Chapter 8:

Chapter 7: The Battle of Tirupati - Lord Venkateswara is Watching Us part 1

Dhruva: The Warrior of the North Pole Star The First Hero of Dharmicverse

Dhruva: The Warrior of the North Pole Star first hero of the dharmicverse

Scene 1: Chintalapalli Village, at kmk's house - A Week After battle of VisakhapatnamThe tranquil sounds of rural Andhra Pradesh filled the morning air in Chintalapalli village. Sunlight dappled through the lush green canopy, casting dancing shadows on the traditional homes. On the rooftop of one such house, Kmk stood, a solitary figure silhouetted against the clear blue sky.“Bro, Kmk! Good morning!” Bhargava’s cheerful voice drifted up from the courtyard below. He squinted up at his friend, a playful grin on his face.Kmk turned, a hint of weariness still lingering in his eyes despite the peaceful surroundings. “Bhargava? What brings you here so early?”Bhargava bounded up the steps leading to the rooftop, his usual boundless energy on full display. “Yes, I need a little help, please.”

Kmk’s gaze narrowed, a suspicion clouding his features. “Help? After you spent the entire week gallivanting around Visakhapatnam while I was practically glued to my bed with a back that felt like it had been run over by a celestial chariot?”Bhargava threw his hands up in mock defense. “Bro, I really didn’t do anything! It was your own fault you were in pain, not mine!”

(Flashback - four days After the Battle of Visakhapatnam - Visakhapatnam Hotel)Kmk lay sprawled on the hotel bed, a groan escaping his lips with every slight movement. His back throbbed with a persistent, agonizing ache, a souvenir from his colossal clash with Vijaya Asura. Bhargava emerged from his own cheerfully messy room, a spring in his step.“Kmk, old buddy! I’m heading out to soak in some more of this vibrant city. You still wrestling with that back pain?”Kmk winced. “Yes, I am! I don’t understand why it’s lingering like this. It feels… unnatural.”Bhargava pondered for a moment, tapping his chin. “Bro, it’s been almost four days! Maybe you should see a doctor? This isn’t just some ordinary muscle strain from a workout.”Kmk grumbled, shifting uncomfortably. “I can barely walk in this agony, damn it! A doctor sounds like a Herculean task right now.”Bhargava’s eyes lit up with a sudden thought. “Hey! Why don’t you just… you know… use your powers to heal yourself? Like you did back in Rajamahendravaram and Amalapuram?”Kmk’s eyes snapped open, a spark of realization igniting within them. “Yes! Of course!” He focused his inner energy, and a radiant, swirling light – a mesmerizing blend of his characteristic blue and white – enveloped his entire body. The pain that had been his constant companion for days vanished in an instant, replaced by a feeling of revitalized energy.(Back to the Present - Kmk’s Rooftop)Kmk’s voice rose, tinged with playful accusation. “So, you enjoyed the entire week, living it up with my… materialized funds, while I was practically crippled with pain! And you conveniently forgot to mention the whole ‘self-healing with divine energy’ thing until I finally remembered it myself, leaving me with a grand total of two pain-free days! You all did this knowingly, didn’t you?”Bhargava’s eyes widened innocently. “Bro! How can you even suggest that? It was your own mental blank-out about your powers, not my fault! And besides,” he added with a cheeky grin, “it wasn’t exactly your money. It just… manifested. Because of your… divine connection. So technically, it was all the gods’ giving!”Kmk stared at him, a mixture of exasperation and amusement on his face. “What? Alright, alright. It’s all the gods’ giving. Point taken. Now, spill it. What do you want?”Bhargava clapped his hands together, his usual enthusiasm returning full force. “I want you to open a portal! Right here! In front of your magnificent abode!”Kmk raised an eyebrow. “A portal? And where exactly would this portal be leading us?”

