Chapter 103 Indra’s Awakening
"Indra! Indra! Indra!"
Shiva's voice resonated through Kailasha, rippling like an ancient echo—sometimes distant, sometimes near—yet carrying an undeniable fervor beneath its calm. It wasn't just a name. It was a summons. A call that stirred the very essence of the cosmos.
This name shook the skies.
Shua! Swish! Swish!
The devas turned, their eyes wide with shock and awe. A murmur spread through their ranks like wildfire, their disbelief melting into joy.
"Indra?!" Surya stepped forward first, his golden eyes gleaming with relief and pride. His voice, usually steady and commanding, wavered slightly with emotion. "Indra… you're awake! You don't know how long we've waited for this moment!"
Vayu let out a breathless laugh, shaking his head as the wind around him stirred in exhilaration. He punched the air, his voice booming with excitement."Hah! I knew it! I knew you'd return, you stubborn fool! Svarga isn't the same without you!"
Varuna exhaled deeply, his usually composed demeanor breaking into a rare smile. His voice carried the weight of unspoken worries finally lifted."Indra, you had us all on edge… But I should've known. Nothing keeps you down for long."
Rishi Dadhichi folded his arms, his wise eyes filled with warmth. He nodded approvingly as if watching a younger brother finally find his way."So, your journey through penance is complete… You've earned this moment, Indra. Welcome back."
Then, from the side, a deep, rumbling sound filled the air. Airavata, Indra's faithful companion, raised his mighty head. His white form trembled with unrestrained joy, his trunk reaching toward his king.
"Prrr!!!"
The triumphant call rang through the heavens, a cry of devotion, of celebration—of homecoming. The devas, no longer just warriors or rulers, were simply family at that moment, rejoicing at the return of their brother.
Indra lifted his gaze, his breath hitching as he met Mahadeva's eyes, filled with divine warmt, —and saw the golden radiance pulsing in his open palm.
"Your will to endure asceticism is unshakable. Your faith is so strong that even the allure and aroma of Amrita Bhojana could not tempt you. Your devotion and resolve have pleased me."
"I shall bless you!"
"From this moment forward, so long as your will remains steadfast, your arms shall be unbreakable—capable of shattering any weapon!" Shiva smiled.
As soon as the words left his lips, a brilliant light flared in his right hand. Like the first rays of the rising sun piercing the darkness, the divine radiance descended upon Indra, flowing into him, merging with his very being.
A warmth surged through his veins.
Swish!
A faint golden glow radiated from his arms. His very flesh gleamed like a fortress bathed in dawn's first light—sacred, indestructible. His bones pulsed like the great Naga, his muscles coiling with newfound power, while the blood within him flowed like the eternal Ganges, rushing ceaselessly through his veins.
"What... what is this boon?"
Indra lowered his gaze, raising his hands slow, y—feeling an energy unlike anything he had ever known.
Crack! Crack!
He clenched his fists. The air trembled. A surge of raw strength coursed through his arms. It was as if he could crush the very weapons of the gods with nothing but his hands.
"I wonder... could my boon be powerful enough to reach the level of Trishul?" Indra mused.
But the thought vanished as quickly as it came. No. A reckless idea like that had no place here. He shook it off immediately—such temptation was dangerous.
Instead, he straightened his back, ready to address the mighty Mahadeva. He placed his hands together, about to speak—only to hesitate. No… something felt off.
Formalities. Respect. It wouldn't be right to remain seated while everyone else stood. As the King of Svarga, he couldn't afford to appear discourteous before Mahadeva.
With that in mind, Indra rose from his comfortable stone seat and stood tall. His posture was firm, his expression reverent.
"Pranam Mahadeva!" Indra joined his hands in devotion, bowing with deep respect.
One by one, the devas followed, their voices rising in a harmonious chant. Though the Amrita Bhojana they had offered had failed to awaken their King, Mahadeva's Ananda Nartanam had done what no offering could.
Surprise! A miracle!
Smiles spread across their faces, their hands still pressed together in devotion. Some shook their heads in sheer amazement, their hearts overflowing with joy.
Far beyond Kailasha, in the Brahma Loka, Brahma and Devi Saraswati watched the scene unfold. A soft, knowing smile graced their lips. All was as it should be.
