Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 28
Indra’s Envy at Pṛthu’s Aśvamedha and Brahmā’s Intervention
False Renunciation Exposed
वयं मरुत्वन्तमिहार्थनाशनंह्वयामहे त्वच्छ्रवसा हतत्विषम् । अयातयामोपहवैरनन्तरंप्रसह्य राजन् जुहवाम तेऽहितम् ॥ २८ ॥
vayaṁ marutvantam ihārtha-nāśanaṁ hvayāmahe tvac-chravasā hata-tviṣam ayātayāmopahavair anantaraṁ prasahya rājan juhavāma te ’hitam
О царь, пытаясь помешать твоему жертвоприношению, Индра уже утратил часть своего сияния и силы. Мы призовём его небывалыми ведическими мантрами; он непременно явится, и силой мантры мы ввергнем твоего врага в жертвенный огонь.
By chanting the Vedic mantras properly in a sacrifice, one can perform many wonderful things. In Kali-yuga, however, there are no qualified brāhmaṇas who can chant the mantras properly. Consequently no attempt should be made to perform such big sacrifices. In this age the only sacrifice recommended is the saṅkīrtana movement.
FAQs
Because Indra was obstructing King Pṛthu’s horse sacrifice; the priests propose calling him into the sacrificial arena so he can be checked and symbolically punished as an offender of the yajña.
King Pṛthu’s priests (ṛtviks) are speaking to King Pṛthu, advising a forceful ritual response against Indra’s interference.
When facing obstruction and injustice, discipline and adherence to dharma matter; however, the broader narrative also cautions that power should be guided by restraint and higher spiritual purpose, not anger.