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Indra, the Lord of the three regions, was once so drunk with pride that he
quite forgot the courteous manners and forms that the gods had hitherto observed.
When Brihaspati, preceptor of the gods, foremost in all branches of
learning, and venerated alike by the gods and the asuras, came to his court, Indra did not
rise from his seat to receive the acharya or ask him to be seated and failed to do the
customary honors.
In his great conceit, Indra persuaded himself to believe that the
sastras allowed him as a king in court the prerogative of receiving guests seated.
Brihaspati was hurt by Indra's discourtesy and, attributing it to the arrogance of
prosperity, silently left the assembly.
Without the high priest of the gods, the court lost in splendour and
dignity and became an unimpressive gathering.
Indra soon realized the foolishness of his conduct and, sensing trouble
for himself from the acharya's displeasure, he thought to make up with him by falling at
his feet and asking for forgiveness.
Author : Shri C. Raja Gopalachari
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