Shloka 26
Vṛtrāsura Instructs Indra on Providence and Devotion; The Slaying of Vṛtrāsura
दोर्भ्यामुत्कृत्तमूलाभ्यां बभौ रक्तस्रवोऽसुर: । छिन्नपक्षो यथा गोत्र: खाद्भ्रष्टो वज्रिणा हत: ॥ २६ ॥
dorbhyām utkṛtta-mūlābhyāṁ babhau rakta-sravo ’suraḥ chinna-pakṣo yathā gotraḥ khād bhraṣṭo vajriṇā hataḥ
Vṛtrāsura, der stark blutete und dessen beide Arme an der Wurzel abgehauen waren, sah sehr schön aus, wie ein fliegender Berg, dessen Flügel von Indra in Stücke gehauen wurden.
It appears from the statement of this verse that sometimes there are flying mountains and that their wings are cut by the thunderbolt of Indra. Vṛtrāsura’s huge body resembled such a mountain.
FAQs
This verse describes Vṛtrāsura after Indra’s thunderbolt attack—his arms severed and blood flowing—depicting the climactic moment of his fall in the battle.
The imagery recalls the ancient motif of ‘winged mountains’ being struck down; similarly, Vṛtrāsura, struck by Indra’s vajra, falls from the sky, emphasizing the force and finality of the blow.
It reminds a seeker that external power and position can collapse instantly; enduring strength is inner surrender and devotion, especially when circumstances become irreversible.