Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 16
Indra Slays Namuci—The Limits of Power and the Triumph of Divine Strategy
ततो रथो मातलिना हरिभिर्दशशतैर्वृत: । आनीतो द्विपमुत्सृज्य रथमारुरुहे विभु: ॥ १६ ॥
tato ratho mātalinā haribhir daśa-śatair vṛtaḥ ānīto dvipam utsṛjya ratham āruruhe vibhuḥ
Darauf brachte Mātali, Indras Wagenlenker, Indras Streitwagen herbei, der von tausend Pferden gezogen wurde. Indra verließ seinen Elefanten und bestieg den Wagen.
FAQs
Mātali is Indra’s charioteer, who brings Indra’s chariot to the battlefield, enabling Indra to continue the fight against the demons.
In the heat of the Deva–Asura battle, Indra switches from his elephant mount to the faster, battle-ready chariot brought by Mātali, indicating a tactical change in combat.
When circumstances change, one should adapt one’s means while keeping the duty and higher purpose steady—skillfully choosing the right support to continue one’s responsibility.