Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 27
Indra Slays Namuci—The Limits of Power and the Triumph of Divine Strategy
निरीक्ष्य पृतनां देव: परैरभ्यर्दितां रणे । उदयच्छद् रिपुं हन्तुं वज्रं वज्रधरो रुषा ॥ २७ ॥
nirīkṣya pṛtanāṁ devaḥ parair abhyarditāṁ raṇe udayacchad ripuṁ hantuṁ vajraṁ vajra-dharo ruṣā
When Indra, who is known as Vajra-dhara, the carrier of the thunderbolt, saw his own soldiers so oppressed by the enemies on the battlefield, he became very angry. Thus he took up his thunderbolt to kill the enemies.
FAQs
Because he saw the devas’ army being overwhelmed by the enemy in battle, and in anger he lifted the vajra to strike the opposing force.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī is narrating the battle account to Mahārāja Parīkṣit.
It highlights decisive action in protecting one’s duty-bound side, while also reminding readers that anger can arise even in righteous conflict and should be guided by dharma.