Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 20
Indra Slays Namuci—The Limits of Power and the Triumph of Divine Strategy
वचोभि: परुषैरिन्द्रमर्दयन्तोऽस्य मर्मसु । शरैरवाकिरन् मेघा धाराभिरिव पर्वतम् ॥ २० ॥
vacobhiḥ paruṣair indram ardayanto ’sya marmasu śarair avākiran meghā dhārābhir iva parvatam
Sa malulupit na salitang tumatama sa puso ay sinisi nila si Indra, at saka siya binuhusan ng mga palaso, gaya ng mga ulap na nagbubuhos ng malalakas na ulang parang mga agos sa bundok.
FAQs
It describes Indra being wounded first by cruel, piercing words aimed at his weak points and then being overwhelmed by a rain of arrows, like a mountain struck by heavy rainfall.
The verse highlights that conflict is fought not only with weapons but also through psychological assault—insults meant to destabilize Indra before the physical attack.
It teaches that verbal attacks can target our “vital points” (ego and insecurity); a devotee should cultivate steadiness and not be shaken by harsh speech, responding with restraint and dharma.