What if the cracks in the earth, the bubbles in water and certain features of trees were connected to a crime committed by the king of the gods? A fascinating story from Hindu mythology links these natural features to Indra, who killed his own priest, Vishvarupa, after discovering that he was secretly offering a share of sacrificial offerings to the asuras. The act brought a terrible consequence: the sin of killing a Brahmin, known as Brahmahatya. According to the traditional account, Indra eventually divided this sin among four recipients. The story offers a striking explanation of how one decision can carry consequences far beyond the person who makes it.
