Shloka 10
Indra’s Envy at Pṛthu’s Aśvamedha and Brahmā’s Intervention
False Renunciation Exposed
इति चाधोक्षजेशस्य पृथोस्तु परमोदयम् । असूयन् भगवानिन्द्र: प्रतिघातमचीकरत् ॥ १० ॥
iti cādhokṣajeśasya pṛthos tu paramodayam asūyan bhagavān indraḥ pratighātam acīkarat
یوں ادھوکشج پرمیشور پر منحصر پرتھو کی عظیم ترقی دیکھ کر دیوراج اندر حسد میں جل اٹھا اور اس کی شان و شوکت کی پیش رفت میں رکاوٹ ڈالنے لگا۔
In this verse there are three significant purposes expressed in the words adhokṣaja, bhagavān indraḥ and pṛthoḥ. Mahārāja Pṛthu is an incarnation of Viṣṇu, yet he is a great devotee of Lord Viṣṇu. Although an empowered incarnation of Lord Viṣṇu, he is nonetheless a living entity. As such, he must be a devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Although one is empowered by the Supreme Personality of Godhead and is an incarnation, he should not forget his eternal relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In Kali-yuga there are many self-made incarnations, rascals, who declare themselves to be the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The words bhagavān indraḥ indicate that a living entity can even be as exalted and powerful as King Indra, for even King Indra is an ordinary living entity in the material world and possesses the four defects of the conditioned soul. King Indra is described herein as bhagavān, which is generally used in reference to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In this case, however, King Indra is addressed as bhagavān because he has so much power in his hands. Despite his becoming bhagavān, he is envious of the incarnation of God, Pṛthu Mahārāja. The defects of material life are so strong that due to contamination King Indra becomes envious of an incarnation of God.
FAQs
Because Indra became envious on seeing Pṛthu’s extraordinary success and rising fame through devotion to Adhokṣaja and his powerful sacrifices, so he tried to obstruct him.
Adhokṣaja refers to the Supreme Lord who is beyond the reach of material senses and ordinary perception, indicating that Pṛthu’s glory came from devotion to the transcendent Lord.
It teaches that genuine progress—especially spiritual or principled success—may trigger envy in others; one should stay steady in devotion and duty rather than be derailed by external obstruction.