Bhagvat: Indra's release from sinful life and about his victory in fighting the demons after pleasing Lord Vishnu (Krishna) - by understanding this incident, one is relieved of all sinful reactions
As long as King Indra lived in the water, wrapped in the stem of the lotus, Nahusha was equipped with the ability to rule the heavenly kingdom, due to his knowledge, austerity and mystic power. Nahusha, however, blinded and maddened by power and opulence, made undesirable proposals to Indra's wife with a desire to enjoy her. Thus Nahusha was cursed by a brähmana and later became a snake.
Indra's sins were diminished by the influence of Rudra, the demigod of all directions. Because Indra was protected by the goddess of fortune, Lord Vishnu's wife, who resides in the lotus clusters of Mänasa-sarovara Lake, Indra's sins could not affect him. Indra was ultimately relieved of all the reactions of his sinful deeds by strictly worshiping Lord Vishnu. Then he was called back to the heavenly planets by the brähmanas and reinstated in his position.
O King, when Lord Indra reached the heavenly planets, the saintly brähmanas approached him and properly initiated him into a horse sacrifice [ashvamedha-yajna] meant to please the Supreme Lord.
The horse sacrifice performed by the saintly brähmanas relieved Indra of the reactions to all his sins because he worshiped the Supreme Personality of Godhead in that sacrifice. O King, although he had committed a gravely sinful act, it was nullified at once by that sacrifice, just as fog is vanquished by the brilliant sunrise.
King Indra was favored by Marichi and the other great sages. They performed the sacrifice just according to the rules and regulations, worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Supersoul, the original person. Thus Indra regained his exalted position and was again honored by everyone.
In this very great narrative there is glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Näräyana, there are statements about the exaltedness of devotional service, there are descriptions of devotees like Indra and Vrträsura, and there are statements about King Indra's release from sinful life and about his victory in fighting the demons.
By understanding this incident, one is relieved of all sinful reactions. Therefore the learned are always advised to read this narration.
If one does so, one will become expert in the activities of the senses, his opulence will increase, and his reputation will become widespread.
One will also be relieved of all sinful reactions, he will conquer all his enemies, and the duration of his life will increase. Because this narration is auspicious in all respects, learned scholars regularly hear and repeat it on every festival day.
