King of Devas

Indra frowned, his brows knitting together as realization dawned. No wonder Soma was absent!

"Let me handle things like this from now on. Soma has proven unreliable," Indra muttered, his tone sharp with disapproval.

He did have a good relationship with Soma—one might even call it camaraderie—but that only made his frustrations more poignant. Soma, the god of the moon and Soma ras, was notoriously indulgent, far more so than even Indra in his younger, wilder days. If Indra had once been careful to avoid "stirring the waters too close to home," as the saying went, Soma made no such distinctions.

More troublingly, Soma's affinity for intoxicants wasn't just his divine domain; it was his greatest temptation. Indra couldn't help but worry. Would Soma's indulgences lead to harm, intentionally or not?

Turning to his teacher, the wise Rishi Brihaspati, Indra spoke with a mixture of concern and authority. "Teacher, please watch Soma more closely in the days to come. Teach him the essence of Dharma."

Brihaspati tilted his head, his expression bemused. "What exactly do you mean by that, Indra?"

Indra sighed and shook his head. "Never mind if you don't understand, Teacher. When the time comes, I'll spar with Soma myself and knock some sense into him." His voice carried an edge of humor, though it was clear he meant every word.

Having said his piece, Indra wasted no time. He turned on his heel, his form shimmering with divine energy, and launched himself into the skies toward Suryaloka.

The journey was swift, the wind bending to his will as he raced toward his destination. Before long, Indra arrived at the main temple, a structure so radiant it seemed to embody the very essence of the sun itself.

Standing before the dazzling edifice, Indra's divine form began to expand. His presence magnified tenfold, his radiant eyes gleaming like miniature suns. Thunder crackled in the skies above, wrapping his body in bolts of lightning as he assumed his greatest form—a god of storms and thunder.

The Suryaloka responded to his arrival, its light intensifying, beams of celestial energy spilling forth to illuminate the heavens. The divine architecture trembled under the weight of Indra's power, as though bowing to the King of Svarga.

Indra smirked, though his expression remained focused. This was his realm, his domain. No power within Svarga could defy him.

Boom!

The palace shuddered violently, the ground quaking as Indra's aura rippled outward, shaking the celestial realm itself.

"This ends here," Indra murmured to himself, his gaze hard and determined.

The palace had no choice but to yield to its King.

At that moment, a devi adorned in a flowing red dress stepped gracefully out of the Surya's adobe.

Her beauty was mesmerizing, with a delicate cinnabar mark gracing her forehead, a symbol of her divine heritage. Her golden gown draped around her figure, accentuating her curves and radiating an aura of vitality and fertility. She exuded a presence as vibrant and life-giving as a mare in her prime—an embodiment of abundance and nurturing energy.

This was none other than Sanjna, goddess of clouds and dusk.

The wife of Surya, daughter of the celestial craftsman Vishvakarma, and mother to Yama and Yamuna, the Ashwini twins. Sanjna's identity was etched into the skies. Her radiance, soft yet commanding, was unmistakable.

"Indradev, what are you doing here?" Sanjna asked, her voice trembling. She instinctively stepped back, crossing her arms protectively over her chest. Fear flickered in her wide eyes as she continued, "Where is Surya?"

"There's no time to explain!" Indra's voice was sharp, his tone urgent. "The legions of Asuras are preparing to attack Svarga. I must send you to Brahmaloka for safety."

Without waiting for her response, Indra clasped his hands together in a gesture of divine command. The entire palace rumbled violently as its very foundations detached from Svarga, lifting into the skies.

Boom!

Sanjna staggered, her footing unsteady as the temple trembled and surged upward. Confusion and fear played across her face as she swayed, clutching a nearby golden pillar for support.

"Hold on! I'm speeding up!" Indra shouted, his eyes fixed resolutely ahead.

The palace accelerated, propelled by Indra's divine power. Sanjna gasped, her cheeks flushed with terror as she slid to the ground, leaning against the pillar to steady herself.

Above the skies of Svarga, the celestial expanse unfolded—a vast, boundless realm shimmering with ethereal light.

