Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 17
Indra’s Prayers and the Coronation of Śrī Kṛṣṇa as Govinda
Govindābhiṣeka
गम्यतां शक्र भद्रं व: क्रियतां मेऽनुशासनम् । स्थीयतां स्वाधिकारेषु युक्तैर्व: स्तम्भवर्जितै: ॥ १७ ॥
gamyatāṁ śakra bhadraṁ vaḥ kriyatāṁ me ’nuśāsanam sthīyatāṁ svādhikāreṣu yuktair vaḥ stambha-varjitaiḥ
Indra, you may now go. Execute My order and remain in your appointed position as King of heaven. But be sober, without false pride.
Lord Kṛṣṇa here addresses Indra in the plural form ( vaḥ ) because this grave instruction was meant to be a lesson for all the demigods.
FAQs
In this verse, Kṛṣṇa tells Indra to abandon pride and act with discernment, showing that even powerful beings must remain humble and aligned with dharma.
After Indra’s offense during the Govardhana episode, Kṛṣṇa mercifully corrects him—blessing him, then instructing him to return to his duty without arrogance.
Do your responsibilities conscientiously, avoid ego from position or success, and accept correction—humility keeps one aligned with higher purpose.