Meanwhile, above the Kshira Sagara…
Vishnu reclined comfortably upon the serpent bed of Ananta, his radiant face adorned with a tranquil smile. His gaze, filled with boundless affection, was fixed upon his divine consort, Lakshmi, as though nothing else in existence mattered.
Yet, behind his calm exterior, a flicker of resolve stirred within him.
It was time to deal with the Asuras.
...
"You lost the entire Svarga in a dice game?!" Indra's voice trembled with shock as he processed the devas' words.
They had failed to protect Svarga. Worse yet, they had lost it without a single drop of blood being spilled.
"Indra, do not worry!"
Agni stepped forward, his voice firm and reassuring. "Our Svarga's army remains untouched—no injuries, no casualties. We can launch a counterattack at any time!"
"That's right! We must reclaim what is ours!" Vayu clenched his fists, his eyes burning with determination.
Surya, standing proudly with a golden sash draped over his arm, smirked. "My divine steed has been blessed. No Asura alive can catch up to it. Even if we fail, I can escape with ease."
Indra clicked his tongue, shifting his gaze to Surya's horse grazing nearby. The seven white horses stood tall, their limbs sleek and powerful.
"How can we use your horses to defeat the asuras then?" Indra muttered under his breath.
Then, suddenly, an idea struck him. A grin crept onto his lips. "Actually, I have a brilliant plan."
He raised a finger, his voice carrying a teasing lilt. "Taking back Svarga is easy."
"What?!"
The devas turned to him, eyes wide with disbelief.
Indra chuckled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Since you're already upholding Dharma and fulfilling your karmic duties in the mortal world, why not continue? Focus on what you do best—maintaining balance and righteousness. As for Svarga, leave that to me. I'll devote myself to penance, and when I complete my penance, I'll simply make a wish to reclaim my throne."
Silence fell over the devas. Then, all at once, realization dawned upon them. Their expressions shifted—shock melting into awe.
It was so simple…
It actually made sense!
In this way, they could reclaim Svarga without ever lifting a weapon.
"King of Svarga, there's no need for you to do penance again. Why not let our mounts do the penance instead?" Varuna suddenly suggested, a sly grin playing on his lips.
At his words, the devas turned their heads in unison, gazing at their mounts grazing in the distance. It made sense. It might take a little longer, but it was undoubtedly the safer approach.
Indra shot Varuna a sidelong glance, amusement flickering in his eyes. "A clever thought, Varuna… but perhaps there's an even simpler way." He gestured toward Airavata, his ever-loyal companion. "Instead of waiting for my penance to bear fruit, why not let Airavata ask for my return as King of Svarga?"
The devas blinked in surprise before realization dawned on them. Airavata, the divine elephant, was not just Indra's mount—he was a sacred being, deeply tied to the order of Svarga. If he, with his pure heart, wished for Indra's return, the Svarga itself would listen.
Airavata, sensing the attention on him, lifted his trunk high and let out a triumphant trumpet, his voice carrying across the Kailasha's mountain peaks.
"Prrr!!!"
Indra smirked. "See? Even he agrees."
Meanwhile, in the Kshira Sagara, Vishnu, the protector of the world, lay reclining on his serpent bed. His usual serene smile gradually stiffened as he listened, and his sharp gaze grew colder. Then, he slowly sat up. Something was off. These devas were trying to slack off again. There had to be some intervention.
"Nath, what troubles you?" Devi Lakshmi tilted her head, watching him curiously.
Vishnu's expression softened, his eyes gleaming with understanding. "Let's visit Kailasha," he said with a gentle smile. Rising to his feet, he helped Devi Lakshmi sit up before stepping forward. In an instant, the space around them shifted. With a mere thought, they arrived at Kailasha.
Shiva stood before them, his tranquil form radiating power. The two gods exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions unreadable. Then, Vishnu's gaze flickered toward the devas. Indra noticed immediately, and his heart clenched. Could it be? Had Lord Vishnu come to know about his plans to sleep? Had he come to urge them into battle?
The surrounding devas tensed, their eyes darting about nervously. The atmosphere grew heavy. Indra, ever the leader, quickly composed himself. With a calm smile, he pressed his hands together in a respectful Pranam.
"Pranam Narayana!"
The other devas scrambled to follow suit. "Pranam, Lord Vishnu!"
"Pranam to Devi Lakshmi!"