Bhargava’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “To Tirupati!”Kmk placed a hand over his chest, a reverent expression softening his features. “Govinda…” he murmured, his voice filled with devotion. He looked at Bhargava, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. “Bro… really? You and your family are going to Tirupati?” He paused. “I… I want to come too. But… with these Asura lurking around, they might attack anywhere. I have to be vigilant, you know?” He sighed. “Okay then. But remember where you’re going, Bhargava. You’re going to one of the holiest places in the entire world.”He leaned forward, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “Because the Supreme Lord Vishnu himself resides there, in not just one, but three divine forms: Lord Varaha, the cosmic boar; Lord Govinda Raja Swamy, the reclining embodiment of the universe; and finally, the Kali Yuga Pratyaksha Daivam – the living, manifest deity of this age – Lord Venkateswara. You can call him Lord Srinivasa too.”

Kmk then began to narrate the sacred story of Lord Venkateswara, his voice filled with reverence and awe:“The story of Lord Venkateswara, also known with deep affection as Lord Balaji or Srinivasa, is one of the most cherished legends in our Sanatana Dharma. It’s the very heart and soul of the magnificent temple at Tirumala, in Andhra Pradesh.”

He paused, gathering his thoughts. “Long ago, during a great cosmic debate among the sages – a discussion about which of the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, or Shiva, held the highest position – they decided to send the wise Sage Bhrigu to test the very Gods themselves.”Kmk continued, his voice taking on a narrative quality. “Bhrigu visited Brahma and then Shiva, but neither of their reactions truly impressed the discerning sage. Finally, Bhrigu arrived at Vaikuntha, the heavenly abode of Lord Vishnu. There, he found the Lord seemingly at rest. In his judgment, this appeared to be a lack of proper respect, and in a moment of rash action, Bhrigu insulted Lord Vishnu by kicking him directly on his chest.”

A look of profound respect filled Kmk’s eyes. “But Lord Vishnu, in his infinite compassion and wisdom, remained completely calm.

Instead of punishing the sage for his impudent act, he gently took Bhrigu’s foot and began to massage it, inquiring if it had been hurt during the journey. This act of serene forgiveness and understanding won Lord Vishnu the test.”then kmk added a crucial detail to the story of Sage Bhrigu. “And when Sage Bhrigu, in his arrogance, kicked Lord Vishnu on the chest, that very act revealed the sage’s deep-seated ego. Lord Vishnu, in his divine wisdom and to subtly crush Bhrigu’s pride, is said to have subtly destroyed the third eye on the sole of Bhrigu’s foot – the eye that was the source of the sage’s unwarranted pride and judgmental nature. This gentle yet powerful act humbled Sage Bhrigu, making him realize the true greatness and compassion of Lord Vishnu.”

Kmk’s expression turned slightly somber. “However, Goddess Lakshmi, who eternally resides in Lord Vishnu’s heart, was deeply offended by Bhrigu’s disrespectful action. Feeling deeply hurt and dishonored by the insult to her divine consort, she left Vaikuntha and descended to Earth, seeking solace and engaging in deep meditation.”He continued the story, his voice softening. “Unable to bear the separation from his beloved Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu also descended to Earth. He took on the form of Srinivasa – a youthful, forest-dwelling incarnation of Vishnu – and made his abode in the sacred Tirumala hills. There, he found shelter and care in the hermitage of Vakula Devi, a saintly woman believed to be an earthly incarnation of Yashoda, Lord Krishna’s foster mother.”Kmk’s eyes twinkled as he recounted the next part of the tale. “One fateful day, while wandering through the verdant forests of Tirumala, Srinivasa encountered Padmavati, the beautiful and virtuous daughter of the noble King Akasha Raja. It was love at first sight, a divine connection that transcended earthly realms. Their hearts recognized each other instantly.”

“King Akasha Raja, recognizing the divine nature of Srinivasa and the depth of their love, joyously arranged a grand and celestial wedding between Srinivasa and his beloved Padmavati. The divine union was a magnificent affair, attended by all the gods, revered sages, and countless celestial beings.”

