Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 12
Vṛtrāsura Rebukes Indra; Heroic Combat and the Asura’s Pure Devotional Prayers
न सन्नवाहाय विषण्णचेतसे प्रायुङ्क्त भूय: स गदां महात्मा । इन्द्रोऽमृतस्यन्दिकराभिमर्श वीतव्यथक्षतवाहोऽवतस्थे ॥ १२ ॥
na sanna-vāhāya viṣaṇṇa-cetase prāyuṅkta bhūyaḥ sa gadāṁ mahātmā indro ’mṛta-syandi-karābhimarśa- vīta-vyatha-kṣata-vāho ’vatasthe
インドラの乗る象が疲弊し傷ついているのを見て、またインドラが自身の乗り物が傷つけられたことに沈んでいるのを見て、偉大なる魂ヴリトラアスラは、宗教的原則に従い、再びインドラを棍棒で打つことを控えました。この好機に、インドラは甘露を生み出す手で象に触れ、動物の痛みを和らげ、傷を癒しました。そして象とインドラは静かに立ち尽くしました。
FAQs
This verse shows Vṛtrāsura’s nobility: he refrains from striking Indra again when Indra is mentally dejected and unwilling to fight, highlighting compassion and honor even amid conflict.
Because Indra appeared viṣaṇṇa-cetā—downcast and not ready for combat—Vṛtrāsura, described as mahātmā, chose not to exploit that weakness.
Do not take advantage of others when they are vulnerable; act with restraint and integrity, even when you have the upper hand.