Their voices rang out in unison, trying their best to mask their unease.
Amidst the chorus of Pranams, Vishnu finally spoke, his voice carrying the weight of divine authority.
"There is no room for error now!" His gaze swept across the gathered devas. "Svarga is your rightful domain, your sacred home. You must reclaim it—without delay."
Though a gentle smile remained on Vishnu's lips, his tone turned sharper as he continued.
"Indra!"
The name resounded like a divine decree, echoing endlessly through the auspicious air. The devas and immortals instinctively turned their eyes toward the radiant protector of the world, their attention drawn to the gravity in his voice.
"I shall have Lakshmi prepare another Amrita Bhojana for you once more," Vishnu declared. "After partaking in Amrita Bhojana, you will be invincible in battle against Hayagriva."
Indra blinked. Amrita Bhojana?
A sudden wave of doubt crossed his mind. Wait… is he talking about that so-called divine feast? I wasn't dreaming?
He had heard the Sun Deva and the others speak of it before, hyping it up as something extraordinary. But during his penance, he hadn't experienced anything remarkable from it. Am I already can't remember that dream?
While Indra remained skeptical, the other devas were practically glowing with anticipation.
Mahadev and Mahadevi had enjoyed this sacred meal, leaving not a single morsel for anyone else. But if the King of Svarga was about to feast, surely there would be some leftovers this time. Finally, they would get a taste of its divine essence!
"We will reclaim Svarga without fail!" Surya declared, his voice burning with conviction.
"Rest assured, my Lord," Agni thundered. "As long as we stand, no Asura shall ever be your match!"
Vayu, swept up in the fervor, clenched his fists and nodded. "Yes! Victory will be ours!"
"Narada!" Indra exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Why are you always present at these moments?"
Narada chuckled. "Oh, dear Indra, how could I possibly miss such a momentous event? After all, it is not every day that the King of Svarga finds himself being outmatched in enthusiasm… by his little brother!"
Indra blinked, his gaze shifting between the devas, who were practically vibrating with anticipation.
Surya's golden radiance flared brighter than usual. Agni's flames crackled in excitement. Vayu, usually restless, was almost bouncing on his heels. Even the ever-serene Varuna had a rare smirk playing on his lips.
Why are they more eager than I am to fight Asuras? Indra wondered. And why does it feel like I'm the only one questioning this whole taking the war seriously?
His gaze landed on Airavata, whose large, intelligent eyes sparkled with unshaken loyalty. The divine elephant lifted his trunk high and let out another triumphant call.
"Trumphh!!!"
Narada gave a knowing nod. "Even Airavata knows what must be done! Indra, my friend, it seems fate has already made its decision for you."
Indra sighed, crossing his arms. "I suppose there's no stopping this now, is there?"
Vishnu merely smiled. "No, there isn't."
---
Chapter 104 Another Wager
The devas erupted into cheers, their voices ringing through the heavens. It was as if they had just been promised another Amrita Bhojana, and the very thought sent a surge of excitement through them. Laughter and elation spread like wildfire, their joy uncontainable.
Amidst the celebration, Shiva smiled knowingly. His deep, steady voice carried easily over the commotion.
"Parvati," he said, turning to his wife, "why don't you go to Vaikuntha and help Devi Lakshmi? I would love to taste Bhojan prepared by."
Parvati chuckled, her beautiful eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh? Is that so, Shankara?"
Without hesitation, she made her way to Devi Lakshmi, who welcomed her with a warm smile. For a brief moment, the two goddesses stood together, their radiance washing away any lingering discord in Vaikuntha. The sight was peaceful, as if the cosmos itself had momentarily stilled to admire their grace.
Indra watched the exchange, his mouth slightly open. He understood what this meant. The higher gods had spoken, and now there was no turning back. The battle against Hayagriva was no longer a question of "if"—it was inevitable.
He folded his arms across his chest, deep in thought.
Hayagriva was no ordinary foe. He was strong, cunning, and worst of all, he had the backing of Madhu and Kaitabha. Charging headfirst into battle would be reckless. It would only lead to unnecessary losses.
But brute strength wasn't the only way to win a war. There were other ways. Smarter ways.
A slow smirk crept onto Indra's lips as an idea took form in his mind.
