Shloka 17
Vāsudeva’s Upadeśa: The Inner Enemy and the Indra–Vṛtra Precedent (आत्मशत्रु-बोधः; इन्द्र-वृत्रोपाख्यानम्)
स वध्यमानो वजेण तस्मिन्नमिततेजसा
sa vadhyamāno vajreṇa tasminnamitatejasā
“Struck down by the thunderbolt of that one of immeasurable splendor, he was being slain.” The line underscores the irresistible force of divine power when it is directed to uphold cosmic order, suggesting that overwhelming might, when wielded by a righteous and radiant authority, becomes an instrument of restraint against what must be checked.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the idea that overwhelming power, especially when associated with divine or righteous authority, can function as a necessary instrument to curb and destroy what must be restrained for the maintenance of order.
A figure is described as being struck down—‘being slain’—by a vajra (thunderbolt) wielded by someone characterized as possessing immeasurable splendor, emphasizing the decisive and unstoppable nature of the blow.