Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 19
Purukutsa’s Rasātala Victory; Triśaṅku and Hariścandra; Rohita and Śunaḥśepha
एवं द्वितीये तृतीये चतुर्थे पञ्चमे तथा । अभ्येत्याभ्येत्य स्थविरो विप्रो भूत्वाह वृत्रहा ॥ १९ ॥
evaṁ dvitīye tṛtīye caturthe pañcame tathā abhyetyābhyetya sthaviro vipro bhūtvāha vṛtra-hā
In this way, at the end of the second, third, fourth and fifth years, when Rohita wanted to return to his capital, the King of heaven, Indra, approached him as an old brāhmaṇa and forbade him to return, repeating the same words as in the previous year.
FAQs
This verse indicates Indra repeatedly approached in the guise of an aged brāhmaṇa to speak in a way that would be respected and persuasive, reflecting a strategic attempt to influence events through a socially sacred role.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī narrates this verse while recounting the Ninth Canto history to King Parīkṣit, describing Indra (the slayer of Vṛtra) and his repeated approach.
It highlights that influence often comes through trusted appearances and repeated persuasion; therefore, one should use discernment—judging by integrity and truth, not merely by external status or presentation.