"Since Hayagriva took Svarga from us—stealing my throne, our honor, and our home…" He exhaled sharply, his golden eyes glinting with resolve. "Then we'll take it back—fair and square."
The devas quieted, turning toward him with curiosity.
Indra stepped forward, his voice unwavering. "Vayu!"
The Wind Deva straightened, tilting his head.
"Go to Hayagriva and deliver a challenge. In three hundred years, we will settle this—not through war, but through a wager."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Another wager? Against that Asura?
Indra's expression didn't waver. "The battlefield will be the celestial skies, where Svarga meets the human world."
Vayu furrowed his brows, crossing his arms. "Indra, we have nothing left to bet."
A slow smile tugged at Indra's lips. Lifting a hand, he pointed into the distance.
"Who said that?"
The devas followed his gaze, confusion flickering across their faces—until realization struck like lightning.
"We have a divine boon. Seven steeds that no Asura could ever hope to catch."
Silence hung in the air for only a moment before excitement began to build once more.
Surya's Seven Horses.
The celestial stallions that pulled the Sun God's chariot—blessed with unmatched speed, untouchable by darkness, and tireless for eternity. They were not just divine creatures; they were legends in their own right.
Doubt faded from the devas' faces, replaced by something else.
Hope. Anticipation.
For the first time since the devas lost the svarga, smiles had returned to the faces of the devas.
…
Above Svarga, the winds howled as Vayu strode into the grand temple, his steps firm, his presence commanding. His piercing gaze locked onto the figure seated upon the throne—Hayagriva, the Asura King.
Raising his hand, Vayu pointed a single finger at him, his voice resonating through the great hall.
"Hayagriva! King of the Asuras!"
"I stand here as the messenger of the mighty Son of Aditi—the lord of Svarga, the vajra-bearer, the eldest of the Adityas, the slayer of Hiranyaksha, the scourge of Asura kings, the wakeful guardian of dharma, the great ruler of the devas—Indra! And with his name, I bring you a declaration of war!"
His voice thundered, unwavering. The long list of Indra's titles flowed smoothly, each word carrying weight as if the very air trembled with their meaning.
Hayagriva's sharp, equine features twisted into a smirk. His deep blue mane flared as he tossed his head back, then slapped his thigh with one powerful hand. Leaning forward, his cold, piercing eyes met Vayu's.
"Vayu, you dare stand before me now?" he sneered. "Have you forgotten how you fled from my palace in disgrace? Did Indra himself lend you the courage to face me?"
Laughter rippled through the hall as the gathered Asura generals exchanged knowing glances, their expressions mocking.
But Vayu did not waver. He lifted his chin high, spread his fingers wide, then clenched them into a firm fist.
"You took everything from us," he declared. "Now, we will win it back!"
"Three hundred years from now, beneath the starry sky where Svarga and the human world meet, Indra will challenge you once more in the game of dice!"
The wind roared through the temple, a force of nature answering his defiant words.
Hayagriva's laughter rang through the hall, wild and unrestrained. The other Asuras joined him, their jeers echoing against the towering pillars. The sound of braying horses and rustling banners filled the air as the storm of amusement swelled.
Then, with his mane whipping like fire, Hayagriva rose from his throne. He stepped down with slow, deliberate strides, his presence looming over Vayu.
"Good," he said, his voice rich with amusement. "A challenge from Indra—I accept!"
"But tell me, wind-dev..." He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with intrigue. "What wager do you bring to the table?"
A slow smile curled across his lips.
"Surely, Indra wouldn't dare gamble against me without something equal to Svarga?"
Madhu and Kaitambha were training relentlessly, sharpening their strength, their minds set on a singular goal—to summon Brahma and seize the Vedas. Until then, there was no need to stir unnecessary trouble, no need to provoke Vishnu.
Accepting the challenge was the logical choice.
As long as he played his cards right, Vishnu—the great protector of the world—would have no reason to interfere. And more importantly, Hayagriva thought with a smirk, he had the dice in his hands. How could he possibly lose?
Vayu, standing tall and unwavering, met Hayagriva's gaze and spoke with deliberate calm.
"We have seven blessed horses."
Hayagriva's expression shifted. A frown crept across his face as his mind flickered back to that humiliating day—the day he had failed to catch up with the devas, despite all his power.
Vayu pressed on, his voice steady.
