Indian Mythology: the Heavenly Emperor is not working today

An oft-encountered issue in marriages where the husband is much older than the wife is the inability to please her, leaving the wife feeling empty and lonely.

Similarly, the divine beings are the same!

Loneliness and emptiness!

Being able to bring a heartfelt smile to the face of a deity is also a tremendous skill, and even more so, pleasing a lonesome and empty god can bring about blessings.

Indeed!

Pleasing the deities is also a shortcut to receiving blessings.

But before this, no one had taken this shortcut, yet Indra managed to forge a shady path with the Salabhamvid Goddess.

Now, with a face brimming with joyful satisfaction, the Lady Master Salabhamvid Goddess transformed into a golden light and vanished before Brahma's eyes, leaving Brahmaloka and, in an instant, appearing in the Heavenly Realm.

For a time, lotuses bloomed profusely in the Heavenly Realm, as if Apsaras were scattering flowers, bringing a brief fragrance and splendor to this Heavenly Realm.

Upon seeing their Lady Master descend, the gods folded their hands in prayer, praising the Salabhamvid Goddess.

"Praise to the Lady Master! Praise to the Salabhamvid Goddess!"

Indra and the other gods said.

Clutching a phoenix-tail zither, dressed in a red gown with golden ornaments, the Salabhamvid Goddess's delicate face revealed a faint smile of wisdom, her skin pure as snow, her persona exuding both the fragrance of books and flowers, her whole body wrapped in Divine Light, radiating a splendid golden glow.

"What sort of musical instrument do you hold in your hands?"

With a charming smile, the Salabhamvid Goddess asked.

Indra's mind sparked with inspiration.

He did not know why the Salabhamvid Goddess had descended, but her beaming expression suggested that it was probably not bad news.

Maybe if he flattered her a bit, he might receive some advantage.

"Lady Master, I had not thought of it before, but as Your arrival scattered lotuses, and You are the goddess of music and art, I will call it 'Lotus Falling'."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the Salabhamvid Goddess's cheeks flushed pink, her smile deepening, her pleasure apparent.

"The lotus is the epitome of purity and cleanliness. This instrument, designed for composition, is aptly named Lotus Falling. I will Bestow Blessing upon you!"

As she spoke, the Salabhamvid Goddess raised her right hand, from which emerged a shining brightness.

"From this day forth, anyone who sings praises with 'Lotus Falling' will have their sins lessened with each verse they chant!"

The Salabhamvid Goddess declared unhurriedly.

Then her gaze settled on Indra.

Indra looked up, full of anticipation.

The Salabhamvid Goddess still wore an endless smile.

His Bestowed Blessing?

What about his Bestowed Blessing?

"Indra..." the Salabhamvid Goddess continued.

Indra breathed a sigh of relief.

Finally, she spoke—he had thought she might just leave without a word!

So it seems that only when he is lying in bed, watching a woman getting dressed, does he enjoy watching a woman's leisurely grace.

"I Bestow Blessing upon the gods. Whenever you face difficulties, sing these praises to enter Brahmaloka," the Salabhamvid Goddess said.

Whoosh!

In the blink of an eye, the goddess disappeared.

Indra: "..."

It's true that not just anyone can enter Brahmaloka; only those with pure intentions may enter.

But this Bestowed Blessing is still utterly useless!

Why does he need this blessing? To lead all the gods on an outing to Brahmaloka and eavesdrop around the corner? To appreciate their old couple yoga poses?

But clearly, the other gods are thrilled.

Sun God Surya said, "That's wonderful. In times of great trouble, we can now directly seek sanctuary in Brahmaloka."

"Why don't we just move over there now?"

Looking around, Fire God Agni asked tentatively.

The gods fell silent for a moment.

Moving over just after receiving the blessing—wouldn't that be a bit too presumptuous?

Wind God Vayu shook his head, saying, "Let's not. We still have to meet with Lord Vishnu soon. Let's save it for when we really face great troubles!"

"Yes! We must hurry to meet our Supreme Lord!"

Reminded the Ritual Master Immortal.

The gods were all talking at once here.

Rumble!

Suddenly, a great wind arose in the Heavenly Realm, causing the gods to sway unsteadily.

"This is bad, we can't stay in the Heavenly Realm any longer—let's hurry to Brahmaloka!"

Wind God Vayu panicked for a moment, shaking his body and grabbing the Fire God beside him, exclaiming.

"Wait a minute!"

"It seems like Garuda!"

Indra looked up, recognizing the golden colossal shadow that approached.

Upon hearing this, the deities calmed down, and Wind God Vayu returned to his usual self.

"Ahem! I was wondering who was causing such a little breeze,"

said Wind God Vayu.

Bang!

At that moment, Garuda folded his wings and slammed onto the ground, causing waves of air to ripple.

"Hmph!"

Garuda snorted coldly, then immediately spoke.

"I saw Sukhacara Sage and an Asura over the Milk Sea. That Asura seemed to be unaffected by the curse. I guess they are going to seek Lord Vishnu. If you don't go, those Asuras will come looking for you. When that time comes, those Asuras..."

"Stop stop stop!"

Indra immediately interrupted him.

He stepped forward, raising his hand and pointing at Garuda, "Since you're back, you might as well apologize first!"

"You! I'm talking about those Asuras!"

"I know about the Asuras, so where's your apology?"

"You…"

"What 'you'!"

Indra was not about to coddle Garuda.

Hearing this, Garuda hung his head, no longer defiant, and muttered quickly in a low voice, "Sorry!"

"Is this your idea of an apology? It sounds as if I owe you something!"

said Indra yet again.

"I'm doing this for the Supreme Lord!"

"For the Supreme Lord!"

Garuda clenched his teeth, nearly grinding them to dust. He took a deep breath, adjusting his mood.

He lowered his head, his voice subdued as he said,

"Sorry... I'm sorry!"

said Garuda.

Indra shook his head.

"Louder, I can't hear you!"

"You speak so softly that even I can't hear you. Golden Winged Great Peng should face everything directly, show your courage and shout it out, otherwise, I can hardly be satisfied!"

"You don't want to miss seeing the Supreme Lord, do you?"

Indra exclaimed loudly.

Clap!

Garuda put his hands together, his expression complex, a mix of mercy, sacrifice, and a hint of stubbornness. He closed his eyes and bowed deeply to Indra, then mustered his courage and shouted.

"I'm sorry!"

"For my arrogance that offended the Righteous Law, please, Heavenly Emperor, lift the curse so I can meet the Supreme Lord. Henceforth, I will treat Indra with respect and veneration."

Garuda, eyes tightly shut, called out loudly.

Indra nodded slowly and began to smile.

Pleased!

He was very pleased!

He enjoyed seeing Garuda in this state—obviously unwilling to comply, but with no choice but to submit.

"Good!"

said Indra, lifting his right hand towards Garuda.

"As long as Garuda keeps a respectful heart towards me, Indra, and does not forget to be thankful for the removal of his arrogance, and does not arbitrarily slander or harm me, this curse will no longer be effective."

Suddenly, the Power of Asceticism flew up.

A golden light rose from Indra's body and instantly fell upon Garuda.

Garuda's body shimmered with golden light.

He quickly put his hands together and closed his eyes, praising the name of Lord Vishnu.

"Praise to the Lord!"

In the midst of this praise, Garuda immediately felt his heart filling up and once again sensed the presence of Vishnu.

"It's back!"

"It's all back!"