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A stormy sky was always like a widow's sky - bedarkened even in the hazy sun. Nurturing breezes which were now gust of storms, flurried through the uprooted and windblown trees. As the hazy sun slowly rose over the minuscule temple of Shiva, a reverent gasp escaped Kunti's lips. Seeing the remains of the freshly crumbled temple walls lying in heaps of rubble as a result of the typhoon, once again, a feeling of despair ran into her skin. Petrified with it, she quickly shifted her sight at Madri, who was wordlessly clutching the ārti thāli in her hand. Routinely, they had come to perform their morning pooja only to be a witness of the shambles created by the torrential downpour of last night.

The trees whose branches had grown through the walls were now uprooted, stone walls settled like the ruins of an ancient monument on the moist soil while meandering dust winds covered the scattered artefacts with dirt. Amidst all the dismantling, the Liṅgā stood untouched. Surrounded with nothing but distraught, the almighty stood unfazed in his glory, a true little sigh of relief for the two agitated women.

"Just yesterday, we had bedecked this place with scents and wildflowers and now, the wrath of the sopping clouds have washed it all away like a deluge. The astral influence of nature can be extremely uncanny sometimes." Kunti said, still a little fraught by the sight of devastation.

Handing over the thāli to Kunti, Madri simply nodded at the uncertainty, "What was there yesterday is not there today, what is today would not be there to see the dawn of tomorrow," she continued, firmly tearing a piece off the loose end of her saari. "This sequence of existing and ceasing goes on like this. As long as we live under the illusion of 'we are and we always will be', the creator of this universe will keep testing our expectations and habit of controlling everything," saying so, she walked closer towards the petite Śivaliṅga, securely covering its Śikhara with the cloth.

Not fully ambiguous about Madri's conviction, Kunti nudged her co-wife, "The sun has fully arose Madri, let's go back to our hut. Yudhishthir must've already woken up. We will ask Arya to build a shade over the Śivaliṅga when he is done with all his daily tasks." she reminded, as the Kulvadhus of Kuruvansh followed their own footsteps engraved in the moist soil on their way back home.

Dwindling her distress as she gradually neared their little dwelling, Kunti sniffled in the mildewy air, narrating the sight they just encountered, to Pandu. "It's the cruelty of nature that has distraughted me with a destructive sight around my Lord. What does this portend? Is this an augury towards a misfortune? Arya, with our departure and Gandhari jiji birthing a patch of flesh out of her womb, Hastinapur is already cast under the spell of mishaps and attesting more such ill-omened sights just upsurge my anguish," Kunti elucidated, scooting closer to her slumbering child.

"Yet it sounds like a miracle that nature continues to teach us how to live, act and move on by the example of destruction," the latter assented, nodding in agreement to Kunti's concern, "There is nothing to worry about, Kunti. I will make sure that I go there before the dusk and build a canopy of shade over the Shivling, so that you both can continue performing your daily austerities."

"But Arya, instead of worrying about the dire situation that has arose due to the wrath of nature today, we should learn from it." Madri intervened, with another meaningful outlook to the situation.

"Learn what, Madri?" Pandu inquired, his tone characterizing unsurety.

"A King is the protector and nurturer of his subjects. People compare him with a form of the God. And if the king is like a god, then for his protection, there should be an armour of safety around him, just like a temple does to the holy sanctum inside it. Today, just as those walls of the temple did not let the mighty hails budge the Śivaliṅga, in a similar way, we will have to ensure that Yudhishthir - the bearer of the lineage of Kurus, is always shielded from any jeopardy." Having Pandu and Kunti's undivided attention, Madri expounded her thoughts.

Pandu slowly nodded, acquiescing to Madri's concerns. She was right. He couldn't stay back and guide him for the rest of his life. As a King, be has to navigate by himself and in such an ordeal, he will need well wishers, defenders, advisers and these empty sets can be actualized by the presence of his siblings.

"Kunti," Pandu walked over, "I've thought over what Madri said. Now that Yudhishthir is the future of Hastinapur, of our clan, then his siblings are also required for his protection, for being his benefactor. You have to again invoke the celestial deities for four majestic sons who will not only ensure Yudhishthir's, but entire Kuruvansh's goodwill." He convinced Kunti while considerately running a hand over his son, proceeding to stare at a distance gradually acknowledging all of his accreting thoughts, that were sanctimonious enough to know the polarity of a want and need. Pandu needed another issue not to safeguard his son Yudhishthir, but the ensuing emperor Yudhishthir, who would ultimately be the benefactor of the colossal dominion called Hastinapur.

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A heavily set plumpish man halted himself at the doorway, letting his eyes scan and roam through the resplendent afterimage of the beguiling Shripitha that unfolded beyond before anyone noticed his pompous presence, or so he thought.  "Kuber Maharaj, why do you appear to be apprehensive while standing at the doorway of the holy abode of Mahalakshmi?" Ulūka, the lovely and loquacious mount of Mahalakshmi spoke unanticipatedly, jerking the unwary custodian of Wealth off his thoughts.

