Chapter 9- The Sages

The echoes of the divine roar had finally faded, yet its impact lingered in the hearts of all who had heard it. Within the grand royal chamber of Mahishmati, Bhagwan Parshuram, Rishi Durvasa, Rishi Vashistha, and King Bhaskar had already taken their places, each deeply contemplating the meaning of this newborn's existence. But they were not the only ones drawn to the presence of the child who had shaken the heavens.

One by one, more revered sages and divine beings arrived, their very presence illuminating the chamber with an ethereal glow.

The first to step forward was **Rishi Vishwamitra**, the great sage known for having elevated himself to Brahmarishi status through sheer will and asceticism. A warrior-turned-sage, his knowledge of celestial weapons and deep understanding of dharma made him an unparalleled seer. He gazed at the child, eyes burning with curiosity.

"This boy's aura is unlike any I have seen before," Vishwamitra mused. "Not even the greatest warriors of the past possessed such an overwhelming force at birth. Fate has great plans for him."

Following him was **Rishi Atri**, one of the Saptarishis, accompanied by his wife, **Devi Anusuya**. Atri was renowned for his spiritual wisdom and cosmic insight, while Devi Anusuya was a paragon of devotion and chastity, whose divine purity could humble even the gods. As she looked upon the child, a soft, motherly smile adorned her face.

"This child will walk the path of dharma with unyielding resolve," Anusuya declared, her voice gentle yet firm. "His heart shall remain untouched by darkness, no matter the trials he faces."

Next arrived **Rishi Bharadwaj**, a master of healing and the sciences. His wisdom in medicine and warfare had shaped many great warriors. As he examined the infant prince, his brows furrowed in deep thought.

"There is no doubt," Bharadwaj stated, "his very existence is a boon to the world. His body… it is as if crafted by divinity itself. The strength he shall wield… unparalleled."

The entrance of **Maharishi Gautam**, a sage of vast knowledge and the founder of Nyaya (logic), commanded silent respect. His insight into justice and righteousness was second to none.

"This child will bring forth a new era of justice," Gautam proclaimed. "His sense of righteousness will be absolute, unwavering in the face of adversity."

Shortly after, **Rishi Jamadagni**, father of Bhagwan Parshuram, arrived. Known for his discipline and mastery over divine energies, he was a strict yet just sage. As he observed the newborn, he nodded in approval.

"Strength, wisdom, and divine favor… all rest within him," Jamadagni stated. "He shall master what others cannot even fathom."

Then came **Rishi Kashyapa**, one of the forefathers of many celestial races, his knowledge spanning across all realms. He observed the infant with eyes that had seen the rise and fall of countless generations.

"This child is beyond mortal comprehension," Kashyapa declared. "His birth was written in the cosmos long before time took its first breath."

The air grew thick as **Asur Guru Shukracharya**, the legendary mentor of the Asuras, entered. Despite his allegiance, his wisdom was respected by all. His gaze, sharp as a blade, lingered on the child.

"A prince of Mahishmati with such boundless potential," Shukracharya murmured. "The divine and the demonic energies within this world will be drawn to him like moths to a flame."

Moments later, **Dev Guru Brihaspati**, the celestial teacher of the Devas, made his entrance. A beacon of divine knowledge, his presence alone exuded righteousness.

"There is no doubt," Brihaspati affirmed, "the gods themselves shall take interest in his path."

Then, the atmosphere shifted with the arrival of **Lord Hanuman**, the embodiment of devotion and strength. His eyes softened as he looked at the newborn, a rare smile gracing his face.

"A soul blessed by the very essence of dharma," Hanuman spoke. "This child shall bear the unshakable spirit of righteousness, just as I have vowed to serve my Prabhu Shri Ram."

Finally, the arrival of **Ved Vyasa**, the great composer of the Mahabharata, brought a profound silence to the chamber. His gaze, deep and knowing, lingered upon the prince longer than any other.

"This child is not bound by ordinary fate," Ved Vyasa declared. "His name will echo across eternity."

As the gathered sages and divine figures exchanged their thoughts, the infant suddenly moved. To the astonishment of all, his tiny hands joined together in a perfect **pranam**, an instinctive gesture of reverence towards the assembled rishis and divine beings.

A deep silence filled the chamber before a collective murmur of astonishment spread amongst the sages.

"A newborn offering pranam?" Vishwamitra whispered.

"Such divine awareness…" murmured Bharadwaj.

Even Bhagwan Parshuram, who had remained silent, let out a breath of admiration. "This child… is truly destined for greatness."

The sages and divine beings watched in awe, each now certain that this prince of Mahishmati was no ordinary mortal. He was something far greater—something that even they could not fully comprehend.

End of Chapter----