Chapter 84 Battle in Brahma Loka

A thunderous explosion echoed from Brahma Loka, rippling through space and time, its reverberations reaching distant realms in an instant.

On Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva sat upon a gray-white boulder, an unshakable figure at the heart of the universe. His presence radiated serenity, as still and profound as the depths of an ancient well.

Beside him sat Devi Parvati, her beauty radiant and divine. She smiled, her joy as vibrant as a blooming flower. Clad in resplendent red adorned with intricate gold jewelry, she exuded grace. Around her elegant neck hung a garland of purple-blue datura blossoms, their delicate petals contrasting with her glowing complexion. Her hands idly played with the garland, a gentle motion that mirrored her lighthearted demeanor.

Nearby, the sacred bull Nandi sat with a serene smile, his gaze fixed reverently on his Lord, intoxicated by the divine presence.

Suddenly, a resounding boom! The vibrations from Brahma Loka rippled through Kailash, causing the pristine, snow-white peaks of the holy mountain to tremble.

With a single, deliberate movement, Shiva pressed his toes against the rock beneath him. In that instant, an unfathomable power descended, as if to bind Svarga and the earth together. The trembling ceased immediately, and the sacred mountain stood firm once more, undisturbed.

Shiva's gaze grew distant, piercing through realms as he turned his eyes toward Brahma Loka, his expression unreadable, yet profound.

....

The Milky Sea stretched endlessly, lying adjacent to the resplendent Vaikuntha, its waves gently kissing the borders of the divine realm. The brilliance of Vaikuntha radiated like an eternal aegis—unshakable and invincible—a bastion of tranquility standing steadfast against the restless turbulence of the Milky Sea.

Trumpet! Trumpet!

The majestic white elephant Airavata raised his mighty trunk high as he waded through the vast, crystalline waters of Vaikuntha. With an effortless motion, he dipped his trunk into the lake, inhaling deeply before lifting it to the heavens and releasing a powerful spray of water. The sparkling droplets arced beautifully, catching the sunlight to form a vivid rainbow that painted the sky.

Splash!

The cascading water landed squarely on the mount of Agni, the Fire Deva—a disgruntled goat who shook its soaked fur in protest, bleating indignantly.

Behind Airavata, the water Deva Varuna's mount, Makara, swam gracefully alongside the wind Deva Vayu's swift gazelle, the two gliding through the lake with ease.

Rumble! 

Watching this playful display, the Devas of water and wind burst into mischievous laughter, their mirth filling the serene air.

On the shore, Agni stood atop his goat, which pawed at the ground with frustration. Flames flickered from its mouth as it let out an irritated bleat, glaring at the offenders in the water.

Garuda, the king of birds, could take no more. Folding his wings behind him, he placed his hands on his hips and strode purposefully toward the lake, his imposing figure shimmering with celestial authority.

"That's enough!" Garuda exclaimed, his voice sharp and commanding. "You were sent here by the Devas to fulfill your duties, not to frolic like children!"

He pointed toward a nearby patch of green grass, where Surya's mount, the seven celestial horses, lounged atop a sunlit stone. Its alabaster form was so still and motionless that, at a glance, it could have been mistaken for a marble statue.

"Look at them!" Garuda continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "That's dedication for you! While you're splashing around, they're over there, are in such a deep meditation they've turned to stone!"

Airavata lifted his trunk again, letting out a triumphant trumpet.

"Trumpet! Trumpet!"

Garuda's golden eyes narrowed as he turned back toward the elephant. "What's that? You're saying it'll definitely be different next time?"

He frowned, his suspicion growing. "I've heard that before… from someone."

As Vishnu contemplated, the aftershocks from Brahma Loka spread outward. The once-calm Milky Sea roared to life, its waters churning violently as towering waves crashed against the shores of Vaikuntha.

Vaikuntha trembled slightly under the onslaught.

But then, the golden shrine at its heart pulsed with a radiant, eternal light. The brilliance illuminated all directions, an unshakable force that pushed back the chaos and stabilized the divine realm in an instant.

At that moment, Vishnu stirred.

He rose slowly from his serpent bed, his expression a mix of serenity and sorrow. His handsome face was tinged with melancholy, and his eyes carried the weight of ancient memories.

Devi Lakshmi, ever gentle and devoted, remained by his side. Her gaze, filled with warmth and concern, never left him as she reached out to lightly press his ankle.

"Husband," she asked softly, "why do you seem so troubled?"

Vishnu's eyes grew distant, shimmering with a faint light as he murmured, "Do you remember those two asuras born from me?"

Lakshmi's expression shifted, realization dawning on her. "Madhu and Kaitabha?" she replied.

He nodded faintly, his thoughts pulling him deeper into the past.

Madhu and Kaitabha were born during the time Vishnu was in deep meditation. They were manifestations of tamas (ignorance or darkness) but also carried within them the potential to become exceptionally righteous asuras. Their inherent energy and strength were unparalleled, and Vishnu had hoped they might channel their gifts toward cosmic harmony.

Seeking greater power, the two performed intense austerities to please Goddess Mahadevi (Adi Shakti), earning her a boon, which made them nearly invincible. Their future seemed bright, with a chance to bring virtue and balance even among the asuras.

