Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 25
Deva–Asura Battle after the Nectar; Bali’s Illusions and Hari’s Intervention
ऐरावतं दिक्करिणमारूढ: शुशुभे स्वराट् । यथा स्रवत्प्रस्रवणमुदयाद्रिमहर्पति: ॥ २५ ॥
airāvataṁ dik-kariṇam ārūḍhaḥ śuśubhe sva-rāṭ yathā sravat-prasravaṇam udayādrim ahar-patiḥ
Assis sur Airāvata, l’éléphant des directions qui peut aller partout, le roi du ciel Indra resplendissait tel le soleil se levant de l’Udayagiri, riche de réservoirs et de sources.
On the top of the mountain called Udayagiri are large lakes from which water continuously pours in waterfalls. Similarly, Indra’s carrier, Airāvata, holds water and wine in reserve and showers it in the direction of Lord Indra. Thus Indra, King of heaven, sitting on the back of Airāvata, appeared like the brilliant sun rising above Udayagiri.
FAQs
In this verse, Indra is depicted as resplendent while mounted on Airāvata, emphasizing his royal majesty and the divine grandeur of the devas as they enter battle.
Śukadeva uses the sunrise metaphor to convey Indra’s brilliance and commanding presence—an auspicious, overpowering radiance like the sun emerging over the eastern mountain.
The verse highlights how rightful leadership and responsibility should be accompanied by dignity and clarity—like light that guides others—rather than arrogance or cruelty.