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
Sober and tolerant and well equipped with paraphernalia for fighting, Bali Mahārāja moved before Indra on the great battlefield. King Indra, who always carries the thunderbolt in his hand, rebuked Bali Mahārāja as follows.
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.