Shloka 18
Vṛtrāsura Instructs Indra on Providence and Devotion; The Slaying of Vṛtrāsura
श्रीशुक उवाच इन्द्रो वृत्रवच: श्रुत्वा गतालीकमपूजयत् । गृहीतवज्र: प्रहसंस्तमाह गतविस्मय: ॥ १८ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca indro vṛtra-vacaḥ śrutvā gatālīkam apūjayat gṛhīta-vajraḥ prahasaṁs tam āha gata-vismayaḥ
ശ്രീശുകൻ പറഞ്ഞു—വൃത്രാസുരന്റെ നേരായ ഉപദേശവചനങ്ങൾ കേട്ട് ഇന്ദ്രൻ അവനെ പ്രശംസിച്ചു; വീണ്ടും വജ്രം കൈയിൽ എടുത്തു. ആശയക്കുഴപ്പമോ കപടമോ ഇല്ലാതെ പുഞ്ചിരിച്ച് വൃത്രാസുരനോട് ഇങ്ങനെ പറഞ്ഞു.
King Indra, the greatest of the demigods, was astonished to hear the instructions of Vṛtrāsura, who was supposed to be a demon. He was struck with wonder that a demon could speak so intelligently. Then he remembered great devotees like Prahlāda Mahārāja and Bali Mahārāja, who had been born in the families of demons, and thus he came to his senses. Even so-called demons sometimes have exalted devotion for the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore Indra smiled reassuringly at Vṛtrāsura.
FAQs
This verse shows Indra respecting Vṛtrāsura after hearing his exalted words—teaching that genuine devotion commands honor beyond external opposition.
Vṛtrāsura’s speech removed Indra’s doubt and surprise; regaining clarity and composure, Indra responded while holding his vajra.
Recognize sincerity and virtue wherever it appears, respond without deceit, and maintain respect even during conflict or disagreement.