Shloka 8
तान् दृष्टवा द्रवतो भीतान् सहस्राक्ष: पुरंदर: । वृत्रे विवर्धभाने च कश्मलं महदाविशत्,देवताओंको डरकर भागते देख वृत्रासुरकी प्रगतिका अनुमान करके सहस्र नेत्रोंवाले इन्द्रपर महान् मोह छा गया
tān dṛṣṭvā dravato bhītān sahasrākṣaḥ puraṃdaraḥ | vṛtre vivardhamāne ca kaśmalaṃ mahad āviśat ||
Seeing the frightened gods fleeing in disorder, Indra—thousand-eyed, the slayer of fortresses—was seized by a great moral and mental collapse, for he perceived Vṛtra’s power and advance steadily increasing. The verse highlights how even a mighty ruler can be overcome by doubt and confusion when fear spreads through his community and an adversary’s momentum grows.
लोगश उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that fear can spread collectively and destabilize even the strongest leader; when an opponent’s strength appears to be rising, one must guard against kaśmala—paralyzing confusion—and return to clear judgment and dharmic resolve.
Indra sees the gods fleeing in fear. Interpreting their flight as a sign that Vṛtra is gaining the upper hand, Indra is overwhelmed by intense bewilderment and despondency.