A thoughtful expression crossed Kmk’s face. “But there was a slight… predicament. Lord Vishnu, having descended to Earth as a mortal in the form of Srinivasa, did not possess earthly wealth. To finance the grand wedding, he had to take a massive loan from Kubera, the celestial treasurer and god of wealth, promising to repay the enormous sum over time.”Kmk’s voice took on a slightly more dramatic tone. “Later, Goddess Lakshmi, having learned of Srinivasa’s marriage to Padmavati, returned to confront her divine consort. A dispute arose between the two divine consorts, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Padmavati, a conflict born out of love and a sense of righteous indignation.”

“Unable to resolve the delicate and complex situation, Srinivasa, in his divine wisdom, transformed himself into a stone idol – a powerful symbol of unwavering devotion and steadfastness. Witnessing this profound act, both Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Padmavati also merged into stone forms, eternally residing alongside him.”Kmk’s gaze softened with reverence. “The assembled gods, witnessing this divine resolution, declared that Srinivasa – now known as Lord Venkateswara – would remain on Earth in the sacred Tirumala Hills as this stone idol for the eternal benefit of devotees in the Kali Yuga, this present age of strife and spiritual decline.

And thus, the magnificent temple of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala was established at that very sacred spot.”

He paused, his voice filled with conviction. “It is still believed, even to this day, that the deity is continuously repaying the enormous debt he incurred from Kubera for his divine wedding. This is why countless devotees offer their wealth, their money, and their gold at the temple – a symbolic contribution to the Lord’s eternal repayment.”Kmk’s voice deepened with the weight of spiritual significance. “Venkateswara is revered as the supreme protector and the ultimate refuge in this challenging age of Kali. Devotees hold unwavering faith that with sincere devotion, he grants their heartfelt wishes, removes all obstacles that stand in their path, and blesses their lives with profound peace and abundant prosperity. This is why Tirumala stands as one of the richest and most visited pilgrimage sites in the entire world.”

He then elaborated on the significance of another deity associated with Tirupati. “And about Govindaraja Swamy… he is another form of Lord Vishnu, depicted in a serene reclining posture upon the cosmic serpent Adisesha, much like Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam.

He represents the universal, cosmic aspect of Vishnu in a state of eternal rest, overseeing the entire creation. In contrast, Lord Venkateswara – as Srinivasa – is the active, personal manifestation of Vishnu who descended to Earth during the Kali Yuga to guide and bless humanity.”

Kmk continued, “His magnificent temple is located in the Tirupati town itself, at the very foot of the sacred Tirumala hills, and it is one of the oldest and most significant temples in the entire region.”He then explained the unique relationship between the two deities. “Now, while Lord Venkateswara doesn’t have a biological brother in the traditional sense, Govindaraja Swamy is deeply revered as a divine counterpart – a brother in spirit and within the rich traditions of the temple.

During major festivals, especially the grand Brahmotsavam, elaborate processions featuring both Lord Venkateswara and Govindaraja Swamy are held. In local folklore and the Vaishnava sampradaya traditions, Govindaraja Swamy is often treated as the elder brother or a very close family member of Venkateswara. This symbolic relationship beautifully emphasizes the inherent unity among the diverse forms of Lord Vishnu.”

Kmk’s voice softened with spiritual understanding. “This ‘brother’ relationship carries profound spiritual meaning. Govindaraja represents the vast, universal, cosmic Vishnu, resting and eternally overseeing the intricate workings of the entire world. Venkateswara, on the other hand, embodies the active, personal Vishnu, the deity who directly participates in the lives of his devotees, showering them with boons, blessings, and divine grace.”He then shared inspiring tales of the Lord’s devoted followers. “And there are countless inspiring stories of great saints and unwavering devotees of Lord Venkateswara who dedicated their entire lives to his divine service. These incredible narratives are filled with profound devotion, miraculous interventions, and transformative spiritual experiences.”

