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
Le grand sage Atri montra de nouveau au fils de Pṛthu qu’Indra fuyait par le ciel. Le héros le poursuivit encore; mais voyant qu’Indra portait un bâton surmonté d’un crâne et revêtait à nouveau l’habit d’un sannyāsī, il choisit de ne pas le tuer.
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.