Shloka 8
Raivata and Cākṣuṣa Manvantaras; Brahmā’s Prayers at Śvetadvīpa
Prelude to Samudra-manthana
इन्द्रो मन्त्रद्रुमस्तत्र देवा आप्यादयो गणा: । मुनयस्तत्र वै राजन्हविष्मद्वीरकादय: ॥ ८ ॥
indro mantradrumas tatra devā āpyādayo gaṇāḥ munayas tatra vai rājan haviṣmad-vīrakādayaḥ
During the reign of Cākṣuṣa Manu, the king of heaven, Indra, was known as Mantradruma. Among the devas were the Āpyas, and among the great sages were Haviṣmān and Vīraka, O King.
FAQs
The Āpyas are a class of demigods (a deva-gaṇa) mentioned among the celestial hosts present in the divine assembly described in this verse.
He is describing the gathered participants in the heavenly assembly—showing that both administrative demigods and saintly sages were present together, setting the stage for their collective appeal for divine guidance and protection.
Even the most powerful leaders seek counsel and higher shelter; combining responsibility (like Indra) with wisdom and purity (like the sages) is essential when facing crisis.