Indian Puranic stories follow a basic process. An Asura or Daitya utilizes his long life and endurance to do hard penance, which grants him boons from Brahma or Shiva. With these boons, he embarks on a conquest of the three realms. The Asura first conquers Patala Loka and Bhu Loka before challenging the King of Svarga to become the King of Triloka.
Boons represent the power of the laws of the universe and are significantly stronger than the elemental powers of the Devas. At times, even the Trimurti can be troubled by the might of these boons. Unless Lord Shiva chooses to destroy the world, the Trimurti cannot nullify them.
Indeed, unless the Trimurti turns the tables, they cannot break the boons once given. Destroying the world is not the Trimurti's intention unless the collapse of Karma. The only way to know the weaknesses of the boons is to reference the original boon itself and find loopholes in it.
Before identifying the weaknesses, Indra, the King of Svarga, serves as a testing ground for the power of these boons and the loopholes within them. He becomes the one who faces defeat, has to hide, or is simply imprisoned. An Asura king who has never defeated the King of Svarga is not considered a worthy ruler! Major asuras such as Nahusha, Bali, Meghnath, Vritra, and Banasura have all bested Indra. Numerous other instances will arise where sages, incarnations of Trimurti, children of Devas, curses, and boons will further trouble Indra in the future.
"Whoever wants to be in such a miserable position can have it! Why does the king of Svarga get beaten in every Yuga"
Indra's eyes shifted slightly as he contemplated. He pursed his lips, coughed twice, and hurriedly said, "Now that we are cursed, I realize the position of King of Svarga is far too dangerous. My Strength and will are not strong enough, and my ascetic practice is insufficient."
Surya's expression was solemn as he clenched his fist against his chest, responding earnestly, "You weren't like this before. I remember you often said, 'As Devas, it is natural for us to enjoy all the beauty this world offers!' What has changed?"
Surya couldn't believe it; his dark face reflected his incredulity. The once-arrogant King of Svarga, Indra, now admitted he wasn't strong enough—unbelievable!
"It's just that I've shed my childishness. I've come to realize the importance of Penance and understand the Dharma! Why should we wait for Asuras to ask for boons from Trimurti? Shouldn't we too start doing penance? " Indra declared, pressing his hands together in a show of piety while uttering nonsense.
He locked eyes with the stunned Surya and continued, "Look at me now; I am like a mortal. I've already begun my ascetic practice. I will accumulate some ascetic power first, and then I will ask for the Sahasrakavacha armor as a boon!"
Boons, as universal laws, grant far more power than the one who bestows them, according to the strength of the ascetic practice.
In the future, there is an Asura named Sahasrakavacha, the most devout believer of Brahma. He practiced asceticism dedicated to the Brahma and was blessed with a unique boon—Sahasrakavacha—which granted him near-invincibility. Each layer of his armor required a thousand years of penance to breach, making it nearly impossible for any warrior to defeat him in traditional battle.
To break this formidable armor, Vishnu sent forth two incarnations—Nara and Narayan. The two practiced asceticism for a thousand years, successfully breaking one layer of armor through their dedicated efforts. When one incarnation grew weary, the other would take over, allowing the first to rest and recover. This cycle continued for 999,000 years until Sahasrakavacha was left with only the final layer of armor. At that point, he decided to give up, escaping into the cycle of reincarnation, ultimately reborn as Karna, the son of the sun god.
This armor was top-quality equipment! Even in the future, Indra had to intervene, forcibly claiming the armor from Karna by exploiting a promise he had made. Defeating Karna without this intervention was nearly impossible!
However, the boons represent the law of the universe—the ultimate truth of this world! Even if some Asuras might misuse these boons, the Trimurti must grant them in recognition of their arduous penance. This is also the reason why Indra approached Surya directly. The Sahasrakavacha armor, renowned for its protective abilities, is among the most challenging boons to overcome.
Vishnu had to send not just one, but two incarnations to gradually weaken him. Additionally, Sahasrakavacha survived from the Satya Yuga to the Treta Yuga, making him possibly the longest-living asura whom Vishnu sought to defeat.
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With the Sahasrakavacha armor, Indra felt confident enough to face the Asuras.
"You've changed!" Surya remarked seriously, raising his hand. "Once you complete your ascetic practice, Brahma-pita will grant you all the boons you desire."
Boom!
In that moment, Indra felt the suffering he had endured resonate within him, rising like a flame and becoming more vigorous. The power of asceticism surged once again! Indra's eyes lit up, realizing that his current state reflected his dedication to asceticism.
As the King of Svarga, the King of the Devas, and the Lord of the Three Realms, he now had lost everything. The ascetic power he gained from such a stark contrast was far stronger than what most could achieve in hundreds of years.
