Prologue

In the mortal realm, the Chiranjeevis, immortal beings blessed with eternal life, had always stood as the guardians of the human world.

Their duty was to protect humanity from the evil forces of darkness that sought to disrupt the delicate balance between the realms.

Each Chiranjeevi possessed unique powers and a deep connection to the gods, ensuring they could fulfil their sacred duty with unwavering dedication and purity.

For millennia, the chiranjeevis had fulfilled their role flawlessly, fending off demons and evil spirits while guiding humans towards righteousness.

However, one fateful day, an inexplicable event shook the very foundation of the celestial realm. Without any warning or sign, two out of the seven chiranjeevis disappeared.

Their absence sent shockwaves through the heavens. The gods were left bewildered, for the chiranjeevis were an integral part of the cosmic order and had a role to play till the end of time.

With the absence of even a single Chiranjeevi, the balance between good and evil would be disrupted, and the mortal world would be left defenceless against the dark forces, the asuras, that threatened to overrun it.

The strange situation forced the council of gods to convene in the grand hall of Svargaloka, the celestial realm, to discuss this dire situation. However, it was more of panicked shrieking than anything else.

The chaos amongst the gods overthrew the beauty of the celestial court. But someone needed to establish control over chaos, and that's precisely what Indra, the God of rain and thunder, did.

"Silence!" Indra's thunderous voice roared over everyone else's. "The situation is dire. The disappearance of King Mahabali and sage Vyasa is concerning, but we must maintain our dignity as the higher existence!"

The gods of the lower realm settled down, their eyes fixed on Indra, the King of gods, seated on his throne made of bones of the countless demons slain by him.

However, even the mighty Indra would be unable to solve the issue alone. The Tridev, the three greater gods, must be immediately alerted about the absence of the sage Vyasa and King Mahabali.

Lord Agni, the fire deity, spoke as the heavenly council was silent. "Indra dev, the sudden disappearance of two Chiranjeevis is exceptionally concerning and cause for alarm.

The Chiranjeevis are missing, and countless other gods and goddesses are searching for them, but none knows where they could be."

"We need to inform Tridev about this alarming situation!" Lord Vayu, the God of wind, urged the council.

However, what Vayu suggested was easier said than done. Among the Tridev, Lord Vishnu was deep in his cosmic slumber, lounging on the coils of the great serpent, Shesha.

Lord Vishnu's periodic rest cycles were essential for the harmony of the universe, but they left the responsibility of handling extraordinary crises to the other gods. As such, he can't be disturbed.

Meanwhile, Lord Brahma, the creator of worlds, was occupied with overseeing the emergence of new realms in far-flung corners of the cosmos.

It would take the gods an unprecedented amount of time to reach Lord Brahma, let alone find a solution for their problem, leaving them with one choice...

"Mahadev... he is our last hope at finding a solution out of this crisis." Lord Indra mumbled, thinking about the God of gods, Lord Shiva.

The gods nodded in agreement. Immediately the divine entourage headed towards Mount Kailash, the abode of the Mahadev. They soared through the skies, crossing the celestial boundaries with ease.

Below, the mortal world continued to function in blissful ignorance of the turmoil in the heavens. If the gods are unable to come up with a solution or find the missing Chiranjeevis, their blissful ignorance will lead to catastrophic consequences.

Soon the gods found themselves walking through Mount Kailash's majestic beauty. Towering peaks all around them were covered in snow and kissed the heavens.

However, as they ascended higher, there was a drastic change in the environment. The air became crisp and fragrant with fresh pine. Colourful flowers grew around them, their petals gently flowing in the breeze.

Soon the gods could see the glittering streams meandering playfully through the rocks. They walked across stone bridges, their reflections sparkling in the beautiful waters below. Birds chirped melodiously, their songs blending with the rustling of ancient Bel trees' leaves.

Bel tree, known to be Shiva's favourite, was a sign that the Lord was nearby, and the gods were correct as they came across Lord Nandi, Shiva's most devout and loyal follower.

The pristine white minotaur stood guard before a cave, blocking the Gods' path with a gentle but firm demeanour.

"Om Namah Shivaya," Lord Indra respectfully addressed Shiva's beloved devotee. "We seek an audience with Lord Shiva. It is a matter of utmost importance."

"Om Namah Shivaya," Nandi respectfully greeted the gods, his eyes fixated on them, knowing they had arrived at the wrong time. "I know it must be a matter of grave concern for all of you to come here together... but unfortunately, I'll have to ask you to leave."

