The morning air in Avanthi vibrated with excitement. The city, already splendid, was adorned with flowers and rich banners. The sound of drums, trumpets, and joyful chatter heralded the arrival of the wedding procession, or Baarat, from the Magadha quarters.
Rudra, magnificent in his wedding finery, rode a decorated white charger. His father, Bahubali, and the mighty Lord Balarama walked beside him, while the entire assembly of Kings, including Karna and Duryodhana, followed in a dazzling spectacle of power and kinship.
As the Baarat reached the palace gates, King Vikramaditya and his royal family, including a veiled Avantika viewing from a window, stood ready to receive them. The two families greeted each other warmly in the Dwarachar (gate ceremony).
"Welcome, Maharaja Bahubali!" Vikramaditya exclaimed, embracing his counterpart. "Your son has not only won my daughter's hand but has won the heart of my kingdom. We are honored to have you all here."
Bahubali returned the warmth. "Maharaja Vikramaditya, it is my son who is honored to wed a princess of such grace and courage. Let the sacred ceremonies begin."
The festivities began with the Ganesh Pooja, where the Kula Guru chanted verses to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Rudra offered prayers for a smooth and blessed life.
Next, the Havan Kund (sacred fire pit) was lit, the flame representing Agni, the fire god, who is the divine witness to the vows. The priests began the deep, continuous chanting of Vedic mantras.
The moment arrived for Kanyadaan—the formal giving away of the bride. King Vikramaditya led Avantika to the Mandap, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and melancholy. Avantika's hand was placed gently in Rudra's, and the priest covered their joined hands with a sacred cloth.
Vikramaditya, his voice thick with emotion, spoke to Rudra: "Prince Rudra, with this sacred fire as our witness, I entrust my daughter, Avantika, to your care. She is our joy, our light, and our treasure. Promise me you will be her protector, her companion, and her strength."
Rudra looked directly at his father-in-law, his gaze firm. "Maharaja, I accept this great responsibility. I vow before Agni and all present that I will honor, protect, and cherish Avantika for all our days. Her happiness shall be my primary duty."
Rudra then performed the Mangalsutra ceremony, tying the sacred necklace of black beads and gold around Avantika's neck, a visible symbol of their marital union.
This was followed by the Panigrahan—the formal grasping of the bride's hand. Rudra took Avantika's hand firmly but tenderly.
"With this hand, I join my life to yours," Rudra said, echoing the priest's words. "You are now my partner in Dharma, Artha, and Kama. I shall not leave your side."
Avantika returned the grip, her voice soft but clear: "I walk with you, my husband. My life's journey is now interwoven with yours."
The couple then stood to perform the Saptapadi, the seven sacred steps around the fire, symbolizing their journey through life.
For Food and Sustenance: "May our home always have sustenance."
For Strength and Health: "May we be strong in body and mind."
For Prosperity and Wealth: "May our efforts be blessed with prosperity."
For Happiness and Harmony: "May our union bring us joy and peace."
For Children and Family: "May we be blessed with noble children and a loving family."
For Seasons and Companionship: "May we adapt to all seasons of life together."
For Eternal Friendship: "May we be lifelong friends, bound by love and trust."
The final ritual was the Sindoor. Rudra reverently took the sacred vermilion powder and applied it to the part in Avantika's hair, formally recognizing her as his wife.
The chants ended. The marriage was complete.
Rudra and Avantika turned to seek blessings. Bahubali guided them: "Go to Lord Sri Krishna and Devi Rukmini first, my children. A blessing from the divine is the strongest foundation."
The couple knelt before them. Krishna smiled. "A strong hand and a strong heart make an unbeatable pair, Rudra. Care for her well. And Avantika, never underestimate his kindness."
Rukmini spoke to Avantika: "The home is built with patience and love, dear. May your partnership flourish."
They moved through the line, receiving a tearful embrace from Dushala, a firm nod from Karna, and a rare, sincere smile from Duryodhana: "A fine wedding, Rudra. May your arrows fly true, and your life be steady."
As they finished the circuit, a thick, sulfur-scented mist abruptly rose in the center of the hall.
A wave of palpable dread and disbelief swept through the assembly. Visiting Kings instinctively pulled their wives closer. "The Guru of the Asuras! What dark magic is this?" they whispered, casting fearful glances at Bahubali and Dushala, who remained calm.
The mist cleared, revealing Asuraguru Shukracharya.
Rudra immediately led Avantika to his teacher, kneeling before him. "Gurudev," Rudra said, reverence clear in his voice.
Shukracharya's eyes held Rudra's. "Rise, children. May your bond be forged in the fire of truth."
He chanted a powerful Mantra. The air crackled, and a magnificent bow materialized—dark, ancient, and inlaid with silver.
"This is Pulatsya Bow," Shukracharya declared. "A relic once wielded by Ravana."
The hall erupted in hushed gasps. "Ravana's bow!""But it is a weapon of the Rakshasa King!" The nobles shuddered, viewing the bow with awe and trepidation.
Shukracharya continued, his voice ringing with pride. "It is a legacy, Rudra. A reminder that strength must be matched by great purpose. Wield this bow in your battles and become a great warrior. Make me proud, student."
Rudra took the bow. "I will honor your teaching, Gurudev. This is the greatest gift."
Holding the massive bow aloft with one hand, Rudra effortlessly drew the string and released it. The twang was a powerful, thunderous boom, a sound that shook the very foundation of the hall, announcing the new master of the ancient weapon.
Satisfied, Asuraguru Shukracharya gave a final nod. "May the echoes of that sound always remind you of your duty." The mist returned around him, and he vanished, leaving behind the thunder's echo and the powerful bow.