Gurugita 015: Arrogant Indra searches for another Guru

When Indra lost all his merit (punya) and was deprived of Guru’s support (Guru bala) the demons rejoiced. Considering this to be an opportune moment, they attacked heaven. This is akin to the story of emperor Nala, who did not wash his feet properly with water and finding this a suitable opportunity, shani (Saturn) attacked him. It is wrong to wash half feet only.

In the absence of Guru’s support, Indra was faced with total loss and humiliation. With this, he was on the lookout for a Guru who was superior to Brihaspati in all aspects. Such is the arrogance that power and money causes in a living being!

‘O If not this person, another will come and attend. All I need to do is to shell out a couple of thousands, that’s all Why then do I need to bother about this guy?’ Such thoughts come into the minds of the arrogant.

Those were the days when, due to some forced circumstances, Tvaṣṭa prajapati had to marry a demoness by name Rachana. To them two eminent sons- Roopa and Vishwaroopa were born.

Indra approached Roopa and asked him to be his Guru. Roopa declined stating that it is wrong to change Gurus. ‘Go back to your Guru, fall at His feet and seek forgiveness for your arrogance displayed earlier. It is incorrect on my part to accept you as a disciple when you already have a Guru. Discard your arrogance and go back to him’ advised Roopa.

Turning a deaf ear to this advice, Indra approached the other brother Vishwaroopa. There are many in this world who turn a deaf ear when good advice is given. On the contrary, they abuse the person who has given them good advice.