Kmk recounted the stories with reverence: “There was Saint Annamacharya, the most celebrated saint-poet of Lord Venkateswara. He composed over thirty-two thousand devotional songs, or ‘sankeertanas,’ in praise of the Lord, addressing him with deep love as Srinivasa, Govinda, and Balaji. As a young man, he experienced a divine vision of the Lord himself and left his worldly life to reside in the sacred hills of Tirumala. His songs beautifully expressed the entire spectrum of human emotions and spiritual yearnings, all offered in profound love and complete surrender to the Lord. It is said that centuries after his passing, when his magnificent compositions were largely forgotten, Lord Venkateswara himself revealed their hidden existence through a divine vision to the temple priests in the twentieth century. They then discovered the copper plates inscribed with his timeless lyrics in a concealed chamber within the temple.”He continued, “Then there was Hathiram Bhavaji, a North Indian devotee from Ayodhya.

Drawn to Tirumala by his initial devotion to Lord Rama, he soon became an ardent follower of Lord Venkateswara. Legend says that every night, the Lord himself would descend to play dice with Bhavaji in his humble ashram. Once, the temple priests, filled with suspicion, accused Bhavaji of stealing the Lord’s precious ornaments. But when they opened the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Venkateswara himself miraculously testified in Bhavaji’s favor! As irrefutable proof of their divine companionship, Bhavaji returned a ring that the Lord had playfully lost during their nightly game. Deeply moved by his unwavering devotion, the temple authorities bestowed upon him a position of great honor within the temple. Even today, the revered ‘Bhavaji seva’ tradition is still observed in his sacred memory.”

Kmk then spoke of another revered saint.

“We should also remember Thondaradippodi Alwar, one of the twelve Alwars, the great poet-saints of South India. Though primarily a devotee of Lord Ranganatha in Srirangam, his inspired poems also beautifully praise the glory of Lord Venkateswara. He dedicated himself to building beautiful flower gardens for the deity and served the Lord with the utmost humility and selfless love. His bhakti was so pure and profound that Lord Vishnu himself would appear in his dreams, encouraging and blessing him. The Alwars, through their passionate devotion, laid the very foundation for the vibrant bhakti movement that continues to inspire millions.”

He continued, “And we cannot forget Sri Ramanujacharya, the great philosopher and exponent of the Vishishtadvaita school of Vedanta. Though primarily associated with Srirangam, Ramanuja played a pivotal role in organizing and standardizing the temple worship at Tirumala. He personally traveled to Tirupati and meticulously reformed the temple rituals according to the ancient Pancharatra Agama.

He appointed dedicated priests, reformed existing practices, and ensured that the Lord’s divine service was performed with the utmost love, discipline, and reverence. The Tirumala temple still adheres to many of the sacred practices established by Sri Ramanujacharya centuries ago.”

Finally, Kmk shared the story of a remarkable female saint. “There was Tarigonda Vengamamba, an extraordinary female saint-poet of the eighteenth century, a profound devotee of Lord Venkateswara. Though widowed at a young age, she dedicated her entire life to the Lord, becoming a gifted poet and a revered mystic. It is said that she would secretly enter the temple late at night, after the priests had retired, and lovingly decorate the sanctum sanctorum with flowers and fragrant garlands. Initially, the priests objected to her unauthorized service, but a divine dream, directly from the Lord himself, convinced them to allow her to continue her selfless devotion.

Today, her sacred service is still honored in the form of the Vengamamba Harathi, a special night ritual offered after the Ekanta Seva.”

Kmk looked intently at Bhargava, his voice filled with a gentle but firm reminder. “These inspiring saints serve as a powerful reminder that true devotion to Lord Venkateswara transcends all earthly barriers – of caste, region, and even the passage of time. And that the Lord himself, in his infinite compassion, always comes to the aid of those who love him with pure and unwavering hearts. So, be mindful and respectful, okay, Bhargava?”Bhargava nodded solemnly, the playful grin replaced by a look of genuine understanding. “Of course, bro. I know. I will be.”

