Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 15
Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi Tested by Indra and Blessed by Nara-Nārāyaṇa
एतत् पुरन्दरो ज्ञात्वा सप्तमेऽस्मिन् किलान्तरे । तपोविशङ्कितो ब्रह्मन्नारेभे तद्विघातनम् ॥ १५ ॥
etat purandaro jñātvā saptame ’smin kilāntare tapo-viśaṅkito brahmann ārebhe tad-vighātanam
O brāhmaṇa, sa ikapitong manvantara—ang kasalukuyang panahon—nalaman ni Purandara Indra ang pag-aayuno ni Mārkaṇḍeya at natakot, kaya sinimulan niyang hadlangan ang kanyang penitensiya.
FAQs
This verse shows Indra becoming fearful that powerful tapasya may threaten his position, so he attempts to disrupt the ascetic’s practice.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī speaks, addressing Parīkṣit Mahārāja as “O brāhmaṇa,” while narrating Indra’s reaction to the sage’s austerities.
When sincere practice strengthens, distractions and tests may increase—so one should remain steady, vigilant, and committed to one’s sādhana.