Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 3
Indra Slays Namuci—The Limits of Power and the Triumph of Divine Strategy
वज्रपाणिस्तमाहेदं तिरस्कृत्य पुर:स्थितम् । मनस्विनं सुसम्पन्नं विचरन्तं महामृधे ॥ ३ ॥
vajra-pāṇis tam āhedaṁ tiraskṛtya puraḥ-sthitam manasvinaṁ susampannaṁ vicarantaṁ mahā-mṛdhe
Sobre, tolérant et bien équipé pour le combat, Mahārāja Bali s'avança devant Indra sur le grand champ de bataille. Le roi Indra, qui porte toujours le foudre à la main, réprimanda Mahārāja Bali comme suit.
FAQs
This verse portrays Indra addressing a formidable, proud opponent—highlighting how great power and confidence can invite strong rebuke and confrontation in the struggle between dharma and adharma.
Because the foe is described as manasvī and su-sampanna—proud and well-equipped—moving freely in the great battle; Indra responds by censuring him directly as part of the escalating Deva–Asura conflict.
When facing strong opposition, remain steady and principled; do not be intimidated by someone’s display of power, and confront challenges with clarity rather than fear.