Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 20
Indra’s Envy at Pṛthu’s Aśvamedha and Brahmā’s Intervention
False Renunciation Exposed
अत्रि: सन्दर्शयामास त्वरमाणं विहायसा । कपालखट्वाङ्गधरं वीरो नैनमबाधत ॥ २० ॥
atriḥ sandarśayām āsa tvaramāṇaṁ vihāyasā kapāla-khaṭvāṅga-dharaṁ vīro nainam abādhata
大圣阿特里再次指给普利图之子看：因陀罗正从空中仓皇逃遁。那位勇士又追了上去；但见因陀罗手持顶端有骷髅的杖，且再度披上出家人的衣装，便仍不忍加害于他。
FAQs
This verse describes a sky-moving figure identified by Atri as bearing a skull and khaṭvāṅga—iconic emblems associated with Lord Śiva’s ascetic, fearsome aspect, often linked with renunciation and the destruction of impurity.
Atri indicates the swiftly moving figure to others present, but the “hero” refrains from obstructing him—suggesting discretion and restraint in a tense sacrificial conflict, where escalation would worsen adharma.
Even when one can interfere, wisdom may lie in restraint—avoiding unnecessary confrontation and choosing actions that reduce conflict and protect dharma.