King of Devas

"Seven continents!" Indra murmured.

The seven continents surrounding Mandara Mountain reminded him of the ancient lands he had once known.

Surya standing nearby, nodded in approval. "Indeed seven continents."

He pointed toward the south of Mandara Mountain. "Look there—my son Yama's Yamaloka lies just below. Only with the protection of Yamaloka can this land remain intact. And that land has the most Jambu trees. Why not call this region Jambudvipa?" Suryadev smiled, thinking of his son with satisfaction.

The name "Jambu" refers to the Jambu tree(Rose Apples), a sacred symbol in Hindu cosmology, and Dvipa refers to "island" or "continent."

Agnidev's mind focused on the east and spoke next. "The Yakshas once inhabited this region, which was full of spiritual energy and vast resources. Why not call it Purvavideha where divine energy flows like a river?"

Suryadev acknowledged, "Yes, a fitting name indeed."

His gaze then turned toward the north. "The vast northern plains shall be known as the Kuru Wilderness, the most fertile plains that stretches far and wide. But now, it has taken on new life. We shall call this part the Kuru."

Indra's eyes twitched at the mention of Kuru. Kurukshetra, the field of the great battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas—a place where countless lives were lost in the war of dharma and adharma. He was reminded of the fate that awaited it in the future.

A sudden realization hit him. "So, this is the land that will eventually bear witness to the greatest war of mortals?"

A quiet hush filled the air as the Indra contemplated the future of this land.

Brihaspati raised his hand and pointed westward. "Indra, this is where you defeated Vritra and rescued Kamadhenu. This land, rich with cattle and resources, will be where the mortal herders will thrive. We shall call it Gokulavideha, for it is the land of cows and pastoral life."

Indra nodded, his gaze turning to the Himalayas. "And to the north, we have the Himalayas, the home of the sages. This sacred range, where the door to Kailasha resides, must be protected, for it is the spine of our world. It shall welcome those who are seeking the meaning of life or those who want to give their life some meaning."

Agni agreed. "The Hima, the greatest of all mountains. Let it be a place where the gods and mortals can do penance."

Then, turning to the south, Suryadev pointed toward the small land of Lanka. "In the far south lies Lanka, an island of great power ruled by Yaksha. It is the domain of Kubera—a place of both divine and mortals. This will remain the sacred realm of the many Yakshas and humans."

Indra deep in thought, then spoke about the Vindhyas, a mountain range that separated the northern and southern regions of the land. "The Vindhyas stand as the natural boundary between the regions, and the lands beyond them are vast and fertile."

Finally, Brihaspati looked to the west and said, "And the Aravallis, ancient mountains full of wisdom and guardianship, must remain as they are. There live the keepers of knowledge and guardians of the lands beyond."

The conversation settled as the Devas gazed upon the mighty Jambudvipa—the land that had been shaped and will continue to shape the mortal and divine worlds. They knew that their efforts in creating these territories were more than just naming places—they were creating the world that would define the future of both mortals and gods.

In a short time, the seven major continents were given names: Jambudvipa, Plaksadvipa, Salmalidvipa, Kusadvipa, Krouncadvipa, Sakadvipa, and Pushkaradvipa. The Devas were pleased with their choices.

At that moment, Bhumidev's beautiful face glowed with a spring-like warmth. She smiled at Indra, her eyes full of gratitude, and clasped her hands together.

"Devas thank you for your help!" Bhumi's voice was filled with reverence.

Indra waved his hand with a chuckle. "Hahaha! It's nothing. As Adityas this is our dharma." He relished the admiration of the goddess.

"May I, then, offer a Nritya for you, O King of the Devas?"," Bhumi said, her eyes shining with excitement.

The Nritya of the Earth Goddess! A rare sight indeed. Indra's eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly, his divine form standing in rapt attention.

As soon as she finished speaking, Bhumidev, the Earth Goddess, gracefully turned around. Her golden and red dress swirled around her like a peacock spreading its tail, and rhythmic music seemed to emanate from the very earth itself. The mountains, rivers, and forests joined in, producing a melody that was both vibrant and free, resonating with the harmony of nature.

Bhumi's body radiated vitality, her movements as fluid as the winds that swept across her domain. Her slender waist twisted with natural grace, and her arms flowed like the graceful necks of swans, swaying with an ethereal elegance as she moved her gaze left and right. Her steps were light, almost weightless, like a peacock dancing in the breeze, unburdened by the laws of the world.

