Shloka 57
अध्याय २८१ — दानधर्मः, न्यायागतधनम्, ऋणत्रय-परिशोधनं च
Dāna ethics, lawful wealth, and settling obligations
एवं शक्रेण सम्प्राप्ता ब्रह्मवध्या जनाधिप । पितामहमनुज्ञाप्य सो5श्वमेधमकल्पयत्,नरेश्वर! इस प्रकार इन्द्रको ब्रह्महत्या प्राप्त हुई थी, फिर उन्होंने ब्रह्माजीकी आज्ञा लेकर अश्वमेध यज्ञका अनुष्ठान किया
evaṁ śakreṇa samprāptā brahmavadhyā janādhipa | pitāmaham anujñāpya so 'śvamedham akalpayat ||
Bhishma said: “O lord of men, in this manner the sin of Brahmin-slaying (brahma-hatyā) came upon Indra. Thereafter, having obtained the permission of the Grandsire (Brahmā), he undertook the performance of the Aśvamedha sacrifice.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a powerful ruler is not above moral consequence: grave wrongdoing brings guilt, and restoration requires acknowledged expiation undertaken with proper authority and humility.
Bhishma recounts that Indra became afflicted with the guilt of brahmahatyā; then, after seeking Brahmā’s consent, Indra arranged to perform an Aśvamedha sacrifice as a remedial rite.