Knowledge Bank

Rishis could curse even the Devas

You must be familiar with the story of Ahalya. Ahalya was the wife of Sage Gowthama. Indra was interested in Ahalya even before her marriage to the Sage. Once, when the Sage was away, Indra came to the Ashrama disguised as the Sage himself and this ended up in their physical union. Gowthama came back and saw them together. He told Ahalya that she would become invisible. She would observe tapas staying without food till the time Lord Rama gave her back her form. This was to purify herself. The Sage cursed Indra severely - 1 Indra developed 1000 vaginas all over his body which later Durga Devi turned into 1000 eyes. 2. Due to Gowthama's curse, Indra's testicles fell to the ground and he became impotent. 3. The invincible Indra suffered defeat several times. 4. Indra had to suffer the consequences of half of the sins committed by humans on earth.

Divine Guidance from Yajurveda

The sacred command of Yajurveda is that the universe, both animate and inanimate, is pervaded by the Supreme Lord, who is the sustainer, controller, master, omnipotent, omniscient, and the embodiment of all virtues and welfare. Understanding this, keep the Lord always with you, constantly remembering Him, and perform your duties in this world with a sense of detachment solely for self-preservation and worship the universal form of the Lord through these actions. Do not let your mind get entangled in worldly affairs; this is the path to your welfare. In reality, these objects of enjoyment belong to no one. It is out of ignorance that humans develop attachment and possessiveness towards them. All these belong to the Supreme Lord and should be used for His purpose. Consume the offerings dedicated to the Lord and do not covet others' wealth.