“Thank you, Surya!” Indra exclaimed, his voice filled with gratitude. “Now, I must take my leave! You should consider starting a penance as well.”
Surya nodded, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. “I will, Indra. May your journey be fruitful!”
In Svarga, the sea of clouds filled the air.
Not long after, Indra flew back to his palace, known as Amravati. Under the curse of the Sage Durvasa, it had transformed into a dilapidated thatched house. The once-brilliant attendant Devas, the Gandharvas, had also lost their radiant beauty, sitting at the entrance of the King of Svarga Temple like a group of mortals, basking in the sun.
"Sage Durvasa is truly powerful; he deserves to be the incarnation of Shiva!" Indra thought. "When my ascetic power is sufficient, I will curse him as well, so he can experience the taste of being cursed by others!"
Ascetic power can not only grant boons but also be used to unleash curses. The old man's curse is so potent that it affects all the Devas in Svarga—not only because he embodies Shiva, but also because his ascetic power is remarkably strong.
"Praise to Lord Indra!" "Praise to Lord Indra!"
...
The voices of praise rose from the mouths of the Gandharvas as they stood up together in their tattered rags, chanting in unison. For a moment, Indra felt as though he were the leader of beggars.
Though the Gandharvas are descendants of Sage Kashyapa, they lack the elemental and magical powers of the Devas and Asuras. However, they excel in musical talent, beauty, and skills in dance and song. Indra and the other Devas had brought the Gandharvas to Svarga to serve among the divine.
"From today onward, the gates of Amravati will be closed, and I will perform penance. No one is allowed to enter!" Indra declared as he strode into the Temple of the King of Svarga. He waved his hand and spoke loudly.
Immediately, the surrounding Gandharvas obeyed the order, beginning to close the gates.
Boom! The Gandharvas pulled the gate shut with a resounding thud.
At that moment, only Indra remained in the dilapidated thatched house. He picked up a pile of hay from the ground and carried it to his makeshift bed. With a flourish, he loosened his grip, letting the hay scatter like petals from a goddess's hand. Then, slightly bending his knees, he jumped onto the haystack.
"Hey!" he exclaimed. "I'm going straight to bed!"
Indra lay back on the grass, stretched his legs, and hugged a handful of straw, rolling playfully in the pile. Though he felt a little tired, he was still able to make do.
He practiced asceticism by abstaining from Soma, avoiding the throne of King od Svarga, refraining from wearing elaborate divine garments, not residing in splendid palaces, refusing to squander wealth, and shunning prominence and luxury. He did not ride horses or covet status.
Under the curse of Sage Durvasa, he had been stripped of Soma, thrones, divine attire, wealth, and luxury, and his mount could no longer fly. Now, without the need for the position of King of Svarga, he felt naturally content and no longer desired status.
All of this aligned perfectly with the conditions for penance.
"Regardless, my power through penance is growing. I'll just wait until I awaken! First, I'll sleep for a thousand years!"
With that thought, Indra closed his eyes.
…
The Brahma Loka
At the highest level of Svarga, there exists a realm known as the Brahma Loka or Satya Loka—the dwelling place of the creator god, Brahma.
Bhu Loka is where humans, animals, yakshas, nagas, and other beings reside. The Patal Loka is the domain of the Asura tribes, while Svarga is home to many Devas, Gandharvas, Devis, and sages.
This realm is ethereal, with floating clouds and clear mists that envelop the surroundings. The air is holy and pure, and one can feel their soul being cleansed in its presence.
Two lotus flowers stand tall here, each supporting a human figure.
Brahma, the creator god, is depicted as an aged, wise figure adorned with a crown, a white beard, and rosy skin. Dressed in white robes, he holds the Vedas, a lotus, a kamandal, and a rosary in his eight arms, symbolizing creation, knowledge, and meditation.
Beside him is Sarasvati, his consort and the goddess of wisdom and music. Clad in white with a crescent moon on her forehead, she cradles a veena, embodying purity and intellect. Known as the goddess of eloquence and learning, Sarasvati's grace and wisdom complement Brahma's creative power, together balancing knowledge and creation in the cosmos.
From the Brahma Realm, one can gaze down upon the three realms and all that exists within them.
"What is Indra doing? Sleeping?"
The delicate brows of Brahma furrow slightly as he peers down. He quickly spots the disheveled Indra and can't help but inquire.
"No."
Brahma's beard stirs slightly, and the rising power of penance reflects in his eyes. Indra lies on his side, surrounded by the vibrant energy of penance that envelops him.
"He is performing penance!"
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