Shloka 19
Vṛtrāsura Rebukes Indra; Heroic Combat and the Asura’s Pure Devotional Prayers
सुरेश कस्मान्न हिनोषि वज्रं पुर: स्थिते वैरिणि मय्यमोघम् । मा संशयिष्ठा न गदेव वज्र: स्यान्निष्फल: कृपणार्थेव याच्ञा ॥ १९ ॥
sureśa kasmān na hinoṣi vajraṁ puraḥ sthite vairiṇi mayy amogham mā saṁśayiṣṭhā na gadeva vajraḥ syān niṣphalaḥ kṛpaṇārtheva yācñā
ਹੇ ਦੇਵਤਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਰਾਜਾ! ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰਾ ਦੁਸ਼ਮਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਸਾਹਮਣੇ ਖੜ੍ਹਾ ਹਾਂ, ਫਿਰ ਤੂੰ ਮੇਰੇ 'ਤੇ ਆਪਣਾ ਅਚੁੱਕ ਵਜਰ ਕਿਉਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਚਲਾਉਂਦਾ? ਸ਼ੱਕ ਨਾ ਕਰ, ਕੰਜੂਸ ਤੋਂ ਮੰਗਣ ਵਾਂਗ ਤੇਰੀ ਗਦਾ ਬੇਕਾਰ ਹੋ ਗਈ ਸੀ, ਪਰ ਵਜਰ ਬੇਕਾਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ।
When King Indra threw his club at Vṛtrāsura, Vṛtrāsura caught it in his left hand and retaliated by using it to strike the head of Indra’s elephant. Thus Indra’s attack was a disastrous failure. Indeed, Indra’s elephant was injured and thrown back fourteen yards. Therefore even though Indra stood with the thunderbolt to hurl against Vṛtrāsura, he was doubtful, thinking that the thunderbolt might also fail. Vṛtrāsura, however, being a Vaiṣṇava, assured Indra that the thunderbolt would not fail, for Vṛtrāsura knew that it had been prepared in accordance with the instructions of Lord Viṣṇu. Although Indra had doubts because he could not understand that Lord Viṣṇu’s order never fails, Vṛtrāsura understood Lord Viṣṇu’s purpose. Vṛtrāsura was eager to be killed by the thunderbolt manufactured according to Lord Viṣṇu’s instructions because he was sure that he would thus return home, back to Godhead. He was simply waiting for the opportunity of the thunderbolt’s being released. In effect, therefore, Vṛtrāsura told Indra, “If you want to kill me, since I am your enemy, take this opportunity. Kill me. You will gain victory, and I shall go back to Godhead. Your deed will be equally beneficial for both of us. Do it immediately.”
FAQs
In this verse Vṛtrāsura urges Indra to strike without hesitation, showing a devotee’s fearlessness and steadiness—even when death is imminent—because his consciousness is fixed beyond bodily survival.
Vṛtrāsura, though appearing as an enemy, is spiritually resolute; he challenges Indra to use the vajra decisively, implying that Indra’s doubt and hesitation are unbecoming for the leader of the gods and that destiny will not be thwarted.
Act decisively in your duty without paralyzing doubt, and cultivate inner fearlessness by remembering that the soul’s purpose is higher than temporary gains or losses.