"Pranam Devi Sarasvati!" Indra called out, his voice echoing with reverence.

His gaze fell upon the radiant form of Sarasvati, goddess of wisdom and knowledge. She rode a graceful swan, her veena resting delicately in her hands. Her luminous presence illuminated their path forward.

In an instant, the celestial space transformed.

The skies turned a serene, endless blue, a sea of clouds rising in majestic waves. The air was perfumed with the delicate fragrance of blooming lotus flowers, and divine tranquility enveloped the realm.

At the heart of this sacred realm, Brahmaloka, sat two radiant figures cross-legged, their forms exuding an aura of timeless wisdom and boundless power.

"We've arrived," Indra announced solemnly, his voice carrying the weight of the moment.

The palace came to rest, its journey complete. They were now in Brahmaloka, the abode of the Creator.

Indra curled his lips into a faint smile as he descended gracefully on a cloud, carefully placing the Sun Temple down with practiced ease.

"Pranam Brahmadev! Pranam Devi!" Indra greeted, bowing with his hands pressed together in reverence to Brahma and the goddess Sarasvati, who sat resplendent in the celestial radiance of Brahmaloka.

"The Svarga is under siege," he explained, his tone steady yet tinged with urgency. "The Asura King, Hiranyakashipu, armed with a new boon, has launched an assault on the Devas. I've had no choice but to relocate the Suryaloka here for safety. I'm afraid it will have to remain in Brahmaloka for some time."

Indra's expression softened slightly as he offered a faint, apologetic smile, his words carrying the weight of duty.

Sarasvati, the goddess of wisdom and learning, shifted her gaze to the silent Brahma beside her. Her knowing eyes lingered on her husband, whose guilt was all too apparent. She understood the situation immediately.

Hiranyakashipu's newfound power was clearly the result of a boon granted by Brahma himself. Yet Sarasvati, in her wisdom, had also ensured that the Devas retained the blessing allowing them entry into Brahmaloka—a safeguard that was proving indispensable now.

"It is permitted," Sarasvati said calmly, her voice resonating with divine authority.

At that moment, Sanjna regained her composure. Glancing around the divine realm, her gaze fell upon Lord Brahma and Sarasvati. It was only then that she realized her earlier misunderstanding of Indra's intentions. Embarrassed, she quickly bowed low in apology to the celestial couple.

Before she could turn and offer her apologies to Indra, however, the King of Svarga was already gone.

Whoosh!

A flash of thunder illuminated the skies as Indra sped back to Svarga, his movements swift and purposeful. His destination was clear: Chandraloka, the adobe of the Moon.

At the Temple of the Moon

As Indra arrived, the temple was bathed in a soft, silver glow, reflecting the serene radiance of the lunar deity it housed. Almost immediately, twenty-seven ethereal figures emerged, their graceful forms moving with urgency.

Rohini, the chief consort, led the group, her beauty radiant even amid chaos. She was accompanied by the other Nakshatra goddesses, each representing a star constellation and each more exquisite beauty than the last. Together, they bowed deeply before the King of Svarga.

"Pranam, Raja Indra!" they chorused, their voices harmonious and tinged with concern.

Indra wasted no time. "The Asuras are advancing. Svarga is in grave danger. I must transport you to Brahmaloka for your safety," he declared.

Rohini stepped forward, her face a mix of worry and longing. "King of Svarga," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "my husband has not returned in a long time. Where is Soma? Why is he not here with us?"

Her question hung in the air, the other goddesses looking to Indra for an answer. But the King of Svarga's face remained impassive, his thoughts hidden as he prepared for the task at hand.

Indra froze for a moment, his mind racing. How does she know Soma isn't with Vayu and Agni?! Blinking rapidly, he suddenly had a spark of inspiration.

"Eh~" Indra's voice shifted to a more confident tone, his expression brightening. "I'm not sure where Soma has gone, but it might indeed be dangerous. However, worry not. I will send you all to Brahmaloka shortly. There, you can ask the Lord Brahma and Devi Sarasvati directly."

