॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
Friday, 30 December 2022 VI.07 - Indra gets into major trouble by dishonouring in his assembly Brihaspati the Guru of all gods. Brahma explains that without a Guru, the gods are lost. Therefore on his advice, the gods manage to secure a new Guru in the young Brahmin, Vishwaroopa.
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In the previous chapter, Sage Shuka has mentioned that Indra lost his Guru, Brihaspati, by offending him. Naturally, Parikshit is most interested to understand how such a thing happened, as Guru is held in paramount status by all wise people. Sage Shuka tells the story.
Indra, the lord of all gods, was seated in his splendid heavenly assembly, with all the gods and celestials in attendance and offering their praises to him. Lord Brihaspati, the spiritual Guru of the gods, entered the assembly. Indra, being too absorbed in his own power and opulence, forgot himself and did not show respect to his Guru. Brihaspati realised that Indra's arrogance had to be tamed. he at once left the assembly, clearly indicating he had disowned Indra and the gods.
Indra quickly realised the enormity of his misbehaviour. He and the gods were most worried as they were in a constant race against the asuras/demons who were powerful and also had Sage Shukracharya as their Guru. It was now easy for the asuras to come and take over from the gods. Indra could not locate Brihaspati who had rendered himself invisible. The asuras grabbed their chance and hurt the gods badly, physically. All the gods approached Lord Brahma for a solution.
त्रिपिष्टपं किं गणयन्त्यभेद्यमन्त्रा भृगूणामनुशिक्षितार्था: । न विप्रगोविन्दगवीश्वराणां भवन्त्यभद्राणि नरेश्वराणाम् ॥
T: "Deeply devoted to their Guru, Bhrigu's descendant Sage Shukracharya, the asuras have become invincible, and don't fear the gods anymore. Indeed, anyone who disrespects Brahmins, injures or mistreats cows, or has no devotion to Bhagavan/Ishwara, brings misfortunes upon himself!"
"Go at once to Sage Vishwaroopa, son of Sage Tvashta. Beg him to accept the position of your Guru, although he has earlier shown his inclination towards the asuras. Save yourselves!"
Indra and the gods lost no time in rushing to Vishwaroopa and pleading, importuning, begging him to be their Guru and the official priest of the gods to avert their vulnerabilities against asuras.
Vishwaroopa acquiesced.
"Oh, gods, although the acceptance of priesthood is decried as causing the loss of previously acquired brahminical spiritual merit and power, how can someone like me refuse to accept your personal request? You are all exalted commanders of the entire universe. I am your disciple and must take many lessons from you. Therefore I cannot refuse you. I must agree for my own benefit."
"A Brahmin true to his vocation should subsist only on grains fallen in the fields, with no pursuit of any monetary or material gain. This principle is violated by accepting the job of a priest. But I wish to honour your request as you are worthy of my respect."
Vishwaroopa assumed the position of the Guru and priest of the gods. He composed and taught them the Narayana Kavacha, a powerful mantra to offset the powers conferred on the asuras by the grace of Shukracharya. Therefore Indra thus reclaimed his former status of superiority over the asuras.
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॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
