Chapter 91: Pandava Siddhi Awaken

Chapter 91: Pandava Siddhi Awaken

The wind around the awakening grounds near the holy river Narmada still carried the remnants of divine awe. The towering figures of the one hundred Kauravas had barely settled back into silence when Rudra gestured calmly toward the next phase of the ceremony. The devtas still watched from above, curiosity glimmering in their eyes, for now it was time for the sons of Pandu to step forth.

Rudra's voice, firm yet patient, echoed, "Yudhishthir, son of Pandu, step forward."

Yam Dev, sitting cross-legged on a cloud above, smiled softly. "It begins," he murmured. "My son will now embrace the judgment that lies within."

Yudhishthir stepped into the sacred circle carved by Rudra's Prana energy. The ground beneath him shimmered with gold as Rudra placed his right palm on Yudhishthir's head, his fingers glowing with radiant light.

A blinding beam of golden brilliance shot skyward. The devtas leaned closer. Slowly, behind Yudhishthir, a brilliant spear made of translucent light formed—radiating a serene, unshakeable aura. The spear's tip seemed to pierce the heavens itself.

Rudra announced, his voice filled with solemnity, "This is the Karma Phal Dand, the Spear of Karmic Judgment."

Gasps rose from those watching. Yam Dev placed his hand over his heart.

Rudra continued, "This weapon will judge all who stand before it. If your intent is pure, your judgment righteous and heart free of partiality, this spear shall never fail. It shall burn those who have sinned—inside out—with the holy light of karmic retribution."

Krishna smiled, glancing toward Yudhishthir. "To wield such power, one must possess the wisdom of time, the heart of truth, and eyes that see without bias."

Yudhishthir bowed his head. "May I be worthy."

Krishna added gently, "This siddhi reflects your soul, Bhrata. But to truly master it, you must walk the path of inner balance. I recommend, nay, I urge you, to take guidance under Maharishi Rudra."

Yudhishthir turned and dropped to his knees. "Maharishi Rudra, I beseech you. Accept me as your disciple. Teach me the path of true dharma."

Rudra looked into his eyes. He saw sincerity, but also burden. The weight of expectations. After a moment's silence, Rudra extended his hand and placed it on Yudhishthir's shoulder.

"I accept you, Yudhishthir. From this moment, you shall walk under my guidance."

The audience clapped and cheered softly, their hearts stirred by the righteous beauty of the moment.

Rudra then turned. "Now... Sahadev."

The youngest of the Pandavas walked forward. Krishna leaned forward slightly. "This one holds quiet depth," he murmured.

Rudra closed his eyes, letting his divine senses flow into Sahadev's being. A soft hum resonated from the ground. Glowing green roots burst from the earth and twined upward into a gentle trunk. Leaves of starlight shimmered on its branches. The Tree of Life had awakened.

Gasps of awe spread.

Rudra spoke, "This rare healing siddhi gives the bearer unmatched regenerative energy. Sahadev, your Prana itself will carry the power to restore life and cure ailments. You are a guardian of vitality."

Krishna smiled. "Fitting. The one who speaks least, will restore the most."

Vijay Raj Pratap stepped forward with a rare softness in his voice. "Maharaj Rudra, allow me to guide this young guardian. He shall learn not only to heal, but also to defend. With axe and wisdom, I shall train him."

Rudra nodded. "So be it. Sahadev, you are now disciple of Grandpa."

Sahadev bowed deeply to both Rudra and Vijay Raj, with glimmer of silent joy in his eyes.

All eyes now turned toward Arjun.

He was about to step forward when Rudra smiled. " best appear last."

A few chuckles were heard among the spectators. Even Krishna smirked.

Arjun stepped forward, smiling.

Now the crowd began to murmur. Even the devtas watched eagerly. Indra's fingers clenched with anticipation. His son was next.

Finally, Rudra nodded.

Arjun stepped forward.

Thunder rumbled.

A crack of lightning split the sky.

Black clouds gathered. The air itself vibrated with divine charge. Rudra placed his palm upon Arjun's forehead.

Suddenly, blue-white lightning swirled around Arjun's body. A radiant silhouette emerged above his head—Eye of the Thunder King.

A thirld Eye appeared in his forehead

It was not a weapon. It was a state of being.

Rudra explained, "This Siddhi grants the power to control lightning, to manipulate the very essence of thunder. It shall amplify your arrows, yours arrows contain the power of thunderbolt, make them strike like the wrath of the skies."

Arjun opened his palm. A thunderbolt arrow formed from thin air and hummed with divine power.

Rudra suddenly said "Your siddhi is similar to that of your grandfather bhishma, his arrows too contains the wrath of Maa Ganga"

to which Vijay Raj snorted silently sulking

Krishna chuckled. "I think your training shall now require both a warrior and a seer."

Rudra nodded. "Karna shall sharpen your hand in battle. Krishna shall shape your spirit."

Arjun bowed. "I shall learn from both."

The crowd was in stunned admiration.

Yet amidst the cheers, a single figure stood quietly in the back. Eyes low. Shoulders heavy. Forgotten.

Duryodhan turned and spotted him. His voice broke the moment. "Vikarna! Why haven't you come forth yet?"

Everyone turned.

Vikarna looked up, startled. "I... I did not think... I am the son of a dasi, not born of Maharani Gandhari. Perhaps the siddhi would not awaken in me."

Rudra frowned. "Nonsense. Siddhi is the language of the soul, not lineage. Come forward."

Vikarna hesitated. Then slowly stepped into the circle.

Rudra raised his hand.

A sudden white flame burst forth.

A majestic eagle of holy flame rose behind Vikarna, its wings ablaze with divine fire. It circled above, crying in purity.

"This is the Holy Flame Eagle, a beast of purity, precision, and sharp intuition. A noble siddhi."

Veer Pratap stepped forward. "Maharaj, I wish to take Vikarna as my disciple. His fire calls to my own path."

Rudra raised an eyebrow.

Veer AgniShura spoke next. "He is like me. I too was unsure of my strength once. But it is love, loyalty, and the bond of family that build a warrior's heart. I will help mold his."

Rudra looked at Vikarna. "Do you accept?"

Vikarna bowed. "With honor."

And thus, the awakening ended.

The princes stood reborn.

An era shifted.