But fate had been unkind.

They fell under the sway of Hayagriva's deceit, manipulated by his cunning words and twisted guidance. Corrupted and lost, Madhu and Kaitabha spiraled into indulgence and destruction, abandoning their potential for good to become asuras consumed by darkness.

"I only hope they don't sink deeper into their despair," Vishnu murmured, his voice laced with both regret and determination. His eyes, now sharp and focused, reflected the turmoil brewing in Brahma Loka.

…

"My Satya Loka..."

Brahma's voice was low, his words heavy with disbelief. His mouth hung slightly open, and his long beard quivered as if stirred by an unseen breeze. He murmured the words more to himself than to anyone else.

Beside him, Devi Sarasvati wore an expression of astonishment. Her sharp gaze was fixed on the distant explosion that had shaken the heavens, her veena resting in her hands.

"Is that... Asuric energy over there?" she asked, her brows knitting together in concern.

Brahma's voice deepened as he replied, "Indeed. Danava Hayagriva, along with Madhu and Kaitabha. The three of them... they've just received a blessing from Mahadevi. I hadn't expected them to appear here, of all places."

Devi Sarasvati tightened her grip on the veena, her serene demeanor strained as she glanced toward the gathered Devas.

Around them, a fierce wind surged in every direction, carrying the oppressive heat of the explosion. The ripples of destruction spread outward in relentless waves, shaking the very fabric of space.

High above the site of the blast, the Devas stood suspended in the air, their divine garments whipping violently in the gale. Their expressions ranged from unease to outright trepidation as they exchanged uncertain glances.

"Stay calm!"

Indra's voice cut through the chaos like a crack of thunder. His crimson cloak billowed behind him as he raised one hand, his tone commanding and resolute. "Do not falter! The Lord Brahama is with us!"

The Devas straightened at his words, some nodding in reluctant agreement.

Brahma, standing slightly behind them, felt a flicker of relief. His grip on the Vedas tightened, and for a moment, he considered bestowing a blessing upon Indra.

Indra... this leader of Svarga, Brahma mused, his heart swelling with pride. He is bold enough to stand firm in defense of the Brahma Loka. How moving!

The other Devas turned to Indra, their gazes a mixture of surprise and reverence. The King of Svarga stood tall, his presence brimming with undeniable authority.

"Alright," Indra said, his voice steady and commanding, "I will stand with you. Together, we protect the Brahma Loka!"

"Attack!"

Vayu's voice rang out, sharp and clear. A gleaming spear appeared in his hand as the Dev of Wind readied himself.

"Fight! Fight! Fight!"

The battle cry resounded through the heavens, led by the voices of Surya, Agni, and Varuna. Their combined shouts echoed like rolling thunder, shaking the air and igniting the resolve of every divine being present.

Amid the chaos, the Devas' unity burned as brightly as the sun itself.

"Woohoo~!"

Behind Indra, the Gandharva army roared with exhilaration, and their spirits ignited. A massive white conch was raised toward the heavens, its resounding call piercing through the air.

The soldiers' morale surged, their cheers blending with the thunderous rhythm of drums. The pounding beats echoed like a storm, shaking the skies with their intensity.

"King of Kings! Indra~!"

Boom! Boom!

Boom, boom, boom!

Aboard the sacred ship at the rear, Gandharva warriors leaped in unison, their drumsticks striking the colossal drums with fervor.

"O wielder of the mighty Vajra, conqueror of storms! O sovereign who drinks the celestial soma!"

"The King of the Devas stands unmatched! Aditi's pride!"

The hymns rose higher, weaving together a magnificent symphony of divine praise. Warriors grasped their radiant spears, thrusting them forward as they sang with unrestrained passion.

The sacred melody spread across the battlefield, carried by the wind to all corners. Even Devi Saraswati found herself swayed by the rhythm, her fingers instinctively plucking the strings of her veena in harmony.

Why are they all singing?!

Indra, caught off guard, whipped his head around to glance at the scene.

To his astonishment, the Gandharvas were in high spirits, their voices raised in booming chants as they brandished their spears.

This wasn't what I meant! Don't start a fight!

Indra's brow furrowed. He had only sought to reassure the Devas, not ignite the battlefield with fervor. What if their excitement provoked the enemy?

"The radiant light of the divine Vajra, the embodiment of valor~"

"Raise your weapon and strike down the foe~"

"In the realm of boundless generosity, none surpass him—Aditya, Indra~!"

The hymns grew louder, echoing across the battlefield with unstoppable energy.

From within the chaotic aftermath of the explosion, three figures emerged.

Madhu and Kaitabha stood side by side, their combined strength shielding them from the worst of the blast. Behind them, Hayagriva followed, his equine face twisted with unease.

Though shaken, the Asuras remained unscathed, their bodies protected by the blessings they had received.

Hayagriva's eyes widened as he took in the sight above: the imposing figures of the Devas against the backdrop of swirling divine light.

The booming hymns of the Gandharvas rang in his ears, each word sinking deeper into his chest. His throat tightened, and he swallowed hard, a bead of sweat rolling down his face.

An inexplicable fear gripped his heart, growing with every note of the sacred song.

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