King of Devas

"Let's plant Kalpavriksha here!" declared Indra as he strode through the gardens of Amravati City. Heading west, he arrived at the lush forest garden, where the vibrant green grass swayed gently in the breeze.

Outside Amravati City, flowers bloomed in all directions, filling the air with their fragrance.

To the east of the city lay the stables, a grand space where sacred vehicles were stored. Chariots with intricate, ornate frames and iron-clad war chariots stood side by side, gleaming under the celestial light.

Nearby was the Vajra Shilpa, a secure armory where Indra kept his divine weapons: the Indra's Bow, Indradhanush. The divine spear of Indra, Shakti, and the conch Panchajanya, are all displayed as symbols of his power.

To the west of Amravati was Nandana Vana, a tranquil forest garden abundant with Kalpavrikshas, the legendary wish-fulfilling trees. Indra decided to plant this new Kalpavriksha in the northeast corner of the Nandana Vana.

"Kalpavriksha!" Indra mused aloud. Vishnu has said this tree grants wishes that align with Dharma. I wonder if it's truly so."

Standing nearby, Surya tilted his head and gazed at the radiant tree. Excitement sparkled in his eyes as he remarked, "Such a treasure! Look at how it glows with divine light."

"Hahaha, of course, it's true!" Agni laughed heartily. Pointing to a group of Gandharvas busily transplanting the tree, he added, "See? Even as they work, the Kalpavriksha produce food and wine of unparalleled quality. This is its power."

Surya chuckled, shaking his head. "That's a minor wish! A tree this magnificent can fulfill far greater desires!"

Vayu nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We've defeated the Asuras, secured Amrita in Svarga, and now, with the Kalpavriksha our prosperity is overflowing. Truly, the Svarga is truly favored."

"It's time to celebrate!" Vayu exclaimed. "Let's have a party!"

Even Varuna, the usually stoic God of the Oceans, allowed himself a rare smile, joining in the joyous atmosphere.

Indra felt a profound sense of satisfaction. The Svarga was finally at peace, the Bhuoloka was stable, and no bad news had come from Patalaloka. Today was indeed a perfect day.

"Narayana, Narayana~"

The melodious chant of Vishnu echoed across the garden as a lean figure emerged from the shadows, holding a veena. It was none other than the cheerful Narada Muni, his presence instantly catching the attention of the Devas.

"Narada Muni!" they exclaimed in unison, their spirits lifted even higher at his arrival.

The Devas immediately recognized the revered Narada Muni and greeted him respectfully, their hands clasped together.

Narada Muni returned the gesture with a warm smile, bowing slightly before turning his curious gaze toward the Kalpavriksha. "I heard you retrieved the Kalpavriksha from Kshira Sagara, so I came to see it for myself," he said, blinking inquisitively.

The Devas beamed with pride at his interest. "Munivar, behold! This is our wish-fulfilling tree," said Surya, stepping aside to reveal the radiant Kalpavriksha. "Lord Vishnu himself reclaimed it from Hiranyaksha."

"Munivar, take your time. You're welcome to visit anytime!" Agni added enthusiastically.

The Devas exchanged smiles, their hearts swelling with pride. Look at this! Even the esteemed Munivar had come to admire their celestial treasure.

However, Narada Muni suddenly shook his head, his smile fading into a wistful sigh. "What a treasure... what a pity," he murmured, his voice heavy with melancholy.

Indra, puzzled, stepped forward. "Munivar, why do you sigh? What troubles you?" he asked, his curiosity mirrored in the glances of the other Devas.

Narada sighed again and explained, "I was recently in Brahma Loka and saw Brahmadev descending to the Patalaloka to bestow boons. The recipient of these blessings is none other than Hiranyaksha's twin brother, Hiranyakashipu."

At this revelation, the Devas exchanged wary glances.

"Hiranyakashipu is immensely talented and powerful. He was trained by Asura Guru Shukracharya along with his brother from childhood. If he receives Brahma's blessings, he will undoubtedly seek revenge for his brother. When that time comes..." Narada trailed off, letting out a long, sorrowful sigh.

The Devas were momentarily stunned before anger overtook them.

"Does Hiranyakashipu think we Devas are weaklings?" Surya fumed, golden light emanating from his armor in an intense, radiant glow. "Does he believe Svarga can be so easily defied? Even Hiranyaksha couldn't overcome us, and now his brother dares to try?"

"If they challenge us, they will know our strength!" Agni declared, flames flickering fiercely in his eyes. "Strike them hard—strike them until they feel pain until they regret their defiance!"

