Yagnaseni - The Phoenix's Ascent

1| Dhrishtadyumna

A woman was walking through the hall of the palace. With armour on and a sword at her waist, she had the build of a warrior. She had a tall figure, and her long dark hair was tied back in a tight bun. Her face was determined and her gaze was focused. 

She moved confidently, as if she had been walking through palaces her whole life, her steps precise and her posture elegant. Her movements were akin to a swan gliding gracefully through a lake, calm and composed despite the presence of surrounding fish. 

She was a curious figure in the palace, as women were usually not allowed to wear armour or carry weapons. However, she seemed to move with purpose and authority, suggesting that she was no ordinary woman. 

The soldiers bowed as she walked past them. After turning down a few corridors, she stood in front of a chamber. As she opened the door, she could see two people - a woman and a man. 

The woman's skin was dark like the night sky, and her eyes were a soft, warm honey colour that appeared to radiate gentle light. Her nose was delicate, her lips were full and inviting, and her hair, thick and black, tied in a bun with a few locks falling on her face. It shined in the sunlight like polished ebony. Her features were perfectly proportioned, creating an elegant and majestic visage. Her presence was magnetic, and her beauty so profound that it seemed to affect those who saw her with a spiritual intensity. She was laughing at the man.

The man standing beside her was tall and broad-shouldered. He had a strong jawline and intense brown eyes. He was also strikingly different from the woman in that he had a lighter complexion. His presence filled the room with a sense of warmth and security.

It was evident that the man was her twin brother due to the similarities in their facial features, such as their strong jawlines and intense brown eyes. Presently, the man had a look of frustration in his face. The sight of the two of them together made her smile.

The two women were none other than Senatipati Of Panchal, the reincarnation of Amba, Rajkumari Shikandini and the fire-born princess, Rajkumari Draupadi. 

The man was none other than the fire-born prince, Dhrishtadyumna. 

Even now she couldn't believe she had three siblings. 2 days earlier, she was all alone in the palace. Her life was suddenly much fuller with the addition of her siblings. Rather than being siblings, they were like her children since they had just been born a few days ago. 

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Darkness engulfed everyone. The sun has set, and the moon has come to illuminate the sky. The sky changed from its vibrant orange to a deep navy that seemed to stretch on forever. The night sky was speckled with stars, twinkling in the distance and providing a picturesque backdrop to the night and the moon illuminated the land in its pale, silvery light. 

All around, the world was peaceful and serene; the only sounds were crickets and frogs singing their evening songs. It was a peaceful, calm night, and all the people had retired back to the security of their homes to relax and get a good night's sleep.

But in the palace, we can see many priests sitting near a yagna. They are surrounded by a group of people who are watching the yagna intently, and it is clear that this is a very significant event for them. The atmosphere is full of anticipation, and everyone is eagerly waiting for the results of the yagna.

Maharaja Drupad, who had been defeated by the Pandavas, had vowed to get a son who would behead Drona. He now performs a yagna as a means of fulfilling this vow. Maharaja Drupad believed that through this ceremony, he could be granted a son who would be strong enough to defeat Drona and fulfil his vow.

Rishi Yaaj: Drupad, the yagna has been completed.

Rishi Upyaaj: The gods are pleased with your devotion. Therefore, they are giving you a son and two daughters.

Drupad's face creased into a frown. He didn't want any more daughters, but kept quiet, not wanting to anger the sages. Furthermore, he was afraid that voicing his opinion would prevent him from having a son, which was his ultimate wish. His inner conflict was like a tug-of-war between two opposing teams, with each trying to pull him in their direction. In the end, he chose to remain silent and accept his fate.

Rishi Yaaj: Drupad, now you can say what you want for your son.

Drupad: I, Panchal Naresh Drupad, desire a son whose rage is like a sword, able to cut through anything that stands in its way. As a sacrifice, I'm sacrificing my sword, which represents my son's rage. 

I want my son to have armour-like pride that cannot be destroyed. I am giving up armour, which represents the pride of my son, as a result. 

I desire a son that can compete with Arjuna in terms of strength and intelligence. 

I'm giving my blood away so that it can flow through his veins as power and wisdom. 

I want a son who will exact revenge on his father for the insult and keep Drona's severed head close by. By doing so, I'm hoping he will become a mighty warrior, one who can fulfill my expectations and restore the honour of my family.

The fire of the yagna increased and started taking the shape of a man. There was Akashwani heard.

Voice: Drupad, your son will fulfil your promise and have a wrath like a sword, a pride that can never be shattered like armour, strength, and intelligence that are equal to those of Arjuna. Your son will be given the name Dhrishtadyumna because Dhrisht means courageous and Dyumna means magnificent.

A young man emerged from the flames. He had a broad forehead, long black hair, and a broad chest. He had a long, muscular neck and broad shoulders. His arms were muscular, and his hands were large and strong. His face had a certain strength and nobility, and his eyes were sharp and alert. He had a sharp jawline and thin lips.

He looked like a man of valour and strength. His stature was that of a mighty warrior, and his aura was one of courage and power. His armour and sword spoke of a man ready for battle, and his fiery tilak spoke of his determination and strength of will.

He came down the stairs, walked towards his father, and kneeled down, saying, "Bless me, Pitashree, so that I can fulfil the purpose of my birth." 

Drupad blessed him, "Vijay Bhava putr." He raised his son and hugged him. 

Rishi Yaaj: Drupad, now it's time to welcome your daughters.

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