Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 30
Vṛtrāsura Instructs Indra on Providence and Devotion; The Slaying of Vṛtrāsura
वृत्रग्रस्तं तमालोक्य सप्रजापतय: सुरा: । हा कष्टमिति निर्विण्णाश्चुक्रुशु: समहर्षय: ॥ ३० ॥
vṛtra-grastaṁ tam ālokya saprajāpatayaḥ surāḥ hā kaṣṭam iti nirviṇṇāś cukruśuḥ samaharṣayaḥ
When the demigods, along with Brahmā, other prajāpatis and other great saintly persons, saw that Indra had been swallowed by the demon, they became very morose. “Alas,” they lamented. “What a calamity! What a calamity!”
FAQs
In this verse, the demigods, Prajāpatis, and great sages see Indra caught by Vṛtra and, overwhelmed with grief, cry out in distress—showing how even the celestial beings face moments of fear in the Lord’s unfolding plan.
Because Indra’s capture appears like a disastrous turning point in the battle; their lament reflects immediate shock and despondency before the deeper purpose of providence becomes clear in the narrative.
It acknowledges the reality of human (and even celestial) distress in crisis, while reminding a devotee to move from panic toward steadiness—seeking clarity, prayer, and dharmic action rather than being paralyzed by fear.