Kubera stared at the divine owl for a moment, queerishly blinking his eyes, he spoke, "Pranam Ulūka, your precipitous arrival would've made sure that I don't reach back safe at Alakapuri."

"Kubera Maharaj, I do not bite...most of the times."

"Apologies Ulūka. I hadn't conversed with a life sized owl with big yellow orbs piercing into more than 200 yojanas and ear tuffs that can hear humans talking on Bhuloka from Śhrīpīṭha before, and hence my reaction." The King of Alakapuri admitted, bowing down a little while Ulūka sighed briefly. The societal stigma circumfering owls was bothersome but he was aware that he couldn't reach out to each and every being to justify his entire species.

"You are a guest at Śhrīpīṭha and moreover a devotee of my eternal mother, therefore I intend no harm towards you," Ulūka's soft white ear tuffs straightened while his pearly white plumage slowly transformed into a physique of that of a lovely human, "I hope this appearance vanquishes your fear but careful Kubera Maharaj, looks can be fraudulent," he cracked a grin, hoping to alleviate the setting.

"You can transform into - into a human?" Yet again, the giddy Yaksha inquired in equal stupefaction.

Now it was Ulūka's turn to gaze back at the demi god in bewilderment, "If Adi Shesha, Vasuki, Nandi, Gaurd, Mooshaka, Dawon and even the Sudarshana can personify at their will, then why not me?" He inhaled a gulp of air, pausing for Kubera to speak, "And now, if you don't mind, shall I escort you towards Mātā?" he completed, guiding Kubera closer towards doorway upon realizing that his fellow acquaintance had nothing more to speak.

Śhrīpīṭha was a place of ever increasing joy and the unfathomable beauty and Shri Mahālakshmī was the very essence of it. The glorious abode of the Goddess of Fortune only had one colossus door significant of the fact that Karuna Sudha can only be conquered through the doors of boundless love and love alone.

Every possible direction resounded with chimings of exotic birds and of merry elephants showering the nectar like water through their trunks. Alacrity ran through Kubera's body as he kept his feet on the ground made up of extraordinary jewels whose glory was tenfolds more than countless moons dazzling in the sky at the same time. Corals and crystal paved banks along the transcendental waters surround the centre of Śhrīpīṭha like a sangam of many holy rivers.

In the centre was Shrimati Mahālakshmī, splendidly occupying her seat on the sahasrakamala. Two gigantic and devoted Elephants were enternally blowing their trunks as if flanking and lustrating the Karuna Sindhu with the nectarine waters of her abode.

Śhrīpīṭha - the abode of Mahālakshmī

"O Jagatamba, Akhanda Brahmanda Nayaki, Shrimati Mahālakshmī Mata, please accept my humble obeisances," Kubera landed on his knees, offering homage to the beloved of Shri Hari.

A small smile tugged at the corner of the Supreme's berry-like lips the moment she gazed down, her sublime form raising her hand to bless the seeking Yaksha, "Shubham Bhavatu, Kuber, what brings you here today?"

Mata Lakshmi
(I know she's not in her four armed form here but please adjust and imagine)

"Mātā, soon the day of Sharada Purnima will dawn upon us. You will be venerated everywhere on that day and that is why I have bought something for you," forwarding a big sack towards Lakshmi, Kubera said, "You are present wherever there is a presence of light and hope. These are 108 lanterns and lamps that I've created with my own hands. Therefore I wish to proffer it to you during your poojan so that my reverences will be the first to venerate your Lotus Feet," he pleaded.

"That is it?" The goddess asked, raising her arched and artistic eyebrows in surprise.

"Yes, Mātā."

"So Kuber Bhandari, I bless you that through the medium of these earthen lamps made by you, you will get the the honour to hallow me first on the upcoming Sharad Purnima." The former nodded in a positive.

Promptly enough, joy lighted up across Kubera's face, "I'll am forever indebted to you O merciful goddess!" His throat shrilled with exhilaration and head expeditiously touched  saying so the foremost of all Yakshas evanescenced in the gold sequined air.

Taking an advantage of the solitude, Ulūka, now donned in the body of a fanciable human, mindlessly approached the Empress of the abode. "Mātā Lakshmi -" he began.

"Who are you? And what have you done to my Ulūka?" A sly smile hid behind the Goddess' quivered lips watching Ulūka stand in perplexity.

"Mātā, what are you saying? I-I am Ulūka, our mount!"

"Oh Ulūka, how will I not recognise my lovely mount?" Pearls of laughter burst out from deep within as Lakshmi approached a stricken Ulūka, "I cracked a pleasantry because I noticed a feeling of melancholy on your face. What happened, my dear?"

"When Kubera Maharaj was approaching Śhrīpīṭha, he winced after looking at me because he was afraid of my appearance. My eyes are huge orbs with bright colors, two my toes are faced backwards and my ear tuffs are asymmetrical. I do not like anyone making witty remarks about owls, their appearance and their habits which are contrasting to rest of the birds but since Kubera Maharaj was your devotee and a guest at Śhrīpīṭha, instead of bickering, I personified into a human so he feels at ease." Ulūka avowed with his head still bobbing down low.

