Ayodhya Kaanda
105 - Dialogue between the sage Vasistha, Sri Rama and Bharata
Chaupais
Description
Though king of the gods, Indra is the worst specimen of deceitfulness and villainy; he loves others' loss and his own gain. The ways of Indra (the slayer of the demon Paka) are like those of a crow-crafty, malicious and trusting none. Having conceived an evil design in the first instance he wove a net of wiles and made everyone a victim of ennui by throwing the net on the head of each. He then infatuated all by exerting the deluding potency of the gods; but they could not be wholly deprived of the affection they bore for Sri Rama. Overcome as they all were by fear and ennui, they were all distracted. Now they conceived a liking for the woods and the very next moment they loved to be at their home. The people were afflicted by this vacillating attitude of their mind even as the water at the mouth of a river is tossed on both sides. Wavering in mind, they did not derive solace anywhere nor did they disclose their heart to one another. Observing this, the all-compassionate Lord smiled within Himself and said, "The canine race, Indra and reckless youth are alike* in nature."