Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 20
Indra’s Envy at Pṛthu’s Aśvamedha and Brahmā’s Intervention
False Renunciation Exposed
अत्रि: सन्दर्शयामास त्वरमाणं विहायसा । कपालखट्वाङ्गधरं वीरो नैनमबाधत ॥ २० ॥
atriḥ sandarśayām āsa tvaramāṇaṁ vihāyasā kapāla-khaṭvāṅga-dharaṁ vīro nainam abādhata
El gran sabio Atri volvió a señalar al hijo de Pṛthu que Indra huía por el cielo. El héroe lo persiguió otra vez; pero al ver que Indra llevaba un bastón rematado con un cráneo y vestía de nuevo como sannyāsī, decidió no matarlo.
FAQs
This verse describes a sky-moving figure identified by Atri as bearing a skull and khaṭvāṅga—iconic emblems associated with Lord Śiva’s ascetic, fearsome aspect, often linked with renunciation and the destruction of impurity.
Atri indicates the swiftly moving figure to others present, but the “hero” refrains from obstructing him—suggesting discretion and restraint in a tense sacrificial conflict, where escalation would worsen adharma.
Even when one can interfere, wisdom may lie in restraint—avoiding unnecessary confrontation and choosing actions that reduce conflict and protect dharma.