Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 29
Indra’s Envy at Pṛthu’s Aśvamedha and Brahmā’s Intervention
False Renunciation Exposed
इत्यामन्त्र्य क्रतुपतिं विदुरास्यर्त्विजो रुषा । स्रुग्घस्ताञ्जुह्वतोऽभ्येत्य स्वयम्भू: प्रत्यषेधत ॥ २९ ॥
ity āmantrya kratu-patiṁ vidurāsyartvijo ruṣā srug-ghastāñ juhvato ’bhyetya svayambhūḥ pratyaṣedhata
O Vidura, after advising the King thus, the priests performing the sacrifice angrily invoked Indra. Just as they raised the ladle to pour the oblation into the fire, Brahmā, the self-born lord, appeared and forbade them.
FAQs
Because the priests, enraged and ready to act further while offering oblations, were moving toward a harsh course; Brahmā intervened to restrain them and prevent irreligious, anger-driven action during the sacrifice.
The ‘kratupati’ is the master of the sacrifice—here, King Pṛthu, who was conducting the yajña.
Even in religious or principled work, anger can push one toward harmful decisions; wise guidance and self-restraint protect dharma and keep one’s actions pure.