Indra’s Enemy, Vritrasura

Chapter 9

Angered by Visvarupa’s death, Tvasta (his father) performed a sacrifice in which he chanted a mantra to increase the strength of Indra’s enemies. The mantra, however, was chanted incorrectly, and instead caused Indra to increase in strength. Thus, the sacrifice produced a fierce demon (asura) named Vritrasura, of whom Indra was the formidable enemy. Since the demon covered all the planetary systems he was known as vrtra, or ‘one who covers everything.’

Though the demigods attempted to annihilate him, Vritrasura effortlessly swallowed up all their weapons and equipment for fighting. Frustrated, confused, and seeing no other recourse, the demigods approached the Supreme Lord, knowing that only His guidance would deliver an ultimate solution.