DharmaAtmaja [ Editing ]

Prologue

Pearlescent clouds, cradled in the milky expanse of the cosmic ocean, swayed gently, longing to touch the lotus feet of the Universal Preserver, Lord Sri Hari. The coils of Sesha Naaga, the eternal guardian of creation, pulsed with vibrant energy, and his thousand hissing heads echoed in a melody of ancient curiosity. Beside the Lord sat the Goddess of Wealth, Mahalakshmi, draped in a deep red silk saree that shimmered like molten rubies, her serene smile reflecting the profound peace that radiated from her consort, the most resplendent jewel in all realms.

At the far end of the divine assembly, Aditya Deva, the first son of Aditi and Kashyapa, stood amidst the assembled Devas. This was no ordinary gathering—it was a conclave of celestial forces, convened to decide upon the incarnations and destinies they would assume on Earth during the Dwapara Yuga. Yet, Surya Deva's thoughts wandered, pulled irresistibly to the recent conversation he had shared with his father.

"Aditya," Rishi Kashyapa, one of the revered Saptarishis, laid a compassionate hand on his son's radiant head. Surya rested his head on Kashyapa's lap, seeking comfort in his father's wisdom. "What troubles your heart, child?" Kashyapa asked, his voice as gentle and firm as the mountain winds that have heard the world's oldest prayers.

Surya Deva sighed, his golden light dimmed by unspoken sorrow. Only here, in his birthplace—the tranquil ashrama of his father—did he find solace. "Pitashree," Surya began, sitting up and clasping his hands together, "you know what is written in the weave of destiny. I do not fear the shadow of my future, nor the blemish that will stain my name as the divine father of Karna. But how can I find peace when the curse upon Shakra weighs heavily upon me? How can I be still when a part of my very essence : Karna will forever obstruct my brother's path?"

Surya's eyes, usually as steady as the sunrise, now looked to Kashyapa, pleading for guidance. His faith in Indra, the King of Devas, was unshakable, yet the heart of an elder brother trembled with concern.

Kashyapa's hand rested on Surya's shoulder, a fatherly touch that carried the weight of the universe's wisdom. "Do you wish to act upon this burden, Aditya?" he asked, his voice a soft echo of understanding.

Surya managed a small smile. "I do, Pita. But Prabhu—" Surya's words halted as Aruna, his devoted charioteer and elder brother of Garuda, approached and bowed reverently to both him and Kashyapa.

"Prabhu, forgive me for the intrusion," Aruna said, his voice unwavering but urgent. "I come with an important message that could not wait."

"Speak, Aruna," Surya replied, rising to his feet and exchanging a glance with Kashyapa.

"Bhagwan Sri Hari has summoned you to Vaikuntha," Aruna announced.

A knowing smile crossed Kashyapa's face. "It appears, Aditya, that the Lord has heard the whispers of your heart. Go and learn what He has ordained for you."