Devas united in their indignation, and prepared themselves for whatever lay ahead, their resolve burning as brightly as the divine lights and flames surrounding them.

"Let the Asuras of the patala witness the might of the Devas!" Vayu declared, his fists clenched tightly, his voice cold and resolute.

As the fervent voices of the Devas echoed around him, Indra stood in thought. His heart grew heavy, his eyelids twitching as he mulled over the name Narada had mentioned.

Hiranyakashipu?! The name stirred something deep within him—a foreboding familiarity.

Before Indra could delve deeper into his thoughts, Agni stepped forward. With a fiery resolve, he pounded his chest with his fist and addressed Indra loudly.

"King of Svarga!" Agni's voice boomed. "Grant me an army of one thousand soldiers! I, Agni, pledge to lead them, march to the realm of the Asuras, and crush Hiranyakashipu!"

Agni's fiery words roused the others.

"I will be the vanguard!" Vayu stepped forward with unwavering determination. "I will drive the divine chariot and light the path for the Devas!"

Surya joined in, his radiant presence commanding attention. "I shall accompany you! My sun chariot will illuminate the darkest corners of the pataloka and ensure victory for Svarga!"

"I'll go as well, to protect our rear and ensure no Deva is left behind," Varuna added solemnly.

As the Devas rallied with fervent declarations, Indra's thoughts turned inward. He finally recalled the peculiar blessing Hiranyakashipu had received.

Not to die in the sky, not on the earth, not inside a house, not outside a house...

Indra frowned. This was no ordinary adversary. This guy... he's going to be a challenge.

Just as Indra was about to caution his allies against acting impulsively, a Gandharva arrived, rushing toward them with urgency.

"Rajan! There is bad news." the Gandharva exclaimed breathlessly. "An army of Asuras from Patalaloka has emerged at the edge of the human world!"

Hearing this, Indra felt a sinking sensation in his chest. There was no doubt now—a battle was imminent.

"In that case," Indra said, his voice firm, "if they wish to fight, then let us fight!"

As the Devas prepared for war, Narada Muni smiled knowingly. "Narayana, Narayana~" he chimed. "It seems my information was spot on. Svarga is now embroiled in war, so I shall take my leave."

With a respectful gesture, Narada clasped his hands together and turned to depart, leaving the Devas to ready themselves for the battle ahead.

The next moment, a powerful hand tightly gripped Narada Muni's wrist.

"Is the Munivar planning to leave so soon?" Indra asked with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Hmm?" Narada Muni tilted his head slightly, a flicker of unease crossing his features.

"Munivar, I must thank you for your timely information," Indra began, his tone smooth. "Your warning has allowed us to prepare for the movements of the Asuras in advance. But now, the Svarga's Army requires a wise guide."

Indra's grip on Narada's wrist tightened ever so slightly. "Rishi Brihaspati should remain within Svarga. Munivar, why not aid the Svargas by accompanying Surya and the others in battle?"

Narada Muni tugged at his wrist, but to his growing dismay, Indra's grasp was unyielding. His ever-present smile faltered slightly.

"This..." Narada hesitated. "I'm afraid my wisdom is inadequate for such a task!"

Indra chuckled, his tone filled with faux admiration. "Munivar, you were born from the Lord Brahma himself and are a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. Your wisdom is unparalleled among the Munis."

With a pointed smile, Indra added, "I trust you'll manage splendidly. After all, Lord Vishnu will surely watch over you." He stressed the name "Vishnu" with deliberate emphasis.

Narada's mind raced. Indra's intentions were clear—he was being dragged into a situation he had no desire to be part of.

This is bad. I've been too careless!

"But—" Narada began, only to be cut off.

"No buts!" Indra interrupted with a feigned air of cheerfulness. "The Lord will watch over you. You are his most loved devotee believe in him."

Narada felt the weight of the situation settle over him like a net tightening around an unsuspecting prey.

"Munivar, surely you won't abandon the Devas in their time of need?" Indra continued, his tone laced with subtle menace. "We Devas fight tirelessly for the balance of the world, often without recognition. If we are met with indifference, it pains us greatly."

Indra leaned in slightly, his eyes glinting with mock sincerity. "And when I feel pain, I tend to get... angry. In anger, I might lose my composure and act irrationally. Perhaps, even curse someone. Someone like Garuda, for instance."

At the mention of Garuda, Indra's expression softened into a cunning smile, and he blinked innocently at Narada.

"Munivar," he said casually, "are you familiar with the story of Garuda?"

Narada gulped his thoughts a swirl of dread and regret. I walked into this trap myself!

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