Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 15
Vṛtrāsura Rebukes Indra; Heroic Combat and the Asura’s Pure Devotional Prayers
यो नोऽग्रजस्यात्मविदो द्विजाते- र्गुरोरपापस्य च दीक्षितस्य । विश्रभ्य खड्गेन शिरांस्यवृश्चत् पशोरिवाकरुण: स्वर्गकाम: ॥ १५ ॥
yo no ’grajasyātma-vido dvijāter guror apāpasya ca dīkṣitasya viśrabhya khaḍgena śirāṁsy avṛścat paśor ivākaruṇaḥ svarga-kāmaḥ
เพียงเพื่อความสุขในสวรรค์ ท่านได้สังหารพี่ชายของข้าพเจ้า ผู้เป็นพราหมณ์ผู้รู้แจ้ง ปราศจากบาป และเป็นคุรุของท่าน ท่านตัดศีรษะเขาอย่างโหดเหี้ยมราวกับเชือดสัตว์
FAQs
This verse condemns it as a merciless, adharma act—especially when the victim is a self-realized, sinless, initiated guru—done here out of selfish desire for heaven.
Vṛtrāsura recalls that Indra killed their elder brother and spiritual guide (Viśvarūpa) after gaining his trust, cutting off his heads with a sword like an animal, motivated by svarga-kāma (heavenly ambition).
Avoid ambition that justifies cruelty: do not betray trust, exploit teachers/mentors, or harm the innocent for personal gain, and measure “success” by integrity and devotion rather than rewards.