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52. VRITRA
INDRA, the Lord of the three regions,
was once so drunk with pride that he quite
forgot the courteous manners and forms
that the gods had hitherto observed.
When Brihaspati, preceptor of the gods,
foremost in all branches of learning, and
venerated alike by the gods and the
asuras, came to his court, Indra did not
rise from his seat to receive the acharya or
ask him to be seated and failed to do the
customary honors.
In his great conceit, Indra persuaded
himself to believe that the sastras allowed
him as a king in court the prerogative of
receiving guests seated. Brihaspati was
hurt by Indra's discourtesy and, attributing
it to the arrogance of prosperity, silently
left the assembly.
Without the high priest of the gods, the
court lost in splendor and dignity and
became an unimpressive gathering.
Indra soon realized the foolishness of his
conduct and, sensing trouble for himself
from the acharya's displeasure, he thought
to make up with him by falling at his feet
and asking for forgiveness.
But this he could not do, because
Brihaspati had, in his anger, made himself
invisible. This preyed on Indra's mind.
With Brihaspati gone, Indra's strength
began to decline, while that of the asuras
increased, which encouraged the latter to
attack the gods. Then Brahma, taking pity
on the beleaguered gods, advised them to
take unto themselves a new acharya.
Said he to them: "You have, through
Indra's folly, lost Brihaspati. Go now to
Twashta's son Visvarupa and request that
noble spirit to be your preceptor and all
will be well with you."
Heartened by these words, the gods
sought the youthful anchorite Visvarupa
and made their request to him saying:
"Though young in years, you are well
versed in the Vedas. Do us the honor of
being our teacher."
Visvarupa agreed, to the great advantage
of the gods for, as a result of his guidance
and teaching, they were saved from the
tormenting asuras.
Visvarupa's, mother was of the asura clan
of daityas, which caused Indra to regard
Visvarupa with suspicion. He feared that
because of his birth, Visvarupa might not
be quite loyal and his suspicion gradually
deepened.
Apprehending danger to himself from this
descendent of the enemies of the gods,
Indra sought to entice him into error with
the temptresses of his court and so weaken
him spiritually.
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