The gates of Magadha stood adorned with marigolds and silk banners as Bahubali, his new bride Dushala, and his parents arrived in the divine chariot Rashmi, its white horses prancing proudly.
The streets of Magdha thronged with citizens, their cheers echoing like a river's roar, eager to glimpse their new queen.
Children lined the roads, giggling as they tossed rose and jasmine petals, which fluttered down like a fragrant rain upon the couple.
Dushala, resplendent in a sapphire sari, waved shyly, her smile radiant, while Bahubali, in a golden kurta, nodded graciously, his presence commanding yet warm.
At the palace entrance, Sahadeva's wife, clad in emerald silk, stepped forward with a silver aarti thali, circling a lit lamp before Bahubali and Dushala, chanting, "May Mahadev and Mata Parvati bless your union with prosperity and love." She applied tilak on their foreheads, sprinkling rice for abundance, as conch shells sounded and drums beat a joyous rhythm.
Dushala, touched by the warmth, bowed, her voice soft. "Pranipat, Bhabhi. Your welcome honors me. I pray to be a worthy queen for Magadha."
Sahadeva's wife smiled, her eyes kind. "Pranipat, Maharani Dushala. You are already Magadha's pride, wed to our Maharathi king." She escorted Dushala into the palace, guiding her through the grihapravesh ritual.
Dushala gently kicked a copper kalash filled with rice at the threshold, spilling grains as a sign of prosperity, while priests chanted, "Enter, O Queen, as dharma's light."
Bahubali followed, his heart swelling with pride as the court nobles cheered, "Jai Magadha Naresh! Jai Maharani Dushala!"
Once the rituals concluded, Bahubali convened with Sahadeva in the royal chamber, Dushala and his parents seated nearby, savoring the palace's cool sandalwood-scented air.
Bahubali's voice was firm yet warm. " Mahamantri Sahadeva, in honor of Maharani Dushala's arrival, prepare for a grand annadan to feed all of Magadha's people for seven days. Ensure the poor receive alms—grain, cloth, and coin—to share in our joy. Let no one go hungry in this celebration."
Sahadeva bowed, his tone efficient. "Maharaj. I'll make all necessary preparations—kitchens will serve rice, dal, and sweets across the kingdom, and alms will reach every village. The people will sing of their queen's generosity." He paused, smiling at Dushala. "Maharani, your arrival heralds a new era for Magadha."
Dushala nodded, her voice earnest. "Thank you, Mahamantri. I wish to serve Magadha as Bahu does, uplifting every soul."
Bahubali then leaned forward, his eyes keen. "Sahadeva, tell me—what transpired in Magadha during my absence? Any matters, great or small, that demand my attention?"
Sahadeva, his demeanor calm, replied, "The kingdom thrived under your systems. The panchayats and town councils resolved disputes fairly, as you designed. Our spies report no corruption—your reforms hold strong. Schools flourish, with children of all castes learning together, and the self-defense classes you ordered have empowered hundreds. The saints you invited continue their lectures, though some nobles grumble at the changes. No crises arose; Magadha stands steady, awaiting your return."
Bahubali's face lit with satisfaction, but his eyes brightened further at Sahadeva's next words. "And, Maharaj, the Mahadev Mandir, your vision to honor Lord Shiva, nears completion. In three months, its spires will touch the heavens, its sanctum ready for the sacred lingam."
Bahubali's voice carried a fervent edge. "Sahadeva, this is joyous news! Prepare for the temple's grand opening on Maha Shivaratri, five months hence. Invite all Aryavrat's kings—Hastinapur, Anga, Kalinga, Dwarka, and others—when the time comes. Let the consecration be a celebration of dharma, uniting our allies under Mahadev's grace."
Sahadeva bowed deeply, his voice resolute. "As you command, Maharaj. Invitations will be sent, and the temple will shine for Maha Shivaratri. Magadha will honor Mahadev and our new queen with unmatched splendor." He took his leave, setting to work on the preparations.
Dushala, turning to Bahubali, her voice soft, said, "Bahu, your devotion to Mahadev inspires me. This temple, your reforms, your care for the poor—Magadha is blessed to have you. I pray I can stand as your equal in serving our people."
Bahubali took her hand, his smile gentle. "Dushala, you're already my strength. Together, we'll make Magadha a beacon of dharma, as Mahadev wills." His parents, watching, nodded proudly, while the palace echoed with the people's cheers, heralding a new chapter for Magadha under their king and queen.