He paused, letting the brilliance of his plan unfold. "Lord Brahma is the creator of the Universe who has created everything in the Tri Loka, surely knows Soma's whereabouts and can summon him back. Additionally, you could perform penance before the Brahma and devi Saraswati, seeking their blessing to grant you the ability to see Soma at any time. In that way, you will never have to worry about him again."

Indra clapped his hands together, a satisfied smile on his face. Wonderful! He was indeed truly full of good ideas today!

Rohini's eyes lit up at the suggestion, and the other Nakshatra goddesses exchanged enlightened glances.

"Surely this resolves the greatest challenge in your lives," Indra said with a teasing grin, raising an eyebrow as he spread his hands in mock impatience. "Why has no one thanked me yet?"

The Nakshatra goddesses, with Rohini at the forefront, beamed with radiant smiles. In an instant, they clasped their hands together in sincere gratitude.

"Thank you, O great and wise King of Svarga!" they chorused in perfect harmony, their voices filled with admiration.

Indra wasted no time, acting with the precision and efficiency befitting the King of Svarga.

The Moon Temple was the first to be sent to Brahmaloka. One by one, the grand palaces of Agni; Varuna, and Vayu were also carefully transported to the Satya Loka. Each was safely secured under the watchful eyes of Brahma and Sarasvati.

Soon, Svarga stood eerily empty. The once-bustling realm of the Devas was now devoid of its glorious temples, its grandeur relocated for protection.

All that remained was the magnificent Amravati city, the abode of the King of Svarga.

Back at Amravati

Indra strode purposefully into the palace of the King of Svarga. His gaze fell upon the grand Throne of the King of Svarga, which stood proudly at the center of the temple. Its brilliance seemed to outshine the entire space, glowing with a golden radiance that evoked awe and reverence.

This throne, the symbol of divine authority, was the center of the cosmos—bright, dazzling, and undeniably alluring.

Indra sighed deeply, his expression softening.

"It's all because of this seat," he murmured to himself. "Hiranyakashipu desires it so much. Very well… I'll leave this seat to anyone who asks for it."

His thoughts lingered for a moment, heavy with resolve. He knew the throne's symbolic power, yet his duty to Svarga and its people far outweighed personal pride.

Indra, the King of Svarga, was prepared to make sacrifices.

He shook his head, striding purposefully out of the palace of the Heavenly King. His steps echoed with finality as he walked along the road leading out of Amravati City. With each step, his form began to expand, growing vast and imposing. His divine skin glowed like molten gold, radiating brilliance across the sky. He inhaled deeply, swallowing the air like storm clouds, and exhaled with the force of a gale. Waves of terrifying pressure rippled outward, a silent warning to anyone who dared oppose him.

"This is the last city of Amravati left…" Indra murmured under his breath.

The King of Svarga paused, rubbing his hands together as if preparing for an immense task. Amravati City, the crown jewel of the heavens and the largest of all was left for last.

Just as he was about to lift the grand city, a sudden cry for help broke through the stillness.

"Indra, save me!"

The voice, unmistakable and filled with desperation, jolted Indra's focus. He turned around sharply, his eyes narrowing.

From the distance, the figure of Varuna came into view. Varuna was astride his divine mount, the great Makara—a fearsome creature with the shape of a crocodile, the head of a sheep, and the tail of a fish. The Makara moved with incredible speed, darting like lightning across the skies.

Chasing close behind was an Asura general, his presence exuding malevolence as he pursued relentlessly.

"Who?!" Indra's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his expression incredulous. "It's not Hiranyakashipu, yet you dare to chase all the way into Svarga?! Are all Asuras so bold now?"

His tone grew sharp, crackling with divine authority. "Who gave you the courage!"

Indra planted his feet firmly on the ground, his towering form casting a shadow over the heavens. His neck twisted with a resounding crack, like thunder rolling through the clouds.

Slowly, with the air around him shimmering from his divine power, Indra raised his hand.

In a flash, a magnificent seven-colored bow appeared in his palm, its radiance splitting the sky. The bow, glowing with celestial hues, seemed to pulse with the power of storms and lightning.

"Indra Dhanush!"

The very air trembled at the sight of the King of Svarga's legendary weapon.

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