Raj followed the guard through the palace, passing by numerous rooms and corridors. He noticed many people inside, some dressed in black like the guards, while others wore white robes like the sage. They all observed Raj with curiosity and surprise, but no one spoke to him.
The guard led Raj to a grand hall where a throne was positioned at the far end. Seated on the throne was a man wearing a golden crown and a purple cloak. He had long black hair and a beard, and his eyes exuded wisdom and authority, making him appear older than his forties.
He was surrounded by several advisors and servants who respectfully addressed him as "my lord."
The guard stopped in front of the throne and said, "My lord, this is Raj. He claims to have been sent here by Rishi Anirudha."
The man on the throne looked at Raj and warmly smiled, saying, "Raj, what a pleasant name. Rishi Anirudha is a great friend. Welcome to my palace. I am Mahendra Agarwal, head of the Agarwal family."
Raj was shocked to hear that name. He knew the Agarwals were one of the most influential and enigmatic families in India, connected to powerful people worldwide. Meeting the head of the Agarwal family in person was beyond his expectations.
He wondered if this was a dream or a hallucination.
Bowing to Lord Mahendra, Raj said, "Namaste, my lord. I am honored to meet you."
Lord Mahendra nodded and replied, "Namaste, Raj. I am delighted to meet you as well."
"I heard you possess a divine sword," Lord Mahendra said.
Raj nodded and answered, "Yes, my lord. It is the divine sword of the supreme god Shiva."
Lord Mahendra and those present were shocked. Shiva was one of the most important and revered supreme gods, known as the god of destruction. They had seen his statues and paintings in many temples and homes and had prayed to him throughout their lives.
Before Raj's arrival, Lord Mahendra had received a message from Sage Rushi Aniruddha informing him about Raj and his broken divine sword, and advising him to take Raj to the gurukul.
"Can you show me your sword?" Lord Mahendra asked.
Raj nodded and summoned Rudra to reveal itself, the sword that was always at his waistline, floating in the air.
As Lord Mahendra reached for Rudra, it spoke, "My Lord, you can only look at me."
Lord Mahendra replied, "Very well, divine sword."
Understanding Rudra's attitude, he acknowledged that it was the divine sword of the supreme god Shiva.
Lord Mahendra carefully examined the divine sword Rudra, without touching it. As the soul of this mysterious and powerful sword, Rudra closely looking Lord mahendra facial expression, his presence radiating with energy and ancient wisdom. Lord Mahendra then turned to Raj and shared that he had seen both of Lord Shiva's legendary swords in ancient books.
The first of them, Lord Shiva's divine sword is called Nandaka, which means "source of joy" or "one that brings happiness". It is a powerful weapon that can cut through anything and is imbued with Shiva's energy and grace. It is said that Nandaka was created by Shiva from one of his dreadlocks, and that he gave it to his son Kartikeya, the god of war, as a gift. Kartikeya used Nandaka to defeat many demons and enemies of the gods.
The other is the Lord Shiva's divine sword is called Chandrahasa, which means "the laughter of the moon" or "one that resembles a crescent moon". It is a magnificent sword that can grant any wish to its wielder, but also has a curse attached to it. It is said that Shiva gave Chandrahasa to Ravana, the king of Lanka and the antagonist of Ramayana, as a reward for his devotion and penance. However, he also warned him that if he used the sword for unjust causes, it would return to Shiva and Ravana's days would be numbered. Ravana and his son Indrajit used Chandrahasa in many battles, but eventually lost it to Rama, the avatar of Vishnu and the protagonist of Ramayana.
but Rudra didn't resemble any of them.
Upon hearing Lord Mahendra's words, Rudra the divine sword, trembled with a mix of anger and uncertainty. He was a divine artifact, deeply connected to Lord Shiva, and the notion that he might not be one of Shiva's swords was unsettling.
Sensing Rudra's unease, Raj stepped forward and respectfully asked, "My Lord, why does it matter whether Rudra is one of Lord Shiva's swords or not? He is a powerful and divine weapon in his own right."
Lord Mahendra nodded, appreciating Raj's perspective. "You are correct, young one. Rudra's strength and significance are undeniable, regardless of his direct association with Lord Shiva."
However, the divine sword Rudra, couldn't shake off his feelings of doubt and anger. "I am the avatar of Lord Shiva's power might," he proclaimed, his voice echoing with power. "How can anyone doubt my origin?"
Lord Mahendra remained calm and spoke soothingly to Rudra, "Your power is unquestionable, Rudra. The doubt arises not from your abilities, but from the mysterious nature of your existence."
Feeling torn between his duty to Lord Shiva and his loyalty to Rudra, Raj intervened, "Perhaps, Rudra, there is a reason your origins are veiled in mystery. It might be a part of a greater divine plan."
Rudra the divine sword, pondered Raj's words, and a moment of clarity washed over him. "You might be right," he said, his anger subsiding. "I don't know remember everything about my past anyway, but I shall continue to serve Lord Shiva faithfully."
Lord Mahendra smiled, pleased with Rudra's newfound understanding. "That is commendable, Rudra," he said. "Your dedication and loyalty to Lord Shiva are admirable, and it is those qualities that make you truly divine."
With tensions diffused, Lord Mahendra turned his attention back to Raj. "Now, young one, to join our gurukul, you must prove yourself in a competition," he explained, changing the subject. "It will test your skills and character."
Raj felt a surge of excitement, ready to embark on the challenge. "I'm eager to participate and learn," he said with determination.
Lord Mahendra nodded, "Good. The competition will be held in two days' time. Until then, rest and prepare yourself for what lies ahead."