The Jagat Janani's lips twitched in compassion, putting a hand over Ulūka slugged shoulder to console him, "Nothing in this Brahmanda happens without my will, and you being my mount is my desire as well. Therefore do not get dismayed and gloomy because someone made fun of your appearance. What is given, shall eventually come back at them. Your eartuffs are asymmetrical because they help pinpoint the location of various sounds in multiple dimensions. Your large orbs are like binoculars that ensure precision. Hence, you are extremely dear to me."

"Thankyou Mātā." The owl incoherently whispered, soulfully paying homage to his Aradhya devi.

"Mortals and celestials may view you as an outlandish bird but soon enough, the three worlds will witness the wonders and feats of your wisdom, intellect, vision and stealth in nothing but fascination. This creation will see you over and above the dimwit credulity of being sceptical and ominous, and that's on me to make sure." The Goddess of Fortune reassured, smiling at the growing delight on Ulūka's face.

"I will be athirstly waiting to aid you Mātā. Now, I shall turn back into the life sized, pearly white owl. Having no plumage hugging the body is unnatural to me." Ulūka laughed, a wide smile enveloping his face, transmuting back into a snowy barn.

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The woodland floor of the Nagasuta mountain was painted in a million hues of brown, remarkably hinting at the fertility it was blessed with. Mingled in were some stones, adding their greys to the mosaic beneath the feet of Kunti and Pandu, who were on their way to please and invoke another celestial deity for the benediction of yet another illustrious son.

Kunti let her eyes rest on the khaki barks of the scarred trees, symbolic of the wisdom they had accumulated over the years, while listening to Pandu ardoursly describing the kind of a son he wanted and how it would benefit their kingdom. A tender smile beamed on her face, noticing the benevolence Pandu still possesed for the Kingdom he had fatefully left behind.

"Yudhishthir will indeed become a proverbial Ruler endowed with myriad ethics. But a ruler's good deeds will only receive respect when he possesses the strength and physical capabilities to protectthe justness," Pandu continued his monologue while Kunti gladly nodded, "I want such a son, Kunti, who has the strength comparable to hundreds and thousands of mighty elephants!"

"With sheer strength, comes an underlying tenderness. Just like the wind that merrily sways through the nook and corner of the world can destruct the mighty mountains and turn them into dust when in wrath, Arya, we should approach Vāyu dev. Only he can aid us in blessing a son as fearsome and potent as himself." Kunti propounded, compelling Pandu to accompany her in pleasing the ferocious Lord of the Wind, as the neared the cliff that set a scenic beauty, enough appreciate to welcome a celestial deity.

Standing in the mizzling drizzles complimented by a build of premonitive gusts of winds, Kunti and Pandu shut their eyes in determination to gratify the Wind Lord. The conviction to have an exalted son made them stand unfazed in the tempest that tried to move their anchorage on the dampened earth as the glorious Vāyu dev leisurely presented himself infront of the mortals.

"At your invitation, I've appeared here to bring Maharishi Durvasa's boon to fruition for you, Kunti." Vāyu Dev spoke docilely.

"Bless us with a son as powerful as you, whose incomparable strength will let him protect the shrine of justice." The couple prayed, receding down on their knees.

"O bearers of Kuruvansh, your son shall by implacable! Apart from all my vigour and capability residing in his arms, your noble scion will gain the grace and benediction of the noble and valourous Hanuman. Endless shivers will run down the spines of his enemies and foes upon hearing his glorious feats." The deity of Vāta fixated his inner mysticism as Kunti's arms slowly loaded down with the infant's weight.

The celestial of Indra's court upheld the monologue of commending his son, "In this way, he'll not only be like a rampart to his dynasty, but, will also assist the cosmic parents of the three worlds when Dharma is at the horizon of sinking. The abode of mortals will know him as Vrikodar Bheem!" He announced in blithe, disclosing a figment of the time ensuing.

The couple stepped back, paying obeisance to Vāyu dev before the otherworldly being dematerialized in the air. A sentimental smile crinkled the corner of Kunti's eyes as she dotingly glimmered at her newborn while beads of tears trickled down Pandu's face, finally quenching his thirst for a dauntless scion for his clan.

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Hello!
How are you all doing? I hope all good!

As usual; thoughts, suggestions and feedbacks about the chapter will be highly appreciated (aka Prabhu aapka bohot bhala karenge.)

Note : There is no given description of Śhrīpīṭha anywhere except for Mahalakshmi Ashtakam that states this is where Mata Lakshmi lives in her Mahālakshmī form. All the description is from MY imagination and inspirations taken from the appearance of Vaikuntha, Manidweepa and Goloka.

Anyways,
Hope you like it,
If you do, don't forget to vote and comment,
Thanks,
xx.