Shloka 44
Vṛtra’s Cosmic Threat, Viṣṇu’s Upāya, and the Conditional Vulnerability
Udyoga-parva 10
अनुतेनाभि भूतो 5 भूच्छक्र: परमदुर्मना: । त्रैशीर्षयाभिभूतश्च स पूर्व ब्रह्महत्यया
anūtenābhibhūto bhūcchakraḥ paramadurmanāḥ | traiśīrṣayābhibhūtaś ca sa pūrvaṁ brahmahatyayā ||
Śalya said: Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, was overwhelmed by that act of untruth born of betrayal and became deeply despondent within. Even earlier he had already been seized by the sin of brahmahatyā arising from the slaying of Triśiras; and now, after the killing of the mighty Vṛtra who had terrified the gods, his inner anguish only intensified.
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a victorious act can carry moral residue if it involves deceit or the killing of one protected by dharma; the verse highlights conscience, accountability, and the necessity of expiation when adharma taints action.
Śalya describes Indra’s inner turmoil: already burdened by brahmahatyā from killing Triśiras, Indra becomes further overwhelmed and despondent after the episode involving Vṛtra’s death, which is associated with betrayal/untruth.