Devika woke up to the sensation of a soft, luxurious bed beneath her, unlike anything she had ever imagined. The room was vast, glowing with an otherworldly golden light, and filled with the gentle fragrance of flowers and incense. She blinked as the memories of collapsing in Maa Adi Shakti's warm, motherly embrace flooded back, causing her cheeks to flush. Her heartbeat quickened with a mix of embarrassment and reverence.
Before she could gather her thoughts, a faint, rhythmic jingling reached her ears. The sound grew louder, and the door opened to reveal three breathtakingly beautiful women. They glided into the room, their anklets tinkling softly, their elegance radiating divine energy.
The Yojinis: Celestial Aides of Maa Parvati
These women were Yojinis, celestial beings who served as attendants and helpers to Maa Parvati. The Yojinis played vital roles in maintaining the goddess's divine activities, aiding her in sadhana (spiritual practices), rituals, and the governance of her celestial duties. They were known not just for their beauty but also for their unique personalities and abilities, making them an integral part of the divine household.
The first Yojini, Amritaya, exuded a serene maternal aura. With her golden complexion and amber eyes, she carried a calm dignity and a sense of responsibility that instantly comforted Devika.
The second Yojini, Vidyata, had an air of scholarly wisdom. Her sharp, analytical eyes sparkled with intelligence, and the intricate patterns of stars embroidered on her deep blue saree symbolized her knowledge of cosmic mysteries.
The third, Mandini, was... unique. Though as breathtakingly beautiful as the others, Mandini was undeniably an airhead. She seemed to glide with an absentminded grace, her flowing silver hair catching the light. Her gaze wandered to random spots in the room as if she were perpetually distracted by an invisible butterfly.
"Finally awake, huh?" Mandini chirped cheerfully, clapping her hands. "We were worried you might sleep forever. I even wondered if we should try poking you with a stick!"
Amritaya sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Mandini, please."
Into the Divine Hot Springs
Before Devika could respond, the Yojinis gently guided her out of bed and toward a nearby chamber. A doorway opened into a serene, open-air hot spring surrounded by celestial flora that shimmered with unearthly light. The water emitted a soothing steam, and the air was filled with the scent of herbs and flowers.
"This is the divine hot spring," Vidyata explained as she helped Devika step into the warm water. "It is infused with Ayurvedic herbs to cleanse your body and mind."
As Devika settled into the water, Mandini dumped a large bowl of what looked like golden paste into the spring. "This is for your skin! It makes you glow! Though, uh... I think I used too much... or was it not enough? Meh, close enough."
Amritaya rolled her eyes. "Mandini, that paste is meant to be applied, not tossed in like soup seasoning!"
Mandini gasped dramatically. "Oh no! Is she going to turn golden? Wait, that might be kind of cool…"
Vidyata shook her head, muttering, "Why do we let her near anything important?"
Devika giggled despite herself, the warmth of the spring and the Yojinis' antics soothing her troubled mind.
The Explanation of Events
As the Yojinis began massaging her hair with fragrant oils, they recounted what had happened after she fainted.
Amritaya started, her voice soft and measured. "When you collapsed, Maa Parvati held you in her arms, consoling you as a mother would. Lord Shiva, however, could not contain his anger. His third eye opened, and the mountain itself trembled with his wrath."
Vidyata continued, "Maa Parvati, in her Kali avatar, cursed those who caused you harm. Their souls are condemned to Narak for eternity, denied the mercy of reincarnation. It was a moment of divine judgment."
Mandini chimed in, splashing some water as she gestured dramatically. "And then Lord Shiva was like, 'Boom!' and the whole mountain went flying up into the sky! It was so cool!"
Amritaya sighed, "He did not 'boom' the mountain, Mandini. He carefully elevated it to this sanctified realm, where it now rests between Earth and Swarg."
"But it looked like a boom," Mandini insisted. "I was there!"
Devika laughed softly, her spirits lifted by the playful banter.
Vidyata spoke again, her tone serious. "You are here now because you are special, Devika. The gods have chosen you for a path that transcends mortal understanding. You must prepare yourself for the challenges ahead."
Amritaya added, "This place will serve as your refuge and your training ground. You are safe here, far from the cruelty of mortals."
Mandini leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Also, you'll get to eat celestial desserts. They're amazing."
A Moment of Reflection
As the Yojinis finished their ministrations, Devika felt a deep sense of rejuvenation—not just in her body but in her soul. She stepped out of the spring, wrapped in a robe woven from celestial silk, her mind clearer than it had been in days.
"Thank you," she said softly, looking at the three Yojinis.
Amritaya smiled. "Rest now, child. Your journey is only beginning."
Vidyata nodded. "And remember, we are here to help you. Always."
Mandini gave her a thumbs-up. "And if you need a stick to poke someone, I'm your girl!"
Devika couldn't help but laugh again, the weight on her heart feeling just a little lighter. For the first time in days, she felt a flicker of hope. Though her journey ahead was uncertain, she knew she was not alone.