Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 15
Vṛtrāsura Rebukes Indra; Heroic Combat and the Asura’s Pure Devotional Prayers
यो नोऽग्रजस्यात्मविदो द्विजाते- र्गुरोरपापस्य च दीक्षितस्य । विश्रभ्य खड्गेन शिरांस्यवृश्चत् पशोरिवाकरुण: स्वर्गकाम: ॥ १५ ॥
yo no ’grajasyātma-vido dvijāter guror apāpasya ca dīkṣitasya viśrabhya khaḍgena śirāṁsy avṛścat paśor ivākaruṇaḥ svarga-kāmaḥ
Hanya demi hidup di planet surgawi, engkau membunuh kakakku—seorang Brahmana yang insaf akan diri, tanpa dosa, dan memenuhi syarat yang telah diangkat menjadi pendeta utamamu. Engkau memenggal kepalanya tanpa ampun seperti menyembelih hewan.
FAQs
This verse condemns it as a merciless, adharma act—especially when the victim is a self-realized, sinless, initiated guru—done here out of selfish desire for heaven.
Vṛtrāsura recalls that Indra killed their elder brother and spiritual guide (Viśvarūpa) after gaining his trust, cutting off his heads with a sword like an animal, motivated by svarga-kāma (heavenly ambition).
Avoid ambition that justifies cruelty: do not betray trust, exploit teachers/mentors, or harm the innocent for personal gain, and measure “success” by integrity and devotion rather than rewards.