Nandi's words shocked the gods as it was the last thing they expected to hear from the mighty bull. After all, Shiva had always listened to their pleas and offered them solutions. But Nandi was asking them to leave without even listening to them?

"Please, don't misunderstand," Nandi immediately explained to the gods after seeing their confused expressions. "the Lord has entered his meditative state. As such, disturbing him wouldn't be wise."

The gods exchanged glances, understanding the significance of Lord Shiva's meditative state. Nonetheless, Indra stepped forward.

He knew it was a matter of the utmost importance and would have unimaginable consequences if not taken care of immediately.

"Nandi..." Indra spoke with reverence and urgency, "This is a matter that concerns not only the higher existence but also the mortal realm. The balance between the realms has been disrupted, and Asuras threaten to engulf the mortal world if we sit idle."

Nandi seemed adamant, but then a mystical voice echoed around them, instructing Nandi to let the gods pass. Everyone understood it was Mahadev's voice and were elated.

After being acknowledged by Mahadev, Nandi had no reason to stop the gods anymore and respectfully bowed to them before allowing them to enter the cave.

As the gods entered the cave, they realised it was much bigger than they had seen from the outside. The cave was empty but, at the same time, had everything the great Adiyogi¹ would need.

In the middle of it all, a lone figure sat cross-legged on a lush patch of grass. This figure was unlike any other – strong and majestic, with a river of jet-black hair cascading down his broad shoulders.

His skin glowed with a divine radiance, and a garland of serpents coiled gracefully around his neck. With his eyes gently closed, he seemed to be in perfect harmony with the world around him.

His face emanated an aura of peace and wisdom, and a faint smile graced his lips. He was the epitome of serenity, radiating an atmosphere that seemed to hold the secrets of existence itself.

The gods approached him with utmost reverence and hands folded into the posture of namaste.

"Om Namah Shivaya," they chanted in unison.

Lord Shiva opened his eyes, revealing the fiery intensity of his gaze. "Welcome, to my humble abode, my divine brethren. I can sense huge turmoil within your hearts. Tell me, what is it that has you all in such a panicked state?"

Indra stepped forward and recounted the mysterious vanishing of the chiranjeevis. He conveyed the situation's urgency, emphasising the potential consequences for the mortal world if the defenders remained missing.

Shiva listened intently, his eyes remained impassive, but his smile dropped. The situation was more dire than Shiva had assumed.

"My Lord," said Agni, "we must act swiftly to restore the balance. The mortal realm is at the mercy of the Asuras without the Chiranjeevis' protection."

"Indeed... that's what I'm concerned about the most," Shiva nodded. "In the time of crisis, we must take desperate measures. Since the disappearance of Chiranjeevis is an anomaly unforeseen by Brahma, we must create an anomaly of our own. Something no evil could foresee."

Shiva then revealed a daring plan to the gods that involved the usage of the Somras, the elixir of immortality obtained by the Devas during the Samudra Manthan², the churning of the cosmic ocean.

Lord Shiva instructed the Devas to gather all the remaining somras they had and to entrust it to Nandi, who would deliver the elixir to lord Parshuram, one of the seven original immortals and Shiva's greatest devotees.

Nandi had to be the one to deliver the somras because of a treaty between the Asuras and the Devas, stating both parties would not physically step foot in the mortal realm until it was time for the final war between good and evil.

Upon receiving the elixir, Parshuram would use the somras to raise an anomaly, the eighth immortal. The new immortal will then help the gods by fighting the Asuras and helping locate the disappeared Chiranjeevis.

"Go now, my divine brethren," Lord Shiva said reassuringly. "Fulfill this mission with courage and conviction. The fate of the mortal world rests in your hands."

Having received Mahadev's blessings, the gods departed from Mount Kailash, determined to execute Lord Shiva's plan.

They gathered the somras from their celestial abodes and sought out lord Parshuram, who resided in a secluded hermitage deep within the mystical forests, within the mortal realm.

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Chapter Glossary:

1. Adiyogi: Adiyogi refers to the originator of yoga. Taken from Sanskrit, 'Adi' means first and 'Yogi' means practitioner of yoga. It also refers to Lord Shiva as he is not only a god but the first yogi. Hence, he is also called Adiyogi.

2. Samudra Manthan: The literal translation of the words 'Samudra Manthan' means churning of the sea. 'Samudra' means 'ocean', and 'Manthan' means 'Churning'.

According to Hindu texts, it was a cosmic event that led to the birth of divine goddesses, angels, and many precious valuables, including the elixir of immortality, Amrit, which I have called somras in the novel.