King of Devas

"Surya, just to be sure, summon Kama, the God of Love and desire!" Rishi Brihaspati instructed, his tone filled with urgency.

Kama, the God of Love. The embodiment of desire, pleasure, and beauty. If even the Apsaras of Svarga couldn't awaken Indra from his meditative state, then Kama's divine arrow, the arrow of love, would surely do the trick. With the arrow of love aimed at Indra's heart, the King of Svarga would naturally break free from his penance.

"Understood! I'll go summon Kama right away!" Surya responded, his voice resolute. With that, he drove his sun chariot off toward the task.

Soon, the air shimmered as a group gathered once again, this time accompanied by the three most beautiful Apsaras. They moved gracefully across the grassy expanse, their snow-white feet barely touching the ground.

The goddess on the left was petite, her skin as radiant and soft as freshly churned milk. Her delicate features glowed with innocence, yet her large, sorrowful eyes seemed to hold a quiet melancholy that stirred a desire to shield her from harm. This was Menaka, known for her unmatched charm and the ability to ensnare even the most steadfast hearts.

The goddess on the right was tall and statuesque, her every movement exuding an alluring elegance. Her wheat-gold complexion shimmered under the divine light, and her cascading dark hair framed a face of unparalleled beauty, accentuated by lips as red and inviting as freshly bloomed hibiscus. This was Rambha, the embodiment of sensual allure, renowned for her ability to mesmerize even the gods themselves.

In the center stood a goddess whose very presence seemed to flow like a gentle breeze. Her grace was otherworldly, her movements soft and fluid, as if she were a living embodiment of music and poetry. Her flawless, glowing face was framed by her long, lustrous hair, and her form was adorned with a flowing skirt woven with golden threads that shimmered with celestial light. This was Urvashi, the most celebrated of the Apsaras, whose name itself meant "one who can steal hearts."

"Here they come!" Vayu exclaimed, landing beside Brihaspati with a confident smile. "The goddess in the middle is Urvashi, unmatched in her beauty, even among the Apsaras."

Brihaspati nodded, clearly captivated by their presence. "They are indeed divine. Together, they are the finest jewels of Svarga."

The other gods could not take their eyes off the Apsaras, their grace and radiance commanding absolute attention. Yet, Agni's brow furrowed with unease. "But what if it still doesn't work?" he questioned, his voice tinged with doubt. "The King of Svarga once reveled in indulgence, but now his penance shields his heart. Can even the most enchanting Apsaras wake him up?"

"We can overwhelm him with numbers," Brihaspati replied with a reassuring smile. "We have all 36 Deva Apsaras of Svarga. With Kama's help, I believe we can succeed!"

As Brihaspati spoke with growing confidence, the Devas exchanged thoughtful glances. It made sense—if the Apsaras' beauty wasn't enough, surely their sheer numbers would be. And with Kama's intervention, could Indra resist?

The air buzzed with anticipation. The battle to rouse the King of Svarga had begun in earnest.

By the lake, the three Apsaras awaited Urvashi's signal to begin their dance.

The moment they moved, the air seemed to shimmer with their grace. Their red skirts fluttered and twirled like the petals of a blooming mandala flower, each movement a delicate swirl. Their figures, fluid and enchanting, encircled Indra, weaving a trail of sweet-scented breezes. It was as if the very essence of beauty brushed against his chest, like soft jade fingers caressing his skin.

With each step, waves of love and longing began to stir in Indra's heart. Every twist and turn of the dance was like a teasing caress, tugging at the deepest strings of his soul.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

His heartbeat thundered in his chest, resonating like the roar of a storm.

The Devas, watching from the sidelines, exchanged glances as they heard the sound. Their eyes lit up with excitement. Could it be? Was it working?

At that moment, Surya arrived, Kama in tow.

Kama descended from his parrot, his smile as radiant as ever. He was handsome, exuding an aura of charm and allure. With a graceful leap, he slid off his mount and landed on the soft grass below.

"Ah, how can anyone resist my presence?" Kama said with a teasing smile, his voice smooth and melodic. "Fear not, for I, the master of love, am here to ensure hearts bend to your will."

He raised his left hand, and with a fluid motion, a divine bow materialized in his grasp. Crafted from sugarcane, its shaft bore alternating purple and green segments, exuding a sweet, vibrant fragrance. The bowstring, woven from buzzing bees, hummed softly, the sound of love itself. The fletching was made from delicate attachments, while the arrowhead was formed from the hope of a thousand hearts, the tip glistening with the promise of longing.

Kama nocked an arrow, drawing the bowstring back with a slow, deliberate motion. His eyes sparkled with anticipation, and a mischievous smile curled at the corners of his lips. He had never yet aimed his arrow at the King of Svarga—today, however, would be different.

Before he could release the arrow, a sudden golden light shot down from the skies, enveloping Indra in its radiance.

The Devas and the Apsaras all turned, startled by the light. As it dissipated, they found themselves looking at a space where Indra had once stood.

"Where did Indra go?" Kama muttered, his brow furrowing in confusion as he scanned the area. He looked left and right, but Indra was nowhere to be found. He released the arrow, though it flew without a target.

The Devas, too, were perplexed. The King had vanished.

"This... this is the power of Lord Vishnu!" Rishi Brihaspati said, his eyes narrowing in thought. "It seems Lord Vishnu has called Indra away."

Kama's expression faltered, and with a disappointed sigh, he lowered his bow and arrow. "A pity," he murmured.

