Gurugita 018: Lord Datta appears before Indra

Indra who lacked Guru’s support could no longer withstand these sins that chased him. He had abandoned his first Guru and has killed his second Guru. So how could he have any support from Guru? Helpless, he deserted heaven and hid in a lotus stalk in a pond, wherein he resided for 10000 years. This was the outcome of abandoning his Guru.

During this absence of Indra from heaven, Nahusha assumed the position of Indra and ruled. This Indra who hid in the pond composed many hymns and prayed earnestly.

Previously, under the guidance of Vishwaroopa, Indra had performed many Yagnas. In these he had invoked Lord Datta. As a result of that Yagna and the hymns now composed by Indra, one fine morning Datta appeared before Indra and said- “Indra, rebuking your Sadguru Brihaspati is the root for this degraded state to which you have fallen. Although you have composed many hymns you have been unable to figure the reason behind your fall.

Indra, you are very well aware that a Sadguru can never be changed. Yet, your arrogance has put a veil over your eyes. Your pride has led to your fall. You can select any number of Gurus, but you cannot escape this fall for having rejected your first Guru. Now you are praying to me and are singing hymns in my praise. I have appeared before you nevertheless, I too cannot save you. Any degree of penance performed by you cannot save you. Your suffering is the result of having scoffed at your Guru.

Even now it is not too late. I will show you the way. With complete faith please meditate upon your Sadguru Brihaspati. Think of Him, whom you have deserted. Surrender to Him. He alone can wash away your sins and uplift you. You have to go back and surrender to your Guru. You have to beg pardon for your sin from him”.

Being ever-compassionate, Datta Guru thus showed the way to Indra. Only after listening to Lord Datta’s message, Indra realized his mistake and then earnestly meditated upon his Guru Brihaspati.