Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 18
Vṛtrāsura Instructs Indra on Providence and Devotion; The Slaying of Vṛtrāsura
श्रीशुक उवाच इन्द्रो वृत्रवच: श्रुत्वा गतालीकमपूजयत् । गृहीतवज्र: प्रहसंस्तमाह गतविस्मय: ॥ १८ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca indro vṛtra-vacaḥ śrutvā gatālīkam apūjayat gṛhīta-vajraḥ prahasaṁs tam āha gata-vismayaḥ
Śrī Śukadeva sprach: Als Indra die geraden, belehrenden Worte Vṛtrāsuras hörte, pries er ihn und nahm den Donnerkeil wieder in die Hand. Ohne Verwirrung und ohne Falschheit lächelte er und sprach zu Vṛtrāsura wie folgt.
King Indra, the greatest of the demigods, was astonished to hear the instructions of Vṛtrāsura, who was supposed to be a demon. He was struck with wonder that a demon could speak so intelligently. Then he remembered great devotees like Prahlāda Mahārāja and Bali Mahārāja, who had been born in the families of demons, and thus he came to his senses. Even so-called demons sometimes have exalted devotion for the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore Indra smiled reassuringly at Vṛtrāsura.
FAQs
This verse shows Indra respecting Vṛtrāsura after hearing his exalted words—teaching that genuine devotion commands honor beyond external opposition.
Vṛtrāsura’s speech removed Indra’s doubt and surprise; regaining clarity and composure, Indra responded while holding his vajra.
Recognize sincerity and virtue wherever it appears, respond without deceit, and maintain respect even during conflict or disagreement.