King of Devas

The Sahasrakavacha consists of a thousand layers, each requiring thousands of years of hard work to penetrate. Except for the intervention of the Trimurti, no one in the Triloka can break this armor. However, the divine armor he possesses, though not as formidable as the Sahasrakavacha, can be developed according to his wishes, allowing him to grow and evolve through the power of penance.

"Good!" Indra felt a sense of calm wash over him. Although this piece was not a complete Sahasrakavacha, it aligned more closely with his thoughts.

Today, very few Asuras are dedicated to rigorous penance. It was only after the brothers Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu relied on Brahma's blessings to wreak havoc upon the Trilokas and defeat the Devas that many Asuras recognized the power of penance and began seeking Brahma's blessings for themselves.

"I'm truly grateful to you, Pita Brahma," Indra expressed.

Brahma smiled, returning the sentiment with his hands clasped together. With a gentle nod, he began to fade from view, his presence gradually dissipating like morning mist.

At that moment, the priest-rishi Brihaspati was also moved; his frown softened, revealing a look of relief as he witnessed his student's growth.

Indra had grown! His patience and teachings had finally borne fruit!

…

Brahmaloka

Brahma had just returned from Svarga and observed from his realm. His four faces were slightly tilted, and his eyes flickered as he gazed down at the unfolding events below.

"It is not easy for Indra to attain such a vision for the future!" Brahma thought, feeling a twinge of surprise.

Hearing this, Devi Saraswati nodded and remarked, "He would do whatever it took to remain as the King of Svarga!"

"Indeed, that's what the King of Svarga embodies," he continued. "This position represents the King of the Devas, the highest status possible, the never-ending luxury, and boundless well-being. However, it also breeds endless arrogance. Even the humblest believer who ascends this throne may develop a sense of pride and a fear of losing his position as King of Svarga."

Brahma contemplated this, noting that Indra seemed to be handling his responsibilities quite well now. The only issue was that Vishnu's vahana, Garuda, had been cursed.

Yet, the King of Svarga had angered the Trimurti more than once. It was usually Shiva who he angered. Despite threatening to kill Indra, Shiva ultimately forgave him after Indra expressed his remorse. This exemplified the blessings of being the King of Svarga—if one is willing to repent, discussions can always resume.

Indra had repented this time, but would he dare to do so again? Vishnu would likely understand the situation. After all, it was Garuda who had erred first this time, so a minor punishment should not pose a problem.

…

Above Vaikuntha

Vishnu lay on his side on the back of Sheshanaga, Sudarshana Chakra on his finger. His head was tilted to one side, a melancholy look gracing his face. Rays of golden light floated down from the sky, enveloping him and merging into his being.

This was the power Vishnu had once bestowed upon Garuda. Devotees who dedicate themselves to the Lord Vishnu and worship him with pure intentions can gain infinite favor and protection.

But now...

The power that had been left within Garuda was returning!

"My poor devotee has suffered this disaster because of me. Garuda's pride may require me to send an incarnation to guide him. The top priority now is the churning of the Kshira Sagara. For the moment, Garuda must wait!" Vishnu thought, feeling a weight of depression settle in his heart.

Among the Trimurti, he was the busiest! Lord Shiva meditated and practiced asceticism daily, while Brahma sat in the Brahma world, often asleep. On the other hand, Vishnu was constantly engaged in maintaining the world and tending to the never-ending needs of the Universe.

How exhausting!

Shaking his head, Vishnu sensed Garuda drawing closer, and the Sudarshana Chakra on his fingertips shone brightly. Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, Vishnu and Shesha vanished.

...

Garuda was on his way to find the Lord. He spread his wings and soared into the sky, his golden feathers glimmering like the dawn and casting a faint golden glow across the horizon. In an instant, he passed through the Bhuloka, flew over the earthly boundary, and rushed into the Vaikuntha, the adobe of Lord Vishnu.

With a powerful flap of his golden wings, he stirred up waves in the vast expanse of the ocean.

"Lord!" he called out, his keen eagle eyes scanning the surroundings, but he saw no sign of Lord Vishnu. He flapped his wings again, searching the sea, but could find not even a trace of his Lord, let alone feel his divine presence.

"The curse is working!" Garuda's heart sank at the realization.

He folded his wings and transformed into a Deva, his wings now part of his back. Slowly, he descended onto the surface of the milk sea, feeling lonely and desolate. He was the only figure on the vast waters.

"Am I going to apologize to Indra?" Garuda gritted his teeth, frowning at the thought.

But as soon as he uttered it, he shook his head vigorously. How could he surrender to Indra? No! Not!

"I will do a hard penance for Lord Vishnu and seek boon to nullify the curse!" Garuda declared with determination. If Indra could perform penance to curse him, so could he too to lift the curse!

With newfound resolve, Garuda closed his eyes, stood on one foot, his big toe pressing into the sea of milk, clasped his hands together, and raised them above his head, entering into a state of penance in this unique yoga posture.

"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya!" he chanted.

...

Chants emerged from Garuda's mouth, echoing across the Kshira Sagara.

Wow! The waves began to boil, and the winds roared, crashing against Garuda's body. He frowned as a feeling of emptiness surged in his heart as if there were no support within him.

"No!" Garuda exclaimed, opening his eyes in confusion.

As soon as he closed them again, thoughts of the Lord's voice and smile flooded his mind. Yet, no matter how much he offered in tribute, he received no response and could not sense the Lord's presence. He simply could not enter the meditative state required for penance.

"Well!" Garuda clenched his fist and struck his chest hard. "The heart of the Lord encompasses the world, and my heart is devoted to the Lord. If the Lord can dedicate Himself to the world, then I too can dedicate myself to the Lord. It's only a small concession to Indra!"

"For the Lord's sake, I accept this grievance!" Garuda reassured himself.

Even as he spoke, he found it difficult to overcome the turmoil within his heart.

"Indra is more arrogant than I am. Why should I apologize to him?"

"Why?!" Garuda lamented, a sad expression on his face as he paced along the surface of the Kshira Sagara, wandering.

Suddenly, a sharp white light flashed above the Kshira Sagara. Garuda squinted at the brightness.

"That is... Shukracharya and Hiranyaksha!" he muttered to himself, frowning at the thought.

Shukracharya is not only the embodiment of Shukra (Venus) but also the teacher of the Asuras and the current teacher of Asura King Hiranyaksha. Now that Shukracharya and Hiranyaksha have appeared above the Kshira Sagara, it is likely that he seeks Lord Vishnu's assistance to help the Asuras regain their strength.

"If Shukracharya finds the Lord and aids the Asuras in regaining their power, it will spell trouble for the Devas! The Lord does not favor the Asuras; He prefers the Devas!"

"To ensure the Lord's reassurance, I must go to the Devas and ask them to intervene and thwart the Asuras' plans! I am returning for the good of the Devas and the entire universe! It's not as if I am trapped by a curse and forced to seek Indra!"

With this newfound purpose, Garuda's eyes lit up as he found a reason to approach Indra.

In an instant, Garuda soared into the sky.

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