Scene shifts: Kmk and Bhargava arrived at Bhargava's house through a shimmering portal, the familiar swirl of displaced air marking their arrival. Kmk’s eyes widened slightly as he took in the scene before him. A large crowd of people had gathered at Lakshmi’s house, their voices a cheerful murmur that filled the air.

“What are you waiting for, Kmk? Come on!” Bhargava called, waving his hand impatiently.

Kmk shook his head slightly, snapping out of his momentary observation. He walked towards Bhargava, a curious expression on his face. “What’s going on over there?” he asked, gesturing towards Lakshmi’s house.

Bhargava shrugged, his attention focused on the task at hand. “Don’t know. Maybe my parents know. But we don’t have time to investigate now. I’ll go and get my big brother and my parents. You open the portal, okay?”

Kmk nodded in agreement, and Bhargava dashed off towards his house, his voice calling out to his family. After a few minutes, Bhargava returned, ushering his parents and elder brother towards Kmk.

Bhargava’s father, a jovial man with a slightly flustered expression, spoke with a hint of exasperation. “Bhargava! What are you doing? We’ll be late! We have to catch the train!”

Bhargava grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “We don’t need any train, Dad! We’re going to reach Tirupati in style! Just step into this!” He gestured towards the shimmering portal that Kmk had conjured, its swirling depths promising a miraculous journey.

Bhargava’s parents and elder brother exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and hesitant curiosity. With some gentle coaxing from Bhargava, they cautiously stepped into the portal. In the blink of an eye, the familiar streets of their hometown vanished, replaced by the awe-inspiring sight of Tirupati. The magnificent temple, perched atop the sacred hills, stood before them in all its glory.

Bhargava’s father stumbled back slightly, his eyes wide with astonishment. “What kind of miracle is this?” he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of wonder and slight fear. His elder brother steadied him, his own expression mirroring his father’s bewilderment.

Behind them, the portal shimmered and closed, leaving them standing at the very entrance to Tirupati. Bhargava smiled, a silent “Thank you, Kmk!” echoing in his mind.

Scene shifts: Kmk, now alone at Bhargava’s house, glanced towards Lakshmi’s house once more. He saw Lakshmi, her parents, her boyfriend, and his parents, along with several other people, all talking animatedly, their faces filled with happiness. A wave of curiosity washed over him, but he suppressed it, a sense of caution prevailing. What is going on over there? he thought to himself. He didn’t want to arouse any suspicion, especially from Lakshmi’s boyfriend. With a sigh, he opened another portal, this one leading back to his own home, and stepped through, leaving the mysteries of Lakshmi’s houe behind.

Back in the familiar comfort of his room, Kmk flicked on the television. The news channels were in a frenzy, live footage showing chaotic scenes at the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. A group of grotesque Asuras, their forms casting long, menacing shadows, had somehow breached the historical monument and were attempting to seize control. Uniformed police officers, armed but clearly outmatched, were trying valiantly to contain the situation.

“Not again!” Kmk muttered, his earlier peace shattered. “These foolish Asuras! Why do they always target such significant locations? Time to teach them another painful lesson!”

A familiar blue and white light enveloped Kmk’s body, a prelude to action.

(Scene shifts to the Red Fort, Delhi)

A brilliant flash of blue and white light descended right in front of the majestic Red Fort, causing the already tense scene to freeze in stunned silence. Police officers and frantic news reporters stared, their eyes wide with disbelief. Standing before them, radiating power and determination, was Kmk in his iconic blue and white suit, the sacred Thirunamam emblazoned on his chest, back, and forehead.

A police inspector, his face etched with relief, rushed forward. “Dhruva! You’ve arrived!”

