Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 15
Indra’s Brahma-hatyā, Flight from Sin, and Purification by Aśvamedha
स आवसत्पुष्करनालतन्तू- नलब्धभोगो यदिहाग्निदूत: । वर्षाणि साहस्रमलक्षितोऽन्त: सञ्चिन्तयन् ब्रह्मवधाद्विमोक्षम् ॥ १५ ॥
sa āvasat puṣkara-nāla-tantūn alabdha-bhogo yad ihāgni-dūtaḥ varṣāṇi sāhasram alakṣito ’ntaḥ sañcintayan brahma-vadhād vimokṣam
Sa pag-iisip kung paano makalaya sa kasalanan ng pagpatay sa isang Brahmana, nagtago si Indra sa hibla ng tangkay ng lotus sa loob ng isang libong taon. Siya ay nagutom dahil hindi makapasok ang apoy sa tubig.
FAQs
This verse shows that even a powerful celestial agent (Agni’s messenger) may suffer long and hidden austerity while seeking release from brahma-hatya, emphasizing the grave karmic weight of such an act and the need for genuine purification.
Śukadeva describes his concealed dwelling and deprivation to highlight prolonged suffering and intense inner reflection undertaken to escape the reaction of brahma-hatya.
It teaches accountability and sincere reform—wrongdoing has consequences, and real relief comes through deep self-examination, corrective action, and pursuing true purification rather than denial.