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!"