Kmk nodded, his gaze already fixed on the Asuras menacingly occupying the fort’s ramparts. “Yes, sir. Just leave these… unwelcome guests to me, as always.” He turned his attention to the Asuras, his voice ringing with authority. “Hey, you fools! Do you think this is some kind of playground? This is government property! Get the hell down and surrender! Now! Or else you’ll regret ever setting foot here!”

A hulking Asura warrior, his voice guttural and arrogant, emerged from within the fort’s walls. “This will be our base of operations now, dharmic warrior! This fort is ours! And soon, the entire world will bow before our might! Neither you nor your pathetic gods can stop us! Attack!”

Kmk sighed, a hint of weary exasperation in his tone. “Seriously? Haven’t you all been paying attention? Three of your ‘great generals’ have already tasted defeat! Yet you still come crawling back, spouting the same tired threats every single time!” He glanced at the police inspector, a reassuring smile on his face. “Sir, if you’ll allow me, I’ll handle this swiftly. It won’t take long.”

With a determined stride, Kmk entered the Red Fort. What followed was a blur of motion. For every punch and kick he delivered, more than ten Asuras were sent flying, their grotesque forms crashing against the ancient stone walls. He systematically cleared the fort, then hurled the dazed and groaning Asuras out onto the plaza in front of the Red Fort, a pile of defeated invaders.

“Okay, sir,” Kmk said to the inspector, dusting off his hands. “That’s… roughly two hundred of them. All thoroughly dealt with. Though, knowing these guys, ‘dealt with’ might not mean permanently gone. Anyway, I think my job here is done. Bye!”

Before Kmk could open a portal, the police inspector held up his phone, his expression suddenly serious. “Dhruva, wait! I think… I think there’s a lot more happening.”

Kmk glanced at the phone screen and his eyes widened in disbelief. Multiple red dots pulsed across a map of India, indicating simultaneous Asura attacks in various states.

“What… they’re attacking multiple states at the same time?” Kmk exclaimed, a sense of urgency washing over him.

“It looks that way,” the inspector replied grimly. “You should… you should do the same to them, right? Like you did with These

Kmk nodded, his mind racing. “Absolutely, sir! But… one Dhruva can’t be everywhere at once. We need… multiple me’s!” He closed his eyes, focusing his energy with intense concentration. A brilliant blue and white light erupted around him, and when it subsided, over five hundred shimmering copies of Kmk stood beside him.

“All of you!” the real Kmk commanded, his voice echoing with authority. “Go! Find every single one of these Asura infestations and destroy them! Now!”

The copies of Kmk nodded in unison, their eyes glowing with determination. They split into numerous groups, each vanishing in a flash of light, heading towards different locations and states all across India.

Meanwhile, the real Kmk suddenly swayed, a wave of unexpected weakness washing over him. He stumbled, almost collapsing. The police inspector rushed to his side, concern etched on his face.

“What happened, Dhruva? Are you alright?”

Kmk gasped for breath, a bewildered look on his face. “Don’t know… creating… so many copies… it’s like… my energy… it split too much. Makes me… weak. Ha… okay. That’s… new!” He looked at the inspector, forcing a reassuring smile. “Nothing to worry about, sir. My… my duplicates will handle everything. I just need to… rest for a bit. I’ll be fine. Bye!”

With a final effort, Kmk opened a portal, a swirling vortex of blue and white light, and stepped through, arriving back in his own room. He stumbled towards his bed and collapsed onto it, a strange, unfamiliar exhaustion weighing him down.

“What… what was that?” he muttered to himself, his brow furrowed in confusion. “Never… never experienced anything like that before…”

(Scene shifts): The camera pans across the majestic, verdant expanse of the seven sacred hills of Tirupati, their peaks kissed by the morning sun. The focus then shifts to the grand, golden temple complex of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, an architectural marvel radiating divine energy. The air vibrates with the fervent Stuthi (praise) of countless devotees, their voices rising in a powerful, unified chorus that echoes across the hills:

Devotees (in loud unison): "Edu Kondala Vada Venkataramana Govinda Govinda!"