…

On the other side, Indra was lost in a trance, deep in meditation and slumber, his mind adrift in peaceful stillness. In this serene state, he saw three celestial beings dancing around him. Their graceful movements, accompanied by a sweet fragrance, stirred a longing deep within him. But before the desire could take hold, a sharp presence broke through the haze, pulling him from the trance with ease.

"Very good dance moves," the voice echoed. 

The thought struck him like a bolt of lightning, and with that, he snapped awake, his meditation shattered.

Indra blinked, his senses returning. He smiled softly at first, but then his expression shifted to one of confusion and disbelief. What he expected to see were the Apsaras, their beauty surrounding him in a warm, ethereal glow. Instead, before him stood an angry figure in Sahsrakavacha, an imposing figure whose presence felt like a shadow over his soul.

"!!!"

Indra's brow furrowed as he blinked, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. The face before him was oddly familiar, but he couldn't place it.

"Indra!" the figure shouted, his voice thick with contempt. "Hahaha! Stupid Vishnu, he sent you here! Hahaha! However, Svarga is my domain now!"

Indra's heart sank. The figure's laughter was wild, filled with a maddening glee.

"Indra," the man snarled, his face twisted with ferocity. "Your death is at hand!"

It was Hiranyakashipu—the very Asura who had terrorized the Triloka, the one who had caused so much destruction. Indra's blood ran cold at the sight.

Hiranyakashipu's rage erupted, and with a mighty roar, a golden hammer appeared in his hand. It gleamed with an almost blinding light, as golden sparks danced along its surface. As he leaped into the air, the hammer seemed to pulse with energy, drawing upon the very forces of Svarga and the Earth itself. The sheer power it radiated was enough to tear the fabric of reality, an unstoppable force that no god could hope to withstand.

Indra's eyes widened in shock as the hammer glowed with unholy strength.

"So strong!" he whispered, the weight of the moment sinking in. There was no time to hesitate.

His heart raced, and without a second thought, he cried out.

"Sahasrakavacha! Grant me the power of the epitome of gods!"

In an instant, golden light enveloped him as the Sahasrakavacha's Armor materialized, its gleaming surface shimmering with the brilliance of the sun itself. As the light cleared, Brahma's figure appeared, the radiant deity standing tall and unyielding.

"As you wish!" came the ethereal voice of the armor, echoing softly around him.

Indra's expression hardened with resolve, his golden armor radiating divine energy. He was ready. The battle was about to begin.

The moment Hiranyakashipu's massive hammer fell, the ground trembled violently.

Boom!

A shockwave of terrifying force erupted, and the aftermath rippled through Svarga like a tidal wave. The heavens themselves seemed to quake under the immense power. Buildings crumbled and shattered, their remains tumbling through the air like dust. The Asuras, caught in the destruction, screamed in panic as their world disintegrated around them.

Mandala Mountain swayed uneasily, and the stars that marked the boundary between Svarga and the human world flickered, dimming as explosions of light shattered the celestial sky. Stars exploded one after another, breaking apart into countless fragments.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The explosions rocked the very foundation of Svarga. Amidst the chaos, Indra stood firm, his hands pressed on his waist, his clothes billowing in the storm. With a sudden motion, he spread his arms wide, and in an instant, two powerful maces materialized in his hands—the Vristi and Duskara. The twin maces glowed with raw energy, lightning crackling violently between them, their fury intertwining in a symphony of destruction.

Boom!

Hiranyakashipu staggered back, taking two steps before coming to a halt. His laughter echoed, mocking.

"Hahaha! Your lightning is nothing! You are so weak that it can't even scratch me!"

With a casual flick, Hiranyakashipu tossed aside his golden hammer, his laughter growing louder, echoing through the heavens. His arrogance was palpable, his confidence unwavering.

But Indra, unfazed, calmly lowered his weapons. He didn't flinch or show any sign of panic. He had already anticipated this, his mind calculating every move. A subtle smile played on his lips as he tilted his head.

"Ah, Lord Vishnu," Indra said, his voice soft yet steady. "I should have known it was you."

Through the lingering tension, a warm laugh resonated, rich with kindness and understanding. Lord Vishnu stepped forward, his expression a blend of amusement and gentle remorse. "Forgive me, Indra. The devotees' devotion compelled this play. But rest assured, as their wish has been fulfilled, I grant you a boon in return. From this moment, neither I nor any incarnation of mine shall bring you harm."

A golden light descended from the heavens, enveloping Indra in its radiance. The light was warm and invigorating, and as it flowed into his body, he felt the rush of divine power filling him. The blessing was clear—an assurance that he would remain untouched by harm from Hiranyakashipu's strength, a divine shield that made him invulnerable to the god's wrath.

"The blessing feels good," Indra mused to himself, a sly smile creeping onto his face. "But it seems a bit… lackluster?"

Chuckling softly, he glanced upward with a playful glint in his eye.

"Hey~ Lord, you're too stingy with your gifts," Indra teased. "Such small blessings? You'll find yourself cursed in the future for being so tight-fisted!"

His voice was lighthearted as if bantering with an old friend. After all, he had been summoned by Vishnu himself, and Indra wasn't one to miss an opportunity for a little extra favor.

A huff of annoyance followed. "Hmph!" Hiranyakashipu snapped, his rage flaring as he turned to face the new arrival. "You're all here, are you? Then get out of my way! I'll take you both on and destroy you!"

Fury burned in his eyes as he swept his gaze across the celestial beings around him, daring anyone to challenge him.

The tension was thick in the air. A battle between Deva and Asura loomed, one that would shape the fate of Svarga's throne.

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