Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 31
Indra’s Envy at Pṛthu’s Aśvamedha and Brahmā’s Intervention
False Renunciation Exposed
तदिदं पश्यत महद्धर्मव्यतिकरं द्विजा: । इन्द्रेणानुष्ठितं राज्ञ: कर्मैतद्विजिघांसता ॥ ३१ ॥
tad idaṁ paśyata mahad- dharma-vyatikaraṁ dvijāḥ indreṇānuṣṭhitaṁ rājñaḥ karmaitad vijighāṁsatā
हे द्विजांनो, पाहा—राजाच्या यज्ञात अडथळा आणण्यासाठी इंद्राने असे कृत्य केले आहे की पुढे धर्ममार्गात मोठा व्यत्यय निर्माण होईल. तुम्ही अधिक विरोध केलात तर तो आपली शक्ती दुरुपयोग करून अनेक अधर्मप्रणाली प्रचलित करील.
FAQs
This verse states that Indra caused a grave disturbance of dharma, acting with the intention to harm the King—driven by rivalry and fear of losing his prestige.
It refers to a serious disruption or violation of religious order—here, the sabotaging of a lawful Vedic sacrifice for selfish motives.
It warns that envy and competition can make one undermine righteous work; a devotee should protect dharma by acting without malice and respecting sacred principles.