Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 3
Indra Slays Namuci—The Limits of Power and the Triumph of Divine Strategy
वज्रपाणिस्तमाहेदं तिरस्कृत्य पुर:स्थितम् । मनस्विनं सुसम्पन्नं विचरन्तं महामृधे ॥ ३ ॥
vajra-pāṇis tam āhedaṁ tiraskṛtya puraḥ-sthitam manasvinaṁ susampannaṁ vicarantaṁ mahā-mṛdhe
Besonnen, duldsam und gut ausgerüstet für den Kampf, trat Mahārāja Bali auf dem großen Schlachtfeld vor Indra. König Indra, der stets den Donnerkeil in der Hand trägt, wies Mahārāja Bali wie folgt zurecht.
FAQs
This verse portrays Indra addressing a formidable, proud opponent—highlighting how great power and confidence can invite strong rebuke and confrontation in the struggle between dharma and adharma.
Because the foe is described as manasvī and su-sampanna—proud and well-equipped—moving freely in the great battle; Indra responds by censuring him directly as part of the escalating Deva–Asura conflict.
When facing strong opposition, remain steady and principled; do not be intimidated by someone’s display of power, and confront challenges with clarity rather than fear.