Indra Shares Bramahatya Sin
Indra acquired Brahmahatya sin by killing Vishwarupa, son of Twasta. To get rid of this burden, it was suggested that the brahmahatya sin be divided into parts and assigned to the earth, water, trees, and women.
The earth accepted a quarter of the sin along with a boon that a hollow dug into it would be filled by itself in due course. The external sign of the sin accepted is seen on earth as desert (barren soil, which is prohibited for all sacred rites).
The trees accepted a quarter along with a boon that their chopped-off parts would grow again in due course. The accepted sin is seen in the form of non edible gum.
The women (early and middle-aged) took a quarter along with a boon that females alone beget children through sexual union. The period of menstruation is its fallout.
The water absorbed a quarter with a boon of absorption (increase in quantity). The fallout of the sin is seen in the form of impurity (foam/ filth) it carries during the rainy season.
Though Indra successfully got rid of Brahmahatya sin, he was again affected by it when he killed Vritasur, who was born solely to kill him.
Indra took the fallout of this sin by himself. It was unbearable for him and had to hide in a lotus stalk in Manas Sarowar. He stayed there for one thousand years. Upon performing ashwamedha yagna, he was able to regain his past glory.
Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana
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