Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 34
Indra Slays Namuci—The Limits of Power and the Triumph of Divine Strategy
येन मे पूर्वमद्रीणां पक्षच्छेद: प्रजात्यये । कृतो निविशतां भारै: पतत्त्रै: पततां भुवि ॥ ३४ ॥
yena me pūrvam adrīṇāṁ pakṣa-cchedaḥ prajātyaye kṛto niviśatāṁ bhāraiḥ patattraiḥ patatāṁ bhuvi
Indra thought: “Formerly, at the time of cosmic dissolution, with this very thunderbolt I cut off the wings of the mountains that flew through the sky; weighed down, they fell to earth and slew the people.”
FAQs
This verse recalls an ancient event where the mountains were said to have wings and could fly; their wings were cut to prevent them from crashing down and harming the earth, preserving cosmic order.
In the context of the Deva–Asura battle, Indra is glorifying Garuda’s extraordinary power and help, reminding him of earlier mighty deeds attributed to him.
Just as harmful forces were restrained to protect the world, one should restrain destructive habits and actions for the welfare of family, society, and one’s own spiritual progress.