Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 36
Indra Slays Namuci—The Limits of Power and the Triumph of Divine Strategy
सोऽयं प्रतिहतो वज्रो मया मुक्तोऽसुरेऽल्पके । नाहं तदाददे दण्डं ब्रह्मतेजोऽप्यकारणम् ॥ ३६ ॥
so ’yaṁ pratihato vajro mayā mukto ’sure ’lpake nāhaṁ tad ādade daṇḍaṁ brahma-tejo ’py akāraṇam
But now, although the same thunderbolt has been released against a less important demon, it has been ineffectual. Therefore, although it was as good as a brahmāstra, it has now become useless like an ordinary rod. I shall therefore hold it no longer.
FAQs
This verse emphasizes dharma: punishment should not be accepted or administered without proper cause, even if backed by great spiritual or institutional power (brahma-tejas).
In the heat of the Deva–Asura battle, Indra’s vajra failed against an asura, and Indra reflects that mere power is not enough—actions must align with justice and rightful cause.
Use authority responsibly: do not punish, shame, or retaliate impulsively; verify the cause and act fairly, even when you have the power to enforce consequences.