Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 31
Ikṣvāku Dynasty: Vikukṣi’s Offense, Purañjaya’s Victory, Māndhātā’s Birth, and Saubhari’s Fall and Renunciation
कं धास्यति कुमारोऽयं स्तन्ये रोरूयते भृशम् । मां धाता वत्स मा रोदीरितीन्द्रो देशिनीमदात् ॥ ३१ ॥
kaṁ dhāsyati kumāro ’yaṁ stanye rorūyate bhṛśam māṁ dhātā vatsa mā rodīr itīndro deśinīm adāt
その幼子は乳を求めて激しく泣き、婆羅門たちは嘆いて「誰がこの子を養うのか」と言った。するとその祭祀で礼拝されていたインドラが来て慰め、示指を口に入れて「泣くな、我を飲め」と告げた。
FAQs
This verse shows Indra arranging care for a crying infant, illustrating that higher powers may facilitate protection and nourishment when a child is helpless.
Seeing the infant crying for breast-milk and lacking immediate maternal nursing, Indra ensured the child’s survival by appointing a caretaker.
Care for the vulnerable—especially children—should be treated as sacred duty; when we become instruments of protection and support, we align with dharma.