Indra visits Vasu and grants him divine gifts
After conquering his kingdom, King Vasu gives up weapons and takes to severe austerities. Indra, fearing the king seeks his heavenly throne, visits him not with a threat, but with extravagant gifts and a request.
King Vasu, also called Uparichara, conquered the kingdom of Chedi. Then he did something that made the lord of heaven nervous: he gave up his weapons and retired to a hermitage to practice intense austerities.
Indra, the king of the gods, believed Vasu was performing these penances to usurp the throne of heaven. He decided to visit, not to fight, but to redirect the king’s formidable energy.
“O ruler of the world,” Indra said. “You should ensure the path of righteous conduct is not confused. Protect virtue, for that holds up the world.” He praised Chedi as a land of contentment and duty, a veritable udder of the earth, rich and pleasant. Then he made his offer.
“I shall give you a great flying chariot, made of crystal, possessed by the gods alone. Among all mortals, you alone will ride through the sky.” He also gave Vasu the Vaijayanti garland, made of lotuses that never fade, which would make him invulnerable to weapons in battle. Finally, he gave him a bamboo staff to protect the good and the peaceful.
Indra had a specific request. “After one year, plant this staff in the earth for the sake of worshipping me.” He wanted Vasu to institute a festival in his honor.
Vasu accepted the divine gifts: the crystal chariot that let him travel the skies (earning him the name Uparichara, the sky-goer), the unfading garland, and the staff. He ruled Chedi righteously and, when the year was over, planted the bamboo pole as instructed. He decorated it with garlands and perfumes and worshipped Indra.
Pleased, Indra blessed the practice. “The men and kings who worship me and observe my festival like the king of Chedi will gain prosperity and victory.” The festival of Indra, started out of the god’s own anxiety and affection, became a tradition for kings, bringing prosperity to all who observed it.