Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.13.2
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSinful Reaction Delayed Indra’s Return
“Thereafter, the demigods, the great saintly persons, the inhabitants of Pitṛloka and Bhūtaloka, the demons, the followers of the demigods, and also Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva and the demigods subordinate to Indra all returned to their respective homes. While departing, however, no one spoke to Indra.”
What the purport teaches
- The assembled beings returned to their respective homes. While departing, no one spoke to Indra.
- Indra could not return with the others because he was disturbed at having killed Vṛtrāsura, who was actually a brāhmaṇa.
- Indra went to Mānasa-sarovara Lake to become free from sinful reactions. After leaving the lake, he performed an aśvamedha-yajña and then returned home.
Try this today
Write down the sequence of Indra’s journey: the lake, the sacrifice, and his return home.
Ask yourself
What does Indra’s delayed return show me about the seriousness of sinful reactions?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.