The age of Treta yug has ended, Vedas and sacrifices went into a decline and the lifespans of humans decreased, with the advent of Dwapar, the third yug.
Now humanity is not plagued by external threats from demons or other supernatural forces but fr...
In the serene hills of Kashmirpur, Shankaraakshya was like always preparing for his anushthaan to please Harihareshwari. Surrounding him, various tools and sacred objects lay on the ground, ready to be employed in the profound ritual.
It's been years since he had been undertaking the ritual every single day. Yet from childhood to adulthood, his determination remained steadfast and only increased.
His hands skillfully crafted the altar, it had become a second nature of his. But unbeknownst to him, watching silently from behind the veil of foliage, was the ruler of the heavens, Indra.
Concealed behind a tree, Purandhar's curiosity was piqued by a young man engrossed in preparation of the solemn ritual. He now truly wished to test Shankaraakshya's devotion, for it is through such trials that strength and character are forged.
Indra looked up at the heavens, a subtle smile appeared on his face as he gently called out, "Padmaprabha."
A soft breeze whispered through the trees, carrying a delicate fragrance of distant blossoms. The sky above transformed, a kaleidoscope of colors blending seamlessly as the heavens themselves seemed to part, as a celestial nymph, descended down on earth.
Her countenance was adorned with striking features like eyes that sparkled as if they were stars, lips as tender as rose petals, and a complexion that radiates purity and luminescence.
Padmaprabha joined her hands, in front of Indra, offering her respects to the king of gods.
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"Aadesh kare, Devraj." She said in a soft voice.
"Padmaprabha, tum swarg ki sabse sundar apsarao mei se ek ho. Aaj tak aisa koi na huya jiski tapasya tumne bhang na ki ho." Indra said and then looked at Shankaraakshya, "Mai chaahta hu tum uska tapas bhang karne ka prayas karo."
"Jaisi aapki aagya." Padmaprabha said and then cast a gaze at the young man, lost in his own world of worship.
Sensing this as an opportunity, the celestial nymph gracefully went towards his unsuspecting self, her mesmerizing presence glided through the air.
But it seemed the jingling of her anklets, that demanded attention, fell over dead ears. Usually sages with weak control over their senses would just fall over their knees in front of her.
As she came and stood in front of him, it was then she got a look at his appearance. He was dressed in deerskin and his hair was in a half bun.
His countenance was graced by refined features, where masculine strength coexisted harmoniously with gentle tenderness. His eyes, deep and piercing, sparkle with an otherworldly light, as they determinedly focused on the altar.
Although she could figure out he was an Asur, there was a captivating divine aura around him, earned by years of penance. And amidst this divine semblance, a tranquil smile graces his lips, radiating a profound inner peace.