Her hands hovered near her cheeks, fingers tracing gentle, subtle movements that seemed to call the very elements to dance along with her. Her eyes briefly met Indra's, a flicker of something deeper and ancient passing between them, like the connection of two forces of nature.

Indra's gaze was unwavering, drawn to her every motion with a rapt intensity. A single drop of sweat formed on his forehead, slowly sliding down his face. The sweat, was crystal-clear and sparkling in the light, shimmering like the endless sky, with a faint bluish lightning glimmering within it.

The drop of sweat, carried by the delicate breeze, drifted away from him. It hung suspended in the air for a heartbeat, as if taking its journey, before landing gently on the arms of Bhumidevi, who continued her dance. The air around them seemed to hum with the energy of the universe, as if every breath and every movement were intertwined with the cosmic rhythm.

Tick… tick…

The drop of sweat vanished quietly, merging seamlessly with Bhumi's body as if it had never existed. The very earth seemed to sigh in response. Yet, in that moment, a subtle change took place. Bhumi faltered, a brief shiver sweeping through her. It was a strange sensation, one that rose unexpectedly from her belly and lingered in her chest, like an unfamiliar echo in the vastness of her being.

She froze for a heartbeat, her brow furrowed in confusion, trying to understand what had just transpired. What was this sensation? Why had she suddenly shivered so?

The Devas fell silent for a moment as if caught in the same strange stillness that had gripped Bhumi.

And then, the applause began, breaking the silence like a thunderclap. Indra, his eyes flashing with pride and something akin to admiration, led the Devas in their applause. The claps rang like the roar of thunder, resonating through the heavens.

"This seems to be the Ananda Nritya created by Nataraja," Brihaspathi remarked from the side, clearly pleased with his knowledge, his voice reverberating with satisfaction.

Bhumi nodded slightly, a smile curving her lips as she caught her breath. "Yes, this is indeed the dance created by Lord Shiva," she said softly, a soft chuckle escaping her. She briefly closed her eyes, as if reflecting on the deep power of the dance that had passed through her.

"It was beautifully danced," she continued, opening her eyes again, her gaze lifting to Indra with a mischievous glint, "but a little too brief."

Indra, still standing with his hands raised in applause, cocked his head to the side in slight confusion. A mix of disappointment and gentle curiosity crossed his features.

"Bhumi, why did you stop so soon?" he asked, his tone carrying both concern and a hint of disbelief.

He had been expecting more, yearning for the continuation of such a rare and divine performance, but it had ended too abruptly for his liking.

Bhumi smiled warmly, giving a soft, knowing sigh. "Sometimes, Indra, even the earth must rest," she said cryptically, her voice laced with light teasing.

…

…

As the vanguard of the Devas, Vayu led the Gandharvas back from Kshira Sagara, while the other Devas followed Indra toward Svarga. The Svarga was vast, and its sea of clouds seemed endless.

The mighty legions of the Deva army returned in waves, their presence heralded by thunderous sounds. Indra stood high above, his hands resting on his waist as he gazed down at the unfolding scene.

There weren't many Gandharvas and Apsaras left— but once they drank the Amrita, they would be eternal. Plus humanity will bring forth countless Sages, Pitrus, and righteous souls. As for the Asuras, they would wait until the Rishi Shukracharya performed penance to Shiva and obtained the Sanjeevani Mantra, a powerful incantation capable of resurrecting them. The Asura army, too, would swell in number.

Indra tilted his head, his lips curling in amusement.

"Good grief!" he muttered. "Now I understand why the numbers of Devas and Asuras are always even! The Amrita and the Sanjeevani Mantra are the key."

Suryadev smiled brightly. "Our celestial army has returned with the Amrita. From now on, my son Yama will never have to claim another Dev, and death will stay far away from Svarga."

"Exactly!" Soma agreed his smile just as wide. "This great battle has proven that, with the Amrita, mere Asuras are no match for the Devas."

Vayu nodded in approval. "The Asuras are no longer our opponents."

Agni and Varuna both exchanged knowing glances, their agreement clear.

"Ah, Amrita!" Indra murmured. "This is truly the key for eternal bliss and eternal work."

"Dev, why don't you smile at such a moment worthy of celebration?" Agni asked with a grin, turning to Indra.

Indra raised his hand to his mouth and turned his head, unable to hold back a loud laugh. He couldn't laugh at this time, though. His amusement came not from victory, but from how Surya and the devas were getting ahead of themselves, celebrating too early.

Clearing his throat, he quickly composed himself. "It's better to share the Amrita with the army!" he said, his tone turning more serious.

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