Glimpses of The Devi Bhagavatam: 24. VICTORY TO VRITRA

 

INDIAN MYTHOLOGY

Glimpses of The Devi Bhagavatam:

24. VICTORY TO VRITRA

Indra called one of his lieutenants and told him, “Go and separate Viswarup’s heads from his body.”

“Isn’t it unfair to mutilate a corpse? It is surprising that you should fear the dead!” remarked the lieutenant.

“Listen to me, friend. I had looked upon Viswarup as my enemy. A king must do everything to eliminate his enemies. I’m afraid of Viswarup because his dead body looked as if there was still life in it. That’s why I want you to behead him. Haven’t you heard the wise say that one ought to put a complete end to one’s enemy, fie, and debt?” explained Indra.

“O King, the one whom you killed was not only innocent, but endowed with a certain spiritual power. Don’t you think that you have sinned?” asked the lieutenant.

“Well, I fear my enemy more than my sin! If I have sinned, I can do penance on that count. But where do I go if I am deprived of my kingship?” said Indra.

“O King, you’re fond of your position and you’re unscrupulous, too. That’s why you have been prompted to act improperly. Why should I do a similar thing?” queried the lieutenant.

“Do as I say! You won’t have to regret your action. I shall see to it that you’re rewarded in some way or the other,” said Indra.

The lieutenant was finally influenced. He went and began cutting Viswarup’s heads. Something strange happened. From each head that was cut down a thousand birds flew away.

Indra felt happy for a while. But soon a sense of guilt overtook him. How to be free from the consequences of the heinous deed? This was the question that haunted him.

In the meanwhile, the news of Viswarup’s death at Indra’s hands reached Twastu-Prajapati as the birds tittered about it. Agitated, he challenged the gods to explain their king’s conduct.

The gods kept quiet. That provoked him even more. He performed a very special Yajna. Invoked by his spiritual power, out of the holy fire emerged a boy, as radiant as a flame and as strong as thunder.

“My son, I want you to avenge Viswarup’s death. Punish the killer, Indra. That alone would justify your emergence.”

The boy born of the fire grew up instantly into a valiant youth. He roared out, “O my creator! Your order shall be executed!”

Twastu-Prajapati became happy. He told the youth, “I name you Vritra. I bless you. Become far more powerful than Indra and humble him.”

Thereafter Twastu-Prajapati created a number of weapons for Vritra. At an auspicious moment Vritra went out on his mission, followed by a host of demons.

Soon Indra heard of Vritra’s expedition from his messengers. “He looks like a huge mountain, O King, who is out to crush us,” said some of the gods.

I’ll omens were seen over the palace of Indra. Gigantic vultures and owls, never seen before, flew over the roof and even sat upon it. Distant shouts of the demons echoed against the castle walls. Indra grew nervous. “What’s the way out of the present predicament?” he asked Brihaspati, the guru of the Devas.

Brihaspati replied gravely, “Well, Indra, how can you escape the consequences of your misdeed? It is no fun to kill an innocent man. Besides, Viswarup was no ordinary man; he was a savant and a seeker. The law of Karma is bound to operate. Have you ever been in peace since killing Viswarup? You can’t dream of peace until you have paid the full price for your impulsive action. Vritra has been despatched by Twastu-Prajapati, who is genuinely aggrieved over Viswarup’s death. You’ve to undergo a period of punishment.”

The gods and rishis were found running away from heaven on learning that Vritra was approaching the region. The panicky Indra sent his bodyguards to well-known heroes among the gods, like Rudra and Aditya, asking them to get ready for a battle.

Indra requested Brihaspati to accompany him. They sat on the royal elephant and proceded to meet the menace. They were followed by numerous gods. Vritra was advancing riding a Himalayan peak. The two parties confronted each other in a valley to the north of Manasarovar. Instantly the battle began.

It continued for a hundred years. There was no sign of the gods winning. Some of them, who fought in the forefront, were seen deserting the field. Among them were Varuna, Vayu, Yama and Agni. A panic spread among the gods. Groups of them fled the battlefield. At last Indra, too, did the same, leaving his elephant, Airawata, behind.

Vritra caught hold of the abandoned elephant. That signalled the end of the battle and Vritra’s victory.

Vritra went over to Twastu-Prajapati and greeted him and said, “O Father, I took pity on the gods when they ran for their lives. I desisted from harassing them. But here is Indra’s elephant, the trophy won by me.”

Twastu-Prajapati was happy. He said, “I’m pleased with your valour. Once again I can walk with my head held high. But, my boy, you can’t trust Indra. He’ll surely look for a chance to kill or imprison you. He will take recourse to every means. I advise you to remain ever alert. Besides, it is necessary that you pray to Brahma and obtain a boon that would make you immortal.”