Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 11
Vṛtrāsura Rebukes Indra; Heroic Combat and the Asura’s Pure Devotional Prayers
ऐरावतो वृत्रगदाभिमृष्टो विघूर्णितोऽद्रि: कुलिशाहतो यथा । अपासरद् भिन्नमुख: सहेन्द्रो मुञ्चन्नसृक् सप्तधनुर्भृशार्त: ॥ ११ ॥
airāvato vṛtra-gadābhimṛṣṭo vighūrṇito ’driḥ kuliśāhato yathā apāsarad bhinna-mukhaḥ sahendro muñcann asṛk sapta-dhanur bhṛśārtaḥ
Hinampas ng gada ni Vṛtrāsura tulad ng isang bundok na tinamaan ng kidlat, ang elepanteng si Airāvata, na nakaramdam ng matinding sakit at dumura ng dugo mula sa sirang bibig nito, ay napaatras ng labing-apat na yarda. Sa matinding paghihirap, ang elepante ay bumagsak, kasama si Indra sa likod nito.
FAQs
This verse describes Vṛtrāsura’s mace-strike as so forceful that Airāvata reels like a mountain hit by a thunderbolt, and Indra suffers intense pain—showing Vṛtra’s overwhelming martial strength in the conflict.
After Vṛtrāsura’s blow, Airāvata’s face is split and bleeding and Indra is severely afflicted; the retreat reflects the immediate tactical withdrawal caused by the crushing impact and injury.
It highlights the reality of consequences in conflict—pride and aggression invite suffering—encouraging humility, restraint, and seeking higher shelter (dharma and devotion) rather than relying solely on power.