Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 10
Vṛtrāsura Rebukes Indra; Heroic Combat and the Asura’s Pure Devotional Prayers
स इन्द्रशत्रु: कुपितो भृशं तया महेन्द्रवाहं गदयोरुविक्रम: । जघान कुम्भस्थल उन्नदन्मृधे तत्कर्म सर्वे समपूजयन्नृप ॥ १० ॥
sa indra-śatruḥ kupito bhṛśaṁ tayā mahendra-vāhaṁ gadayoru-vikramaḥ jaghāna kumbha-sthala unnadan mṛdhe tat karma sarve samapūjayan nṛpa
Oh Rey Parīkṣit, el poderoso Vṛtrāsura, enemigo del Rey Indra, golpeó con ira la cabeza del elefante de Indra con su maza, produciendo un sonido tumultuoso en el campo de batalla. Por esta hazaña heroica, los soldados de ambos bandos lo glorificaron.
FAQs
This verse describes Vṛtrāsura as immensely powerful—roaring on the battlefield and striking Indra’s mount Airāvata on the forehead with a mighty mace—so impressive that all present praised the act.
In the war between the devas and asuras, Vṛtrāsura confronts Indra directly; striking Airāvata is part of his fierce engagement with Indra’s forces and his challenge to Indra in combat.
It highlights focus and fearless effort in one’s duty—acting decisively in challenging situations—while remembering that strength and success should ultimately be aligned with higher purpose and integrity.