Bhagwat Session 42

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana Synopsis of the Forty-Second Session

Bhagavata Shastha Skanda (Book Six)

Chapter 7 and 8

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Story 

Sukhdevji was detailing the way creation took place, and he went on to mention the sons of Diti and Aditi. Diti’s sons were the devas and Aditi’s sons were the Daityas. The guru of the Devas was Brihaspati and the guru of Daityas was Sukracharya. However, Brihaspati left the devas and so they had to ask Visvarupa - the son of Racana to become their preceptor. 

Pariksitji, stopped sukhtdevji to explain why would the deva’s guru leave them and they would have to ask their nephew who was part human, part deva and part daitya to become their guru. What action or situation could have caused this kind of an extreme outcome.

Sukhdevji, went on to explain that Indra was ones seated in Amravati, surrounded by all the other devas in his court. He was lost in self glory and his ego had taken over. At that very moment, Brihaspati walked in, inspite of seeing him come, neither did he get up to greet him, nor did he even look at him. 

Brihaspati quitely walked away back to his ashram. He could have cursed or reprimanded Indra, but chose not to and let time teach him his lesson. No soon then his guru left, senses dawned and he repented for what he had done and rushed to apologise. However, sensing that Indra would come, Brihaspati with the power of his Yoga disappeared. Indra and the others Devas tried very hard to find him, but to no avail.

In the mean time, the Daityas heard that, the Deva’s were without any guidance and support, so under the command of Sukracharya they attacked the Devas who were defeated and had to go into hiding. They sought guidance from Brahma, and he directed them to make Vishvrupa their priest and perform the Narayan Kavacham yagna. 

Under the guidance of Vishvarupa, who was requested to accept being their guru inspite of being nephew, they with proper procedure purified the self and invoked god with the help of Narayan Kavacam mantra. All protected they defeated the Daityas and regained control of Amravati.

Points to Ponder

Indra - How it works

If we look at it from the superficial point of view, we all know that it is easy for success to make way to our head. To lose manners when one is showered with success and power is nothing but obvious. A person who is down to earth and humble inspite of achieving the pinnacles of glory is considered ‘God’ in flesh and blood. 

So what happened to Indra, was nothing unusual or extraordinary, worldly success is heady and intoxication results in a person overstepping the boundary of dharma, decorum and decency. 

Indra’s power went to his head and he strayed from the path of righteousness and decorum. When ego takes over there is nowhere but down to go. 

So, how can one be careful and what needs to be done to keep ego at bay and humility up close.

If we look at the deeper meaning of the above story, we will get our answer. 

- Indra = Indriyas and action (He resides in the hands - refer to the chart attached for more details) - Brihaspati = Vedas, Shastras, wisdom and Prudence - Sukracharya = Power and cunning

We always say that there are 4 pursuits of human existence; - Dharma - Artha - Kaam - Moksha One has to be established in Dharma and then go on with the pursuit of wealth, desire and if the acquisition wealth and fulfilment of desire is governed by Dharma, one will certainly achieve Moksha.

Indra is action, if it has the guidance of Brihaspati, who stands for the Vedas, Shastras, wisdom and...