"The blessing of these steeds is absolute. Once it begins to run, no one can catch them. Not Madhu, not Kaitambha… not even you, Hayagriva."
The temple fell silent.
Hayagriva's face darkened, his fingers curling into a tight fist. The memory of that fleeting defeat, where they had been duped by devas, beyond his grasp, gnawed at him.
Then, after a long moment, he exhaled sharply.
"Good!" His voice rumbled through the hall like distant thunder. "Then I accept Indra's challenge."
"Three hundred years from now, above the starry sky—" his eyes gleamed with determination "—I will bet against Indra once more!"
…
Kailasha.
Indra sat cross-legged atop a massive stone, his eyes half-lidded, feeling the raw, untamed power of penance coursing through his divine body.
Boom!
Inside him, ascetic energy surged like a roaring kundalini agni, as rolling thunder trapped within his bones, like a volcano on the brink of eruption. It had been building for centuries, honed through relentless meditation and discipline.
"A thousand years of penance… and yet, I've only been practicing here in Kailasha for five hundred years."
"Why did it double?"
"Could it be… the Amrita Bhojana?"
Indra muttered to himself, his mind recalling the divine feast. The devas often spoke of their unparalleled taste, but he had never partaken in it himself.
"Could resisting the temptation of the Amrita Bhojana truly enhance the power of penance?"
A slow smile crept across his lips.
"We'll see when the feast arrives. Then I'll test my will against it."
For now, there were still three hundred years left. Three hundred more years of asceticism.
As for Hayagriva's bet? Indra didn't need divine insight to know that Asura had cheated somehow. Otherwise, how can someone who had been favored by Devi Lakshmi lose in a matter of luck? He had already devised a way to defeat him this time.
With a cold snort, Indra shifted slightly, letting himself fall backward onto the smooth, cool stone. His eyelids grew heavy, and he closed his eyes once more.
"Vayu and Varuna still haven't given me back my weapons. They can handle things in the mortal world for now."
"I'll sleep for three hundred years."
And so he did.
Time in the human world passed like a fleeting dream—seasons came and went, spring melted into summer, autumn fell into winter. Before long, three hundred years had passed.
Indra's divine essence was attuned to the flow of time itself.
As if an alarm had been set within his very soul, he stirred exactly on time. His eyes fluttered open, gleaming with celestial light, and he slowly rose to his feet.
Before him, the assembled devas stood, ready for battle.
Surya stood tall in golden armor, radiating the sun's divine brilliance. Vayu, dressed lightly for combat, carried a long bow on his back, exuding an air of effortless mastery. Agni, clad in robes of deep red, held a divine staff, his eyes burning like twin flames. Varuna, the water deity, was a striking presence in his blue armor, his gaze cold and unyielding.
Indra stretched his limbs, feeling the power coursing through him. Then, with a confident smirk, he declared—
"I'm ready!"
The other devas echoed his resolve.
"I'm ready too!"
…
The air crackled with divine energy, thick with the power of the gathered devas. Their spirits burned bright, battle-ready, their eyes gleaming with unwavering resolve.
Indra stood at the center, surveying them with satisfaction. Yes—this is how a Dev should be. Strong. Fearless. Prepared to seize victory.
He stepped down from the boulder, parting his lips to speak—
A pulse of celestial light split the sky, forcing even the bravest among them to shield their eyes. The space around them warped, reality-bending to the presence of something far greater.
Then, they appeared.
Vishnu. Lakshmi. Shiva. Parvati.
Their mere arrival commanded silence. A single voice rang out, reverberating through the very fabric of existence.
"Indra!"
The name echoed, rolling across the heavens like a decree from the cosmos itself.
At the forefront, Devi Parvati stepped forward, a serene smile playing on her lips. In her hands, she carried a golden plate, its surface glowing with an otherworldly radiance.
With a graceful motion, she lifted the cover, unveiling its contents.
A soft, ethereal light spilled forth. The divine nectar shimmered, thick and golden, carrying the fragrance of something beyond mortal comprehension.
The devas, once burning with conviction, froze in place. Their throats moved in unison.
A deep hunger—not of the body, but of the soul—gripped them. Their war-hardened gazes flickered, locked onto the celestial offering.
In a single breath, their determination to go to war crumbled.
"Amrita Bhojana!"
---
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