because greatness needs no words. It is not bound by speech or name, just as the Brahman transcends the limits of language and thought. Greatness is not something that is created by external praise; it is the very essence of being, realized when one aligns with the eternal truth, the Tat Tvam Asi—' That Thou Art.'"
"True greatness," he continued, "is inherent in all. It does not need the confirmation of others, nor does it require the proclamation of its existence. Just as the Purusha is present in all beings and all things, so too is greatness hidden in every soul, waiting to be realized."
Indra's smile deepened, his confidence now radiating quietly.
At that moment, Brahma's arm gave an involuntary tremble. A strange warmth spread through his palms, catching his attention.
Surprise flickered in his eyes as he gazed down at the Vedas in his hands. The ancient texts glowed with radiant streaks of golden light, their brilliance illuminating the space like the sun.
Shiva and Vishnu turned their attention to the Vedas, their smiles widening. Their gazes were tender, almost reverent, as though they were beholding a cherished lover.
A nameless joy filled their hearts, spilling into the atmosphere.
"This is Vedic approval!" Rishi Vasistha exclaimed, his eyes shining with the weight of the truth they had uncovered. "The very essence of knowledge, confirmed in the eternal wisdom of the Vedas."
Rishi Angiras, with a soft, almost meditative quality, added, his voice reverberating with awe, "This debate will be immortalized in the Vedas," he murmured, a touch of wonder in his voice.
Brahma's voice carried over the murmur of the crowd, his face glowing with delight as he declared, "This moment will be forever etched in the wisdom of the Vedas!"
