Srimad Bhagavatam – day 334
Vāmanāya namah
Sixth Canto Chapter Seven
In this chapter, the story of Brihaspati vanishing from heaven upon being insulted by Indra and the Devatas choosing Vishwaroopa as their Guru is narrated.
Emperor Parikshit enquired, “O venerable Guru! Why did Guru Brihaspati abandon the Devatas, who were very dear to him? What was the mistake the Devatas committed against him? Please explain this in detail.”
In response Maharishi Śuka replied, “O Emperor! At one point of time overcome by pride due to the opulence of the three worlds, Indra strayed from the righteous path.
One day he was royally seated in his grand assembly with the Ashwini kumaras standing beside him. Marut-gaṇās, Vasus, Rudras, Adithyas, Rbhu-ganās, Vishwa-devatās, Sadhyās, Siddhas, Cāraṇās, Gandharvās, Maharishis, Vidyadharās, Apsarasās, Kinnarās, birds and snakes were serving him obediently.
Gandharvas were profusely extolling him who was seated on the magnificent royal throne. A sparkling white umbrella which resembled the Moon was held over his head. He was being fanned with the white vinjāmara fans. Along with wife Sacidevi, he was seated on the throne made of the nine precious gems.
At that moment Brihaspati, who was the Guru for Indra and all other Devatas, entered that assembly. Indra who was intoxicated by pride pretended not to notice the arrival of Brihaspati, who was Guru to him and to all other Devatas. He did not stand up nor did he welcome his Guru reverentially. He did not bother to offer him a seat.
Without giving due respect to that supreme Guru, who is revered by Devatas and demons, Indra remained seated.
Omniscient Brihaspati was aware of the changes that arise in a person who is intoxicated with wealth. Having observed Indra’s arrogance, he silently walked away from the assembly and returned to his home. Indra’s behavior is known as ‘Guru dhikkāram’.
Indra was soaking in wealth and power. At that moment, his Guru who was clad in simple saffron clothes appeared insignificant in his eyes. In that intoxication, he forgot his Guru’s greatness.
Immediately after the departure of his Guru, realization dawned upon Indra. He understood that not reverentially welcoming and seating the great sage who had arrived at his assembly was a grave mistake on his part. He deeply regretted and condemned his actions. He scolded himself for his negligence and forgetfulness in welcoming the sage. In front of all assembled members, he condemned himself saying,
“Oho! What calamity has now befallen us! Dull-witted that I was, totally intoxicated by pride, I disrespected my Guru. I have committed an unpardonable mistake. This wealth has caused demonic arrogance in me. The arrogance that was within me has manifested completely. I regret my actions.
Any person who preaches that an emperor does not necessarily have to stand up and reverentially welcome his guests is absolutely unaware of the rules of dharma. People intoxicated by pride lose their discriminative intelligence. They fail to understand who should be welcomed reverentially and who should not be. Those who preach this adharma will definitely land in hell. Those who believe in the words of these unworthy advisers will sink like stone boats.
Guru Brihaspati, who is the Guru for all Devatas, is an ocean of knowledge. He is a supreme Vedic scholar. Together with my army I shall approach him. Falling at his feet I shall beg pardon”.
While Indra was thus condemning himself, using his mystical powers Guru Brihaspati vanished even from his house. Indra painstakingly searched for Guru Brihaspati everywhere, but he was not to be found. Seeking well-being of heaven, he, along with other Devatas, searched for peace of mind, but it was of no use.
Demons meanwhile came to know of that the Devatas no longer had the support of their Guru Brihaspati. Finding this a suitable opportunity they sought refuge in their Guru Shukracharya. Holding weapons they simultaneously attacked heaven. The powerful weapons hurled by the demons chopped the limbs of the Devatas.
Devatas who were losing badly in the war were ashamed of themselves. Along with their leader Indra, they quickly ran and sought shelter under Lord Brahma. Devatas had reached this helpless situation purely because they did not have Guru’s support and guidance. He would have taken all their responsibility.
Lord Brahma was filled with compassion seeing the dejected Devatas. Consoling them he said, “Oho! It is a pity that you are faced with such calamity. Due to your inauspicious deeds, you have brought this upon yourselves.
Brihaspati is a supremely knowledgeable (Brahma-jnani). He is omniscient, omnipotent and a learned scholar who has complete control over his senses. Intoxicated by prosperity you failed to honour him. This is the result of your inauspicious action. Although being all-powerful you have been defeated by your enemies and are now in a helpless situation.
Indra, in the past, the demons once discarded their Guru Shukracharya. At that time they lost their splendor and were rendered helpless. As soon as they realized their mistake they worshipped him with utmost faith. Due to this they earned back his grace and became even more powerful. Due to their guru-bala they are now ready to attack me and take over my planet.
From the disciples of Bhrigu Maharishi they have mastered the Arthaśāśtra. As such you cannot match them in war now. You can never understand their illusory tactics. How then do you expect them to respect heaven? Playfully they will conquer you all”.
Damodaraya namah