Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 16
Vṛtrāsura Rebukes Indra; Heroic Combat and the Asura’s Pure Devotional Prayers
श्रीह्रीदयाकीर्तिभिरुज्झितं त्वां स्वकर्मणा पुरुषादैश्च गर्ह्यम् । कृच्छ्रेण मच्छूलविभिन्नदेह- मस्पृष्टवह्निं समदन्ति गृध्रा: ॥ १६ ॥
śrī-hrī-dayā-kīrtibhir ujjhitaṁ tvāṁ sva-karmaṇā puruṣādaiś ca garhyam kṛcchreṇa mac-chūla-vibhinna-deham aspṛṣṭa-vahniṁ samadanti gṛdhrāḥ
Indra, du bist ohne Scham, Barmherzigkeit, Ruhm und Glück. Aufgrund deiner Taten bist du selbst von den Menschenfressern zu verurteilen. Jetzt werde ich deinen Körper mit meinem Dreizack durchbohren, und die Geier werden deinen Leichnam fressen.
FAQs
This verse states that one condemned by one’s own actions may lose honor, compassion, and reputation, and may even be denied proper funeral rites—symbolizing severe karmic degradation.
In the battlefield exchange, Vṛtrāsura rebukes Indra to expose his moral fall and to warn him of the consequences of ignoble action, even while the conflict proceeds by destiny.
Guard your character—compassion, modesty, and integrity—because actions shape reputation and inner dignity; avoid choices that bring lasting shame even if they offer short-term gain.