As the divine ceremony concluded, Rudra's body absorbed the blessings, and he felt a newfound strength coursing through him. Even though he was still an infant, his Supreme Limitless Might and Supreme Indestructible Body made him far stronger than any newborn. He could already sit up on his own, and soon, to everyone's amazement, he began to stand and walk on his tiny feet.
His physical abilities weren't the only thing that stunned the sages. Unlike a normal child who would merely babble, Rudra could form simple yet clear words. This was due to his Supreme Enlightened Mind, which had enhanced his cognitive development beyond anything seen before. The sages and royal family watched in awe as the divine child explored his surroundings with an intelligence far beyond his years.
The sages, entertained by this miraculous sight, agreed that such an event called for a grand celebration. King Suresh Pratap ordered a massive festival in Mahishmati, rejoicing in the birth of their extraordinary Yuvraj. The entire kingdom was adorned with decorations, and offerings were made to the gods in gratitude for their divine gift.
The Anushthaan for Lord Raudra and Maa Durga
As part of the celebration, the royal family requested the sages to conduct an Anushthaan (a grand spiritual ritual) in honor of Lord Raudra (Shiva) and Maa Durga, thanking them for blessing Mahishmati with a son. The ritual was also meant to pray for the kingdom's prosperity and divine protection.
A sacred Hawan Kund was prepared, and the sages took their seats for the elaborate ceremony. However, to their surprise, little Rudra sat beside them in the lotus position, as if he, too, wished to take part in the Anushthaan.
Parshuram, one of the revered sages present, looked at the tiny child with amusement and affection.
"Putra, I know you wish to perform the Anushthaan, but you are too young for such a rigorous process."
Yet, Rudra, with a determined gaze, politely refused to withdraw. His heart was filled with gratitude toward Maa and Pa (Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati), and he wanted to personally express his devotion. His Supreme Enlightened Mind allowed him to instinctively understand the complex Vedic chants and rituals, seamlessly blending with the revered sages as they began the sacred hymns.
The sages were astounded—this was no ordinary child.
The Three-Day Anushthaan
The Anushthaan lasted for three entire days, during which the sages remained deep in meditation, chanting and offering sacred offerings into the fire. According to tradition, they could neither eat nor drink during this period, maintaining strict discipline and focus on the divine ritual.
Yet, what truly shocked everyone was that Rudra, despite being a newborn, showed no signs of exhaustion. He continued chanting the sacred hymns, his voice blending harmoniously with the sages. His tiny body radiated divine energy, and his presence brought an unexplainable calm and spiritual purity to the environment.
As the dawn of the fourth day approached, something miraculous happened.
Divine Recognition: The Birth of Baal Rishi
The sky above Mahishmati glowed with a golden hue, and divine bells echoed across the heavens. The atmosphere became heavy with a divine presence, and a booming celestial voice resounded across Bharatvarsh.
"HEAVENS ARE SURPRISED TO WITNESS A CHILD PERFORM SUCH A GRAND ANUSHTHAAN ALONGSIDE REVERED SAGES. HIS VEDIC AND SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE SURPASSES EVEN SEASONED SCHOLARS. FROM THIS DAY FORTH, RUDRA PRATAP, YUVRAJ OF MAHISHMATI, SHALL BE KNOWN AS 'BAAL RISHI'!"
The celestial proclamation left the gathered sages, royals, and citizens in stunned reverence. The title of Baal Rishi was an acknowledgment of Rudra's unmatched spiritual wisdom despite his age—an honor never before bestowed upon a mortal so young.
But the surprises did not end there.
The System Rewards Rudra's Spiritual Devotion
Suddenly, Rudra's system activated, recognizing his first true spiritual act.
[DING! HOST HAS PERFORMED A GRAND SPIRITUAL ANUSHTHAAN FOR THE FIRST TIME. DHARMA REWARD MULTIPLIED 10,000 TIMES!]
[CONGRATULATIONS! HOST HAS RECEIVED THE TITLE: SUPREME MAHARISHI!]
[SUPREME MAHARISHI EFFECTS: ANY SPIRITUAL ACT, YAGNA, PUJA, OR PENANCE PERFORMED BY THE HOST WILL HAVE ITS RESULTS MULTIPLIED 10,000 TIMES!]
[ADDITIONAL ABILITY: HOST CAN NOW BESTOW UNLIMITED CURSES OR BOONS, PROVIDED THERE IS A VALID REASON. ANY UNJUST USE WILL RESULT IN BACKLASH.]
Rudra's heart filled with gratitude. He silently thanked Maa and Pa, knowing that this life was truly special. He vowed to use his gifts wisely—to protect Dharma and ensure the prosperity of Mahishmati.
And thus, the legend of Baal Rishi Rudra Pratap of Mahishmati began…
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End of Chapter