Chapter 10

To put smiles on the faces of Trimurti, Devas, and Devis is indeed a remarkable skill. Even pleasing the Rishis and Sages can lead to abundant boons and blessings. That's right! Appeasing the Devas serves as a shortcut to obtaining these blessings.

Though no one had previously taken this path, Indra had ventured into it unknowingly, pleased Devi Saraswati. Now, with a cheerful smile and an air of satisfaction, Devi Saraswati transformed into a ray of golden light, vanishing before Brahmaloka. She left the realm of Brahma and suddenly appeared in Svarga.

At that moment, the lotus flowers of Svarga bloomed vibrantly, reminiscent of Devi scattering petals, filling the air with a brief fragrance and a sense of prosperity. Upon her arrival, the Devas clasped their hands in reverence and offered their salutations to Devi Saraswati.

"Pranam to the Devi Saraswati!" they chorused, with Indra to pay their respects.

Devi Saraswati cradled a Veena in her arms. She wore a flowing white saree that billowed softly around her, embroidered with intricate gold patterns that caught the light like glimmering stars. Her delicate face wore a faint smile of wisdom, and her skin gleamed with the purity of snow, infused with the fragrance of books and lotus. Surrounding her was a divine light that radiated a brilliant platinum glow.

"What musical instrument do you hold in your hand?" Devi Saraswati asked, her voice sweet and inviting.

Indra had a sudden idea. He wasn't sure why Devi Saraswati had come, but seeing her smiling face suggested it was a positive visit. Perhaps he could compliment her and see if any benefits would follow.

"Devi Saraswati," he began, his voice steady, "I had not given it a name until now, but when you arrived, the lotus flowers seemed to rain down from the sky. As the embodiment of music and art, it feels only right to call this instrument 'Mridangam.'"

Devi Saraswati's face flushed with delight as soon as he finished speaking, and her smile widened, radiating joy.

"The lotus is the purest of flowers," she replied, her voice melodic. "It inspires easy compositions, and thus, I will bless you with this name!"

As she spoke, Devi Saraswati raised her right hand, and a soft light shimmered in her palm.

"From now on, anyone who sings the hymn 'Mridangam' will have their sins reduced with each performance," she proclaimed, her tone steady and sincere.

Then her gaze turned toward Indra, who raised his head in anticipation.

Devi Saraswati was still smiling, but what about his blessing?

"Indra…" she continued, causing him to breathe a sigh of relief. He had feared she would leave without bestowing any gifts.

Indra found himself drawn to the slow, graceful movements of women, especially when he lay back watching them dress.

"I bless the Devas. Whenever you encounter difficulties, play Mridangam, and you shall be granted entry into the Brahmaloka," Devi Saraswati declared.

In the blink of an eye, the Devi vanished.

Indra could only stare in silence. "... "

It was true that not everyone could enter the Brahma world; only those with pure hearts were granted passage. But what good was this blessing? Should he gather a group of Devas to visit the Brahmaloka just to listen to their teachings?

Yet, the other Devas except Indra seemed relieved.

Suryadev exclaimed, "This is wonderful! If we face a great disaster in the future, we can seek refuge in the Brahmaloka."

"Why don't we move there now?" Agnidev, suggested, glancing around tentatively.

The Devas fell into a brief silence. Wasn't it a bit hasty to relocate right after receiving the blessing?

Vayudev shook his head. "It's better not to. We must meet Lord Vishnu later. Let's save the discussion for when we face a significant disaster!"

"Yes! We need to meet the Lord Vishnu quickly! We have already made him wait," Rishi Brihaspati reminded them.

As the Devas continued their chatter, suddenly a strong wind swept through Svarga, causing them to stagger.

"No, we can't remain in Svarga any longer. We need to get to the Brahma Realm, quickly!" Vayu exclaimed, panic evident in his voice. He shook his body and grabbed the Vulcan beside him, his shock palpable.

"Wait! It seems to be Garuda!" Indra looked up, recognizing the giant golden shadow flying toward him. Upon hearing this, the Devas nodded in agreement, and Vayu returned to his calm state.

"Ahem! I wonder who stirred up this little wind," Vayu remarked, slightly defeated.

Boom!

At that moment, Garuda retracted his wings and abruptly landed, sending waves of air rippling outward.

"Hmph!" Garuda snorted coldly before speaking.

"I saw Shukracharya and an Asura at the Kshira Sagara. The Asura appeared unaffected by the curse. I suspect they are seeking help from the Lord Vishnu. If you don't act, those Asuras will come for you, and when they do..."

"Stop, stop, stop!" Indra interjected, cutting him off.

He stepped forward, raising his finger and pointing at Garuda. "Since you're back, you should apologize to me!"

"I'm trying to warn you about the Asuras potentially attacking Svarga!" Garuda protested.

"I know about the Asuras, but before that, I expect an apology!" Indra replied firmly.

"You..." Garuda began, but Indra wouldn't let it slide.

"What are you going to do about it?" Indra pressed.

Hearing this, Garuda lowered his head, ceasing his defiance. He turned away and quickly muttered, "I'm sorry!"

"Is that how you apologize? It is as if I owe you something!" Indra retorted.

"I'm doing this all for the Lord!" Garuda exclaimed.

"For the Lord!" Indra echoed mockingly.

Garuda gritted his teeth in frustration, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Lowering his head and softening his tone, he finally said, "Yes... I'm sorry."

Indra shook his head. "Louder! I can't hear you!"

"I can hardly hear you speaking so quietly. Garuda, the fastest being in the trilokas, dares to face everything head-on. Use your courage and shout it out! Otherwise, I won't be satisfied!"

"We are all going to Vaikuntha to meet lord Vishnu. You don't want to miss seeing the Lord!" Indra shouted.

Snap!

Garuda clasped his hands together, his expression a complex mix of compassion, sacrifice, and a hint of stubbornness. He closed his eyes and bowed deeply to Indra. "I'm sorry!" he declared, his voice resonating with courage.

"Because my arrogance has violated the Dharma, I ask the King of Svarga to lift the curse and allow me to see the Lord Vishnu again. In the future, I will treat Indra with respect as his brother."

Garuda tightened his eyes and spoke loudly, his sincerity evident.

Indra nodded slowly and smiled.

Satisfied! He felt a deep sense of contentment. He liked the way Garuda looked unconvinced yet still had to give in.

"Good!" Indra said, raising his right hand toward Garuda. "As long as you respect me, Indra, and remember to be grateful for my role in eliminating your arrogance—without slandering or harming me at will—this curse will no longer be in effect."

In that moment, the power of penance surged. A golden light emanated from Indra's body and enveloped Garuda instantly.

Garuda's form shimmered with golden radiance. He quickly put his hands together, closed his eyes, and offered a prayer in the name of Lord Vishnu.

"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."

As the sacred chant filled the air, Garuda felt a profound swell of gratitude within his heart. The familiar, divine presence of Vishnu enveloped him once more.

"It's back! The Lord's presence has returned to me once again."

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