Vṛtra-gītā (Summary)

Two chapters make this Gītā. It is based on the dialogue that took place between Vṛtrāsura and Śukrācārya. The theme of the Vṛtra Gītā is that the Jīva attains its eternal and permanent state only by gaining the knowledge of the tattva (reality) and māhātmya (glory) of Viṣṇu by the practice of sense control. Śāntiparva says that after being defeated by the Gods Vṛtrāsura gave up the vices normally associated with the demons.

Śukrācārya asked Vṛtrāsura how the latter reconciled himself with the defeat.

“When in days of old Vṛtra was bereft of sovereignty, (his preceptor) ushanas said to him, I hope O Dānava, that on account of your defeat you cherish no grief.”^[1]

“I acquired great prosperity through my penances and lost it again through my own deeds. Depending on my fortitude, however, I do not grieve for this change.”^[2]

“Desirous of fighting the great Indra the great ruler of the celestial region, I be held in that battle the illustrious Hari, the powerful Nārāyaṇa. He who is called Vaikunda, Puruṣa, Anantha, Shukla, Viṣṇu, Sanātana, Munjakesha, Harishmashru and the grandsire of all creatures.”^[3]