Chapter 80: The Gates of Mahishmati
The golden gates of Mahishmati shimmered beneath the sun's radiant gaze, carved with ancient glyphs that pulsed gently with Prana Urja. As the convoy of chariots bearing the royal family of Hastinapur approached, silence fell among them. For many, this was a return to a place of childhood memories and half-formed dreams. For others, it was their first step into the world carved by King Rudra's vision.
Prince Duryodhan, riding at the front, breathed deeply. "The fragrance of sandalwood... and iron. This scent has not changed."
Yudhishthir, seated beside Arjun, nodded. "Nor has its presence. Mahishmati feels... alive."
Behind them rode Kunti with dignity, her face calm yet contemplative. Dushala looked around with veiled emotion, the weight of conflicting feelings pressing silently upon her chest.
As they neared the grand threshold, a welcoming party awaited. At the center stood Veer Pratap, the AgniShura of Mahishmati, clad in crimson robes, his Agneya Dhanush resting on his back. At his side stood his consort, Sumitra Devi, graceful and radiant in royal attire.
The chariots halted.
Duryodhan stepped down first, bowed with joined palms, and said, "Pranaam, Veer Kaaka."
"Blessings upon you, Duryodhan Putra," Veer said warmly, embracing him briefly. "You have grown strong, in body and spirit."
Yudhishthir followed, bowing deeply. "We seek guidance and peace in this land of Dharma."
"Then may Mahishmati reveal its soul to you," Veer replied. "Come, children of Hastinapur, let your hearts witness what discipline and wisdom have forged."
---
As they entered the city proper, the princes and princess were enveloped in wonder. Mahishmati was not merely a kingdom—it was a grand tapestry of intellect, spirituality, and strength. Wide streets paved with celestial stone glimmered beneath their feet. Waterways lined with sacred lotuses flowed beside the paths. Floating platforms carried young scholars reciting verses mid-air.
"Are those children learning above the street?" Dushala asked, astonished.
Veer Pratap smiled. "Indeed. We call them Shaastra Vahans—floating schools. Knowledge must reach where legs may not."
The group passed through vibrant marketplaces where artisans displayed silks from Kashi, golden-threaded dhotis, enchanted ornaments, and Prana-infused trinkets. Spices from every corner of Aryavarta filled the air with sacred aroma.
"Mahishmati is a realm of art and order," murmured Kunti. "It feels... untouched by decay."
Arjun, walking with gentle guidance, tilted his head. "Even without my sight, I can feel the clarity. This city vibrates with purpose."
Their next stop was the Hall of Crafts, where young warriors carved weapons under the supervision of master artisans. A girl no older than fifteen shaped a bow from lava-hardened wood using controlled Prana Urja.
Yudhishthir watched in reverence. "She channels divine force with such composure."
"Here, we teach both Shaastra and Shastra," Veer said. "Knowledge and strength walk together."
---
Soon, they arrived at the revered Karmapeeth the Educational hub of Mahishmati, where an arena circular in design, built from celestial granite that radiated subtle warmth. At its heart floated the Karma Mani, a crystalline orb that glowed softly with hues of silver and gold.
A line of Mahishmati students waited for their evaluation.
The guests were seated respectfully in the observation gallery. Their eyes followed the first student stepping forth.
The girl pressed her palm gently upon the orb. Light bloomed.
Nandini
Daughter of Merchant Guild Head
Traits:
Sharp-Eyed Strategist
Windstep Agility
Budding Diplomat
Another thin youth stepped forward.
Sarvagya
Orphan from Shiksha Mandir
Traits:
Azure Blade Prodigy
Memory Recall
Silver-Tongued Seer
Whispers echoed in the gallery.
"This is no ordinary test," Yudhishthir whispered. "The orb sees beyond birth. It sees essence."
Veer turned. "Indeed. The Karma Mani reveals one's truest strengths, drawn from their Karma. Would you wish to be evaluated?"
Duryodhan stepped forward first, his expression steady. He bowed to the orb before placing his palm upon it. A surge of crimson light enveloped him.
--------------------
Duryodhan
Prince of Hastinapur
Son of Dhritarashtra
Traits:
Crimson Mace Juggernaut
Leadership Aura of the Kuru Flame
Embodiment of Loyalty
--------------------
Yudhishthir stepped forth next. Calm. Composed.
Yudhishthir
Crown Prince of Hastinapur
Son of Dharma
Traits:
Calm Justice Manifested
Strategist's Intuition
Dharma's True Heir
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Then came Arjun, guided by Sahadev. As his palm touched the orb, it radiated silver and thunderous blue.
Arjun
Prince of Hastinapur
Son of Indra
Traits:
Silver Bow Supreme
Thunder's Blessing
A Seeker on the Golden Path
-----------------------
Sahadev and Dushala followed.
Sahadev
Son of Ashwini Kumar
Traits:
Silent Thinker
Gentle Healer
Silver Strategist
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Dushala
Princess of Hastinapur
Daughter of Gandhari
Traits:
Violet Veil of Protection
Budding Sword Maiden
Heart in Dilemma
-----------------------
Silence reigned afterward. The guests had glimpsed their own dharmic reflections.
Kunti bowed her head. "To be shown not what one claims to be... but what one truly is—this is no ordinary mirror."
---
The evening sun led them to Mahishmati's Cultural Quarter. Under ancient banyans, philosophers debated; dancers narrated epics through sacred movement. Music reverberated through temples of Saraswati Devi.
In the food halls, the guests were offered Mahishmati's finest: spiced black chana roasted in ghee, jalebis cooled with rosewater, kheer made from lotus root and honeyed grains.
Dushala smiled as Arjun tasted each delicacy. "You manage well, dearest brother."
"Even blind," he replied softly, "I see Mahishmati through my tongue and soul."
They were adorned with robes woven with threads that changed shade with emotion. Armors made from Prana-forged metal gleamed in display.
Dushala lingered near a twin-edged obsidian blade. "If I wish to stand beside him—I must first prove myself worthy."
Veer Pratap smiled knowingly and nodded. "Your resolve is your first weapon. You are already on the path Putri."
---
As the stars appeared, the royals stood atop a sacred tower overlooking the city. Mahishmati glowed like a constellation on earth.
"This city," Yudhishthir whispered, "was born of Justice and Equality. It is Maharaj Rudra's soul, shaped into stone and law."
Kunti, her eyes moist, nodded. "It is a realm where knowledge is not caged by birth, and strength is not stained by pride."
Below them, near the quiet courtyard guarded by Mahishmati's elite, stood the humble residence of one man.
Karna.
But that meeting, heavy with destiny and emotion, awaited the dawn.
Tonight, they had only to absorb the lessons Mahishmati whispered through every stone, song, and scent.
Chapter End...