Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 20
Indra’s Envy at Pṛthu’s Aśvamedha and Brahmā’s Intervention
False Renunciation Exposed
अत्रि: सन्दर्शयामास त्वरमाणं विहायसा । कपालखट्वाङ्गधरं वीरो नैनमबाधत ॥ २० ॥
atriḥ sandarśayām āsa tvaramāṇaṁ vihāyasā kapāla-khaṭvāṅga-dharaṁ vīro nainam abādhata
Resi agung Atri sekali lagi menunjukkan kepada putera Pṛthu bahawa Indra sedang melarikan diri melalui langit. Sang wira mengejarnya lagi; namun apabila melihat Indra memegang tongkat berkepala tengkorak dan kembali memakai pakaian sannyāsī, dia tetap memilih untuk tidak membunuhnya.
FAQs
This verse describes a sky-moving figure identified by Atri as bearing a skull and khaṭvāṅga—iconic emblems associated with Lord Śiva’s ascetic, fearsome aspect, often linked with renunciation and the destruction of impurity.
Atri indicates the swiftly moving figure to others present, but the “hero” refrains from obstructing him—suggesting discretion and restraint in a tense sacrificial conflict, where escalation would worsen adharma.
Even when one can interfere, wisdom may lie in restraint—avoiding unnecessary confrontation and choosing actions that reduce conflict and protect dharma.