Shloka 4
इन्द्रस्य दुःखप्राप्तिः—त्रिशिरोवधः, वृत्रोत्पत्तिः, जृम्भिकाजननम्
Indra’s Distress: Slaying of Triśiras, Birth of Vṛtra, and the Origin of Yawning
ऐन्द्रं स प्रार्थयत् स्थान विश्वरूपो महाद्युति: । तैस्त्रिभिवदनैघोरि: सूर्येन्दुज्वलनोपमै:,उस महातेजस्वी बालकका नाम था विश्वरूप। वह सूर्य, चन्द्रमा तथा अग्निके समान तेजस्वी एवं भयंकर अपने उन तीनों मुखोंद्वारा इन्द्रका स्थान पानेकी प्रार्थना करता था
aindraṁ sa prārthayat sthānaṁ viśvarūpo mahādyutiḥ | tais tribhir vadanaiḥ ghoraiḥ sūryendujvalanopamaiḥ ||
Śalya said: The radiant boy named Viśvarūpa sought to obtain Indra’s sovereign station. With his three fearsome faces—shining like the sun, the moon, and fire—he petitioned for that supreme power, showing how fierce brilliance and ambition can press against the rightful order of authority.
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical tension between personal brilliance/aspiration and the established rightful order (sthāna). Seeking supreme authority is portrayed as a grave act when driven by overpowering ambition rather than dharmic entitlement.
Śalya describes Viśvarūpa, a tremendously radiant boy with three fearsome faces, petitioning to obtain Indra’s position—an episode that frames a challenge to Indra’s sovereignty.