Devotees (even louder): "Govinda Govinda!"

Devotees (with fervent devotion): "Venkatesa Govinda!"

Devotees (their voices reaching a crescendo): "Srinivasa Govinda!"

Suddenly, the serene atmosphere is shattered. A crimson portal rips open in the clear blue sky, just a few meters away from the Lord's sacred temple. From its ominous depths emerge Asuras on their grotesque flying war chariots, their dark forms casting an unholy shadow over the holy site. Leading the malevolent arrival on his imposing Vimana is none other than Hiranyasura himself.

A wave of shock and disbelief washes over the throng of devotees, their chants abruptly ceasing. Among them stands Bhargava, his jaw slack with utter astonishment.

Bhargava: (Stuttering) Asuras…? What… what are they doing here?! This… this is insane! I have to let Kmk know!

Frantically, Bhargava fumbled for his phone, his fingers trembling as he tried to dial Kmk’s number.

(Scene shifts to a flashback - Space, One Week Ago - Immediately After the Battle of Visakhapatnam)

Hiranyasura paced furiously within the confines of his Vimana, his eyes burning with frustrated rage.

Hiranyasura: Why?! Why does that pathetic dharmic warrior win every single time?! And the cursed news keeps pouring in from all corners – those other so-called ‘dharmic warriors’ are also victorious! Mahasura! Don’t you see? We are losing on every front! And those wretched gods… they are aiding those insignificant mortals at every turn!

Mahasura remained silent, his massive form still and impassive.

Hiranyasura: (Slamming his fist on a console) I know the real reason for our constant defeats! It’s that Kali Yuga Pratyaksha Daivam! Lord Venkateswara Swamy! The directly visible God in this accursed Kali Yuga! He is the protector of this age, remember?! He sits atop those seven accursed hills, watching everything, and showering his blessings upon those dharmic pests and their simpering devotees!

Mahasura: (His voice a low rumble) Yes, everyone knows this, Hiranyasura. So… what exactly are you planning to do about it?

Hiranyasura: (A sinister smile spreading across his face) Why don’t we attack the source directly? Why don’t we attack the temple… and the Lord himself?!

Mahasura’s breath hitched in his throat, his eyes widening in disbelief.

Mahasura: What in the deepest pits of hell are you saying, you utter fool?! Are you completely out of your mind?! You’re suggesting… you’re suggesting an attack on the Kali Yuga Pratyaksha Daivam himself?! Lord Venkateswara Swamy?! The directly visible God in the Kali Yuga?! I would have considered helping you obliterate those other meddling dharmic warriors and even that irritating Dhruva, but to attack the Supreme Lord himself?! Lord Venkateswara is Lord Vishnu, you blithering idiot! Lord Vishnu himself resides there as Lord Venkateswara Swamy! Have you completely forgotten that?!

Hiranyasura: (Waving his hand dismissively) Why should we waste our time and resources fighting those insignificant pawns like Dhruva and the others when we know the ultimate source of their power? Why not strike at the very heart of their strength? Why not attack the power source itself?!

Mahasura: (His voice laced with a chilling warning) Have you already forgotten the fates of other Asuras who dared to harbor such reckless thoughts? Like Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu? Do you remember how they ended up? Hiranyaksha met his end at the hands of Lord Vishnu’s Varaha avatar, and Hiranyakashipu was torn asunder by Narasimha! And now you… you actually believe you stand a chance? And mark my words, Hiranyasura! Don’t come crawling to me for help when the Lord’s wrath descends upon you! You will face it alone!

Hiranyasura: (His eyes gleaming with a dangerous fanaticism) Then let it come! I will not be deterred!

Part 1 of chapter 7 ends