"Nahi Nahi..." he said firmly, his eyes reflecting a thousand suns. "Tum kuch aur maang lo."

Her friends exchanged worried glances, the royal guards shifting uneasily as they sensed the weight of the moment. But Krishneshwari's determination shone like a beacon.

"Mujhe yahi gyaan chahiye Mahakaal." She insisted, her eyes ablaze with fervour, "Mujhe tat tvam asi ka gyaan chahiye. Woh gyaan jise praapt kar manushya dukh-mukt ho sakta hai."

Mahakaal’s expression softened, yet he remained firm. "Yeh Mahavakya ko samajhna tumse pare hai. Devtao ke liye bhi yeh gyaan durlabh hai. Kuch aur maang lo."

"Nahi. Mujhe aatma-vidya hi chahiye." Krishneshwari said.

Mahakaal leaned back against the ancient rock, a figure both imposing and gentle, radiating an aura that was both terrifying and divine. "Dukh dur karne ke liye anya maarg bhi hai. Tum 100 varsho ki aayu wale tejasvi putra-pautra maang lo. Raj-putrika ho tum, yeh vardaan atyant laabh-daayi hoga."

The princess’s friends seemed intrigued at the suggestion, they could only imagine the greatness that will follow with such a boon. Long-lived sons and grandsons, would ensure a prosperous lineage that would echo through generations. To them, the idea of a legacy filled with longevity and glory seemed like a treasure beyond measure

"Mujhe yeh vardaan nahi chahiye." Krishneshwari remained resolute, her expression calm and unwavering.

Her friends frowned, while they envisioned a future blessed with wealth and power, she was anchored by a profound yearning for a truth that transcended worldly desires.

"Toh itna dhan maang lo, jitna Kuber ke paas bhi na ho. Mai tumhe sansaar ka samast dhan, divya rath, shresht ashwa aur shaktishali Gaj ke saath pradaan kar sakta hu." he suggested, the idea swirling like a fragrant offering in the air.

Her friends’ excitement bubbled over, their imaginations igniting at the thought of opulent treasures that could eclipse Kuber’s vast riches— golden coins pouring forth like rivers, jewels glistening in the dappled light. The promise of chariots, majestic elephants, and swift horses was crafted into a tapestry of splendor. They whispered amongst themselves, imagining a life adorned with luxury and power, their youthful hearts swayed by the allure of material gain.

Yet amid their fantasies, Krishneshwari remained unfazed, her heart anchored to a deeper yearning. "Mujhe inn sab mei ruchi nahi hai."

A sigh escaped Mahakaal's lips, he then gave another offer, "Tum chaaho toh mai tumhe sansaar ke shresht purusho ko tumhara daas bana sakta hu. Aise yuvaan purush jo tumhe sadev sukh aur anand denge. Aise purush jinke roop ke samaksh swarg ke devta bhi natmastak ho jaaye, unse tum prati-din apni sewa karwa sakti ho."

His words hung in the air, a tempting promise of handsome men, divine in beauty, who would cater to her every whim. Eyes widened, and whispers of delight stirred among the girls, their imaginations igniting with visions of gallant and charming men, adorned in resplendent garments, each more radiant than the last. They exchanged glances, the allure of handsome attendants igniting their imaginations.

"Mujhe yeh bhi nahi chahiye." She replied, her voice steady, yet infused with an untamed spirit.

"Toh mai tumhe Devtao ka rajya de sakta hu." He urged, his voice a low rumble, tinged with ancient authority. "Indra se uchi padvi de sakta hu, trilok kya, tumhe 14 loko ki samragyi bana sakta hu."

The friends felt their hearts stir at the thought of such unimaginable grandeur, a vision resplendent with glory, where she could reign over not just the mortal realm but the vastness of 14 worlds. They exchanged glances, their eyes sparkling with the intoxicating promise of dominion—a chance to eclipse even Indra, the king of heaven.

Krishneshwari felt the weight of his words, yet her brow furrowed in defiance. "Mujhe nahi chahiye 14 loko ka samrajya. Kyuki mera tan nashwar hai, aaj hai kal nahi. Fir inn sab sukh aur bhog ka kya laabh ?"

"Toh amar hone ka vardaan lelo." Mahakaal’s demeanor shifted to one of intrigue. "Amar hone ke saath nitya-yovan, 14 loko ka samrajya, Kuber se adhik dhan, sarvashrest purush jo tumhare daas ban ke rahe aur lambi aayu wale tejasvi putra-pautra sab lelo. Woh sab lelo Krishneshwari, jo iss bhautik sansaar mei milna kathin hai."

As he spoke, the air thickened with enchantment. Krishneshwari’s friends exchanged anxious glances, their hearts racing with the allure of such an offer. They felt faint, their youthful minds struggling to grasp the magnitude of what was laid before them. Who would refuse such divine gifts? Surely only a fool.

As temptations danced in the air, a smile blossomed on Krishneshwari’s face. For a moment everyone thought that she was pleased with the offer, willing to accept the highest splendor, unimaginable to the greatest of kings, impossible to attain by the greatest of sages.

"Yadi aap mujhe itna sab dene ko sajj hai..." Krishneshwari said, radiant and resolute, "Toh awashya maine jo maanga hai woh inn sab se kayi adhik mulyavaan hai."

The forest around them fell silent, as if the very trees were holding their breath. Her words hung in the air, a bold challenge to the divine presence before her. Her friends exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued by Krishneshwari's audacious spirit. The allure of power shimmered in the air, and for a fleeting moment, they contemplated the price of forsaking the quest for knowledge.

Mahakaal, his visage radiant and imposing, couldn’t help but smile. His expression was one of both amusement and admiration, "Buddhi bhayavaye hai tumhari."

Krishneshwari chuckled lightly, the sound like tinkling bells, and joined her hands in reverence. Mahakaal’s eyes twinkled with a knowing glint as he gestured toward her, "Kal iss hi sthaan par, iss hi samaye ana. Tum Brahmgyaan ki adhikaari ho."

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A/N

Our Krishneshwari passed Mahakaal's test ✨✨

Btw sach sach batana, how many of you were tempted ? And at what offer were you tempted ? 🤣🤣

This is precisely how the material world tempts Aatma, so it remains unaware of its true nature.