Chapter 400: Chapter 357: Everything is Ready, This is the Moment for the Heavenly Emperor to Shine! (Request for Monthly Tickets!)
In "Matigakapada".
The grand city was strewn with lotus petals, as well as water steeped with pollen, the faint fragrance of which wafted through the streets.
At the gates of the palace, elephants with legs like massive columns shuffled back and forth.
Astride the elephants, as though on war chariots, were guards seated above, scattering petals and purified water, holding high the conch shells, blowing into them, as the elephants too raised their trunks to trumpet long and proudly.
Ooooh~
Honk!
The enduring sound of the conch and the spirited cries of the elephants intertwined, creating a scene of harmony all around.
"King Matigakapada is blessed, for his son-in-law is the son of the Sun God!"
"Beautiful Manda, the maiden with the slender waist, is to marry the son of the Sun God!"
"Blessings shall soon descend upon Matigakapada!"
The people cheered and leaped for joy.
Amidst the shower of flowers, some cradled the Vina, plucking continuously; some played long flutes; others shook the damaru drums; and yet others twirled, never ceasing to dance, as young men and women exchanged glances, the atmosphere growing ever more fervent.
Within the royal palace.
Manda was being attended to by her maidens, stepping into a pure pool to bathe.
Splash!
Ripples spread over her alabaster skin, dazzlingly bright.
"Princess!"
"After your bath, you must wear your jewelry, for the ’Rite of Illumination’ is to follow."
One of the maidens said with a smile.
The Rite of Illumination, also known as the Lamp Rite, required Manda, escorted by other women, to light lanterns and candles all around the house, to dispel darkness and welcome the light.
After this was the father asking the groom the questions, inquiring into his birth.
Following that, there were a series of intricate rites yet to come.
"I’m all prepared!"
Manda giggled incessantly, looking forward to the successful completion of the wedding.
...
In the Heavenly Realm.
Sani was dressed in a resplendent golden robe, with gold tasseled ornaments hanging from his body, the chest area even embedded with a Mani gemstone, its red and blue lights twinkling, and around his neck was a thick gemstone necklace.
He felt somewhat embarrassed, lifting his hand to look at his fingers.
The fingers were of various thicknesses.
But all were adorned with rings of gemstones and gold, dazzlingly bright.
"Is this me?"
Sani looked at himself and murmured in amazement.
Yah! Yah! Yah!
On the lantern stand beside him, the crow Kaka tilted its head back, opened its sharp beak, and excitedly cawed.
Sani turned his head to look, a smile involuntarily spreading across his face.
"Son!"
"From now on, you’re the husband of a wife, the master of a household!"
"Live well!"
Chaya’s eyes twinkled with a smile.
She stood in front of Sani, admonishing him while adjusting his robes for her child.
Tap tap tap!
Faint footsteps echoed within the temple.
Sun God Surya and Cloud Deity Saroniyu also strolled in.
Cloud Deity Saroniyu, with her two hands gently carrying, held a light golden turban cap, the top of which bore a sparkling sapphire, exquisite in detail.
"Sani!"
"This is a gift from me and your father!"
Saroniyu spoke with a smile.
Chaya took the turban cap and turned to look at Sani.
"!!!"
Sani’s gaze sharpened. He looked down at the cap, then at the three people in front of him, his feelings complex and somewhat displeased.
These three had joined forces!
Why did he feel like he was being left out?
Sani glanced at his mother Chaya and saw her already holding the cap, leaning toward him with hopeful eyes.
He couldn’t help but lower his head, allowing his mother to place the turban cap on him.
"Thank you, Mother!"
Sani clasped his hands together in a gesture of prayer.
Upon hearing this, Chaya’s smile deepened with joy, and then her eyes twinkled with a mix of anticipation and encouragement as she looked at Sani.
Sani lifted his head slightly and saw Surya standing to the side, his head turned.
And there was Saroniyu, smiling warmly!
"..."
Sani took a deep breath, hands clasped in prayer, bowing deeply.
"Thank you, my father!"
"Thank you, my aunt!"
Sani said, speaking up.
"How wonderful!"
Chaya’s expression was one of delight.
"Yes!" Saroniyu also nodded her head, her face full of smiles, and together their joyful demeanors intertwined like playful twin sisters, creating this harmonious scene.
Seeing this, Sani fidgeted uncomfortably.
Hiss!
So strange!
"Sani!"
"My Divine Chariot is already prepared, let’s go quickly!"
Sun God Surya raised his head high, jutting out his chin, looking sidelong at Sani as he spoke.
If one were to ask what is the most beautiful Divine Chariot in the world?
Without a doubt!
The Sun God Chariot!
The three of them walked slowly out of the temple, where numerous Devas had already gathered, all steering their magnificent Divine Chariots.
Of course, the one that captured everyone’s attention was the Sun God Chariot at the center.
Hiss!!!
Seven Divine Horses reared and neighed, shaking their snow-white manes, occasionally raising their hooves, setting them down in the void.
The chariot wheels shone like the sun, the wheel ruts like rays of light, illuminating in all directions. The carriage itself was adorned with a myriad of vibrant flowers, radiantly vivid.
The Devas were all neatly lined up.
Even Yama, the God of Death, had taken time from his busy schedule, riding upon a large black ox and draped in gold ornaments, exuding a majestic presence.
At the forefront of this group of Devas was Kashigyakya, mounted on a peacock.
"Today is an auspicious day!"
"Let’s set off quickly!"
Kashigyakya’s eyes sparkled as he smiled encouragingly.
He stood tall and proud, garbed in golden attire, wearing a gold diadem atop his head, and a glamorous white gold robe draped elegantly on his body, resembling a proud Golden Winged Bird.
A brightly colored rooster, like a flag unfurled, spread its wings and hovered, floating beside him.
Today is the Marriage Ritual of his subordinate Sani!
It’s also the perfect opportunity for him to exhibit the authority of the Heavenly Emperor, to lead the Devas to Sani’s wedding and to highlight his own majesty.
Kashigyakya’s face was alight with excitement.
This was his first time appearing publicly before the mortals.
Shoo!
Sani’s heart surged with excitement.
He took a deep breath, stepped onto the Sun God Chariot, and with Aruna steering the Chariot, they shot forth in an instant.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
The Devas tore through layers of the void, shuttling through space, descending into the Mortal Realm like a cascade of golden shooting stars, plummeting straight into "Matigakapado."
"The Devas have come!"
"Praise the Devas, praise the great Devas!"
"Look, that’s the Sun God who illuminates the earth, that’s Yama on his black ox, that’s the Fire God who scorches away all sins..."
"Who’s at the front? So radiant!"
"So radiant and leading the host of gods, could that be the chief among the Devas, Indra?"
"Praise Indra!!!"
Within the city of "Matigakapado," countless people cheered, buzzing with conversation.
Inside the palace.
"The Charioteer King" and the queen stood at the entrance of the palace, nervously clutching each other’s hands, tiptoeing, craning their necks towards the outside, straining their eyes to watch for the arrival of the Devas.
"They’re here!"
"The Devas have arrived!"
