Chapter 94: Echoes of Akashvani and Preparations
The echo of the Akashvani announcing the rise of the mysterious Maharathi still lingered in the hearts of Mahishmati's residents. The Kuru princes and princesses, especially the Pandavas and Kauravas, had grown even more determined in their training. Each had found a new spark of purpose, a flame that refused to be extinguished.
Rudra, after completing his long hours in the Rajya Sabha, retired to his chambers. The weight of responsibilities tugged at his broad shoulders, but his heart remained anchored to his devotion. As dusk painted the sky in amber hues, he took his ritualistic bath and donned his white dhoti. Draped in a simple cloth over his shoulders, he walked barefoot to the grand Shiv Mandir situated near the palace.
The large temple bell rang gently as he stepped inside. The air was heavy with sandalwood and camphor, while the divine statue of Mahadev radiated a calm majesty. Kneeling before the deity, Rudra folded his hands and began to chant:
"Karacharana Kritam Vaa, Kaayajam Karmajam Vaa, Shravananayajam Vaa, Maanasam Vaa Paradham, Vihitamavihitam Vaa, Sarvametatkshamasva, Jaya Jaya Karunaabdhe, Shri Mahadeva Shambho."
His voice echoed through the temple complex, and with every word, his Prana resonated with the universe. Even the birds roosting in the trees nearby fell silent, as though nature itself paused to listen.
Rudra entered deep meditation, and after some time, his lips began moving again as he chanted the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra:
"Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat."
The energy surged in waves. The vibrational power of the mantra spread across Mahishmati. It was said no disease ever lingered long within the capital, not because of advanced herbs, but because of this divine resonance from Rudra himself. He had reached such a state of yogic balance that his mantra carried both life and healing.
After concluding his meditation, Rudra opened his eyes and called for a temple sewak. His tone was serene, yet carried an authority that made even the wind obey.
"Inform Prince Yudhishthir, who stays at Surya Veer Karna's residence, that his training will begin at dawn tomorrow. Ask him to be ready."
The sewak bowed deeply and left immediately.
—
That night, the dining hall at the Mahishmati royal palace buzzed with laughter, chatter, and clinking utensils. Present were Suresh Pratap, his wife Bela, Vijay Raj and Amba, Veer Pratap, Ishita, Varun, Arun, Dhoomketu, and the ever-watchful Sumitra Kaaki.
Rudra entered with calm grace and took his seat at the head of the table. Before he could even begin, Ishita, sitting to the left, leaned forward with a mischievous smile.
"Pranaam, Bhaiyaaa" she said playfully. "Today's training was... interesting. Dushala has taken a strong liking to swordplay. But Subhadra? Hmm, she has her own rhythm. Turns out she's got an affinity to illusion arts. With the help of Karma Mani, I confirmed it."
Rudra chuckled, amused by her animated explanation.
"That is good," he replied, sipping water. "Let each soul follow its destined flow. Maya is a powerful art. If nurtured well, it will make Subhadra formidable."
Sumitra Kaaki, ever vigilant, gently chided Ishita. "Speak with more restraint, beti. Rudra may laugh now, but he is your Guru."
Ishita immediately sat up straight, offering a quick bow. "Maafi chahti hoon, Kaaki."
The room filled with soft chuckles.
Suresh Pratap looked at Rudra. "And you, beta? Has Yudhishthir started training with you yet?"
Rudra shook his head. "Not yet. But I've just sent word. Tomorrow at dawn, we begin."
The conversation shifted. The mysterious warrior titled Water Disaster was still on everyone's mind.
"What do you think, Bhaiya?" asked Dhoomketu, biting into a fruit. "A man or woman? Young or seasoned?"
Rudra took a thoughtful pause. "Does it matter? Whoever they are, they've awakened their Siddhi to the fullest. Let us not envy. Let us be inspired."
Arun leaned forward, his brows raised. "Still... such a powerful title. And not from Mahishmati this time."
Varun nodded in agreement. "Feels like a ripple before a storm."
Once the meal was done, Rudra stood up. He raised his palm and suddenly, several glowing scrolls materialized in the air.
"These," he said, "are Shakti Vidya scrolls. They contain astra and technique suited to one's soul. Once your students master Shakti Vidya and prana control, drop their blood upon the scroll. The correct technique will manifest. But do not reveal these to them beforehand. Let it come only after true mastery."
Suresh Pratap nodded. Vijay Raj examined one closely.
"There are many," Veer observed. "Shall we divide them?"
Rudra nodded. "Karna shall receive one tomorrow. You three—Varun, Arun, Dhoomketu—take one each for your respective groups."
Varun looked confused. "But I have thirty-three students. This scroll is for one?"
Rudra smiled. "When all thirty-three drop blood on the scroll, the manifested technique shall be a collective one. A formation perhaps, a battle-array. Unity can birth power."
Understanding dawned. The three warriors exchanged glances, impressed.
—I—
Meanwhile, at Karna's house, things were quieter.
Arjun trained late into the night, his sweat glistening under the torches. Karna sat nearby, watching and correcting his posture.
"Don't overextend. Your center must hold," Karna advised, his tone stern but supportive.
Nearby, Yudhishthir sat under a neem tree, seemingly lost in thought. The Akashvani had ignited a fire in his heart. Everyone had begun their training, and he felt left behind.
"Why hasn't Acharya called for me yet?" he whispered, more to himself.
Karna, noticing his worry, walked over. "Don't fret. Gurudev doesn't act without reason. When he calls you, you'll know."
As if fate had heard him, a palace sewak appeared at the gate.
"Prince Yudhishthir, Maharaj Rudra has summoned you tomorrow, Training begins at sunrise"
Yudhishthir stood up, a strange calm washing over him. His time had come.
—To be Continued—