Vritasur was born as the son of Twasta. Vritasur, in his previous birth as Chitraketu, a gandarva, was cursed by Goddess Parvathi to be born as a demon.
Vritrasura was born as a demon and grew up dangerous day by day. The whole world was shocked by his statute. Indra and other gods approached Mahavishnu for help.
Mahavishnu directed them to Sage Dadichi through him alone Vrithasur can be defeated. Sage Dadichi, through his austerity, had earned a boon that his bones would be as strong as vajra (diamond).
Upon sacrificing his body, Vajrayuda (a divine weapon ) is made using his ashes. Viswakarma, architect of gods, facilitated in making this weapon to Indra.
Dadichi was a highly respected sage and had command over Atarvaveda.
Devas, on recommendation of MahaVishnu, made a unique but pressing request to Sage Dadichi to sacrifice his life so that ashes of his body be made a weapon called Vajrayuda and that alone would kill Vritasur.
Dadichi was neither surprised nor shocked but felt happy that his body was getting used for a greater purpose. However, he examines Devas and questions them:
1. Are you not aware of the bondness towards the body for human beings, animals, or any living thing?
2. Are you not aware of the fear, sorrow, and sufferings when the soul departs from the body?
Mind, sense organs will stop working, and all the attention will be on the soul leaving the body.
Sage Dadichi explains why this suffering happens to the body
The soul over a period of time develops immense love towards the body. For those who desire to live, this relationship is much deeper.
Every soul tries to protect its body in every possible way. Hence, how can you expect me to give up my body. Even if Mahavishnu asks, none will give up their body.
Devas say:
Yes, what you say is true. None wish to give up their body/life. We are asking you alone as you can give up everything. You are noble, have done good deeds, and have earned a good name.
World is selfish. People/living beings are not bothered about other's suffering. For example, Lion does not bother to kill its victim to satisfy its hunger. It doesn't bother the pain the victim undergoes.
Dharma says one who is capable will not deny to offer help. We are asking for help from you, not for us alone. It is for the good of all. Demon Vrithasur has swallowed all our weapons and caused threats and fear to the world.
Dadichi says:
I do not have any desire on my body. My desire is only on the soul. You can take away my body immediately and make use of it in the way you want.
One day, this body will have to leave me howsoever I protect it. We need it to use the body for Dharma, to earn a good name and for Bhoota daya.
Even non-fruit bearing trees in the forest is useful by providing shelter to those who lost their way.
Dharma can change during different stages of life. But there is one dharma which is permanent - if anyone is in sorrow, others should be considerate. Also, if one is happy, others too should feel happy and not be jealous.
On any day, this body has to fall. It is better to give it for a good cause than being fed to Wolf or Fox.
Saying so, he gave up the body using his yogic powers. All his sense organs were made to halt, his mind fixed on Almighty, and he dropped his body.
With no time wasted, Indra asked Vishwakarma (architect of gods) to make Vajrayuda out of the ashes of Dadichi's body. Equipped the divine weapon Indra waged war with Vrithasur and was able to kill him.
How did Dadichi get this divinity?
Dadichi had acquired immense power due to austerity. He had taught Viswarupa ‘Narayana Astra ‘ This knowledge was passed from Viswarupa to Lord Indra.
Source : Bhagavatha Mahapurana
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