Reflections of Vishnu

Section 2: The Arrival of the Temple Priests

The spiritual custodians of the temple priests of Sapta Pura could hardly be less than prophesied in Holy Scriptures through their linkage with divinity. The most senior of them, Mahapandit Ishvara, had been summoned by Viraj to interpret the signs plaguing his kingdom. It was believed that Ishvara, who had given his life for the study of the gods and their ways, would shed some light on the strange happenings across the land.

The rain pattered softly against the high windows, the only sound in the palace throne room. Viraj sat on his throne, with Saanvi beside him, while Ishvara and a few other priests came into the great hall. Their robes of saffron and white billowed softly with each step they took; their faces were composed but somber.

Your Majesty," Ishvara began, his voice low and melodious, "the omens you have seen should not be taken lightly. The rivers, the rains, the sudden distortions in the natural order-all are symptoms that something greater is in play."

Viraj learnt forward, his eyes on the elder priest. "What do you mean? Are the gods punishing us? Or is this a test of some sort?

Ishvara clapped his hands together, closing his eyes for a brief moment as if in communion with forces beyond. "This is no punishment, my lord, but it is indeed a test. The gods often speak to us through nature. And I fear the floods you see are a prelude to a greater threat, one that shall test not only your strength as a ruler but your faith, too.

The words chilled the air within. The other priests looked around at each other with solemn eyes, faces reflecting on the weight of Ishvara's words. And Saanvi, the keen observer that she was, leaned forward. "A greater threat? Of what nature is the threat we would face?

Opening his eyes, Mahapandit Rakhal Chandra exhaled profoundly and started explaining, "It is said in the scriptures that when the cruelty of the evil forces threatens to engulf this earth, Lord Vishnu, the Preserver, descends to salvage. What we are getting as signs now resembles the tales of Matsya Avatar. It is the great flood that signaled his first descent to save mankind.

Viraj's brow furrowed. He had heard the tales of Dashavathara since he was a child. But to think that such a mythic event could actually be manifesting in his own kingdom? Inconceivable it was, and yet, the omens were undeniable.

"You believe we are facing a flood akin to the one in the scriptures?" Viraj asked, his voice laced with doubt.

"Not only a flood, my lord," Ishvara said, the tone of his voice quite serious. "The flood was but the beginning. It is said that beneath those waters, a great rakshasa lay in wait to undo creation itself. If this is indeed the manifestation of the tale of Matsya, then we have to ready ourselves for more than the rising waters. With it will rise a darkness, seeking to drown not the land only but the spirit of your people."

A heavy silence fell in the wake of the priest's words. The weight of revelation had settled upon all present, like a storm cloud threatening to break. The mind is racing to catch up with the enormity of the situation that was at hand. How does one prepare for an unseen enemy, striking from the depths of the flood?

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Subsection: A Decision is Made

"We have to move fast," Viraj said finally, his voice not only calm but certain. "If the scriptures speak the truth, then our first duty to the people must be their protection. We should hold our defenses against the flood. But more than that, we have got to find this hidden menace."

Aarav, the young general, came forward. "I will instruct the soldiers, my lord. We can start fortifying the riverbanks and evacuation of lower areas forthwith."

Viraj nodded. "Good. But that is not enough. If there is a demon beneath these waters, we need more than just physical strength. We need knowledge, and we need the favor of the gods.".

Ishvara slightly inclined his head. "Your wisdom is sound, my king. I shall head a propitiatory ritual in the temple. We need to invoke Lord Vishnu's protection and beg his guidance. These are times when divine intervention could be our only hope.

And far, the silent spectator had been Saanvi, who now spoke: "Viraj, I shall accompany Ishvara to the temple. United, we must show the people that not just the king, but the queen too, is committed to the cause of their safety.".

Viraj was taken aback for a second, and for that moment, a glimpse of concern had flashed on his face. The idea of Saanvi going out in the city during such troubled times disturbed him. He knew equally well that her presence would get people inspired and strengthen their resolve.

"Very well," he agreed, though the tone was cautious. "But you must return to the palace immediately after the ritual. We cannot risk both of us being away from the seat of power."

Saanvi smiled warmly, understanding his concern. "I will be safe, Viraj. The gods will guide us."

As the priests came out again to make preparations for the ritual, at the window stood Viraj once more and looked out at the swollen river, visible afar. The rains had slackened for now, he knew that was the least intrusion. The real storm was yet to come, and with it, a battle unlike any he had ever faced.