Vishwarupa, the son of Tvashta and an Asura woman, occupies a significant place in the intricate dynamics between the Devas and Asuras in Hindu mythology. His parentage alone — being born of a celestial craftsman (Tvashta) and an Asura mother — sets the stage for the duality that defines his role in the cosmic order. This duality would later prove to be both his strength and downfall.
The background to Vishwarupa’s story begins when the Devas found themselves without their revered Guru, Brihaspati, the preceptor of the gods. Indra, king of the Devas, had failed to show the appropriate respect to Brihaspati, who, insulted by this lack of reverence, withdrew his guidance and protection from the Devas. This left the gods vulnerable, without the spiritual leadership needed to defend themselves against their eternal rivals, the Asuras.
In their desperation, the Devas sought a new guide. Vishwarupa, despite his complex lineage, was a Brahmana of great wisdom, and thus, the Devas installed him as their new preceptor. Vishwarupa accepted the role, but his loyalty was divided. Born of an Asura mother, he had ties to both the Devas and the Asuras, and this divided allegiance led him to secretly share the sacrificial offerings (Havis) with the Asuras — a significant betrayal. The Havis is a sacred offering, intended for the gods alone during rituals, and by providing a portion to the Asuras, Vishwarupa was empowering the enemies of the Devas, tipping the cosmic balance.
When Indra, the vigilant king of the Devas, discovered Vishwarupa’s secret treachery, he was overcome with rage. The betrayal was not just personal, but a threat to the survival of the Devas themselves. In a swift and furious act, Indra drew his sword and beheaded Vishwarupa, severing all three of his heads. According to the mythology, Vishwarupa’s three heads represented different aspects of his life: one for drinking Soma (the divine nectar), one for drinking wine, and the third for consuming food.
The killing of Vishwarupa, however, would set off a chain of events that further escalated the tension between the Devas and the Asuras. Vishwarupa’s father, Tvashta, a great architect and craftsman of the gods, was devastated by the murder of his son. Seeking revenge, Tvashta performed a powerful Yajna (sacrifice) with the intent of creating a being who could exact vengeance on Indra. However, due to a slight mispronunciation in the incantations, instead of creating a being who would destroy Indra, Tvashta inadvertently created Vritra, a mighty demon who would be slain by Indra.
Vritra, born from the sacrificial fire, was a fearsome Asura. His name, “Vritra,” means “enveloper” or “obstructer,” and he lived up to his name by swallowing or holding back the life-giving waters of the world, causing a great drought. The Devas, helpless against this formidable foe, turned once more to Indra, their protector, for help. Armed with the Vajra (thunderbolt), a weapon fashioned from the bones of the sage Dadhichi, Indra faced Vritra in a great battle. The Vajra, known for its unbreakable strength, was Indra’s most potent weapon, capable of destroying even the most formidable enemies.
The battle between Indra and Vritra is one of the most celebrated in Vedic lore. Vritra, despite his demonic nature, was no ordinary Asura. His strength was bolstered not just by the power of the Yajna from which he was born but also by his own formidable will. In their confrontation, Vritra initially seemed indomitable, resisting all of Indra’s attacks. The waters of life remained trapped within him, and the Devas feared that all creation would wither away.
However, with great perseverance, and using the divine Vajra, Indra finally managed to strike Vritra down. When Vritra was slain, the life-giving waters were released once more, restoring balance to the world. But even as Indra celebrated his victory, the slaying of Vritra did not come without consequences. Since Vritra had been born of a Yajna, a sacred rite, killing him left Indra burdened with the sin of Brahmahatya (the killing of a Brahmana). Despite Vritra’s Asura nature, his origin from the sacred Yajna meant that his death was no ordinary one, and the sin of his killing would haunt Indra for years to come.
Indra’s eventual absolution from this sin would take him on another journey of penance, but the story of Vishwarupa and Vritra remains a poignant reminder of the delicate balance in the cosmos — where even the Devas, in their quest for power and survival, must face the consequences of their actions.
This tale of Vishwarupa’s divided loyalties, his tragic death, and the subsequent birth of Vritra not only emphasizes the importance of righteousness and loyalty in the cosmic order but also highlights the intricate web of cause and effect that pervades Hindu mythology. The story further exemplifies how the forces of creation, preservation, and destruction are deeply intertwined, with no action, however small, being free from consequence.