Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 31
Ikṣvāku Dynasty: Vikukṣi’s Offense, Purañjaya’s Victory, Māndhātā’s Birth, and Saubhari’s Fall and Renunciation
कं धास्यति कुमारोऽयं स्तन्ये रोरूयते भृशम् । मां धाता वत्स मा रोदीरितीन्द्रो देशिनीमदात् ॥ ३१ ॥
kaṁ dhāsyati kumāro ’yaṁ stanye rorūyate bhṛśam māṁ dhātā vatsa mā rodīr itīndro deśinīm adāt
El niño lloraba con fuerza por leche; los brāhmaṇas, afligidos, decían: “¿Quién cuidará de este pequeño?” Entonces Indra, adorado en aquel yajña, vino a consolarlo; puso su dedo índice en la boca del bebé y dijo: “No llores; bébeme a mí.”
FAQs
This verse shows Indra arranging care for a crying infant, illustrating that higher powers may facilitate protection and nourishment when a child is helpless.
Seeing the infant crying for breast-milk and lacking immediate maternal nursing, Indra ensured the child’s survival by appointing a caretaker.
Care for the vulnerable—especially children—should be treated as sacred duty; when we become instruments of protection and support, we align with dharma.