Vamana Purana — Andhaka's Defeat & Redemption, Shloka 90

Andhaka’s Defeat, the Bhairava Manifestation, and His Redemption as Bhṛṅgī Gaṇapati

Devanagari script

व्रजस्व शरणं मातुरेष श्रेयस्करी तव इत्युक्तो विभुना नन्दी अन्धकश्च गणेश्वरः

Transliteration

vrajasva śaraṇaṃ mātureṣa śreyaskarī tava ityukto vibhunā nandī andhakaśca gaṇeśvaraḥ

Translation

“Go and take refuge in the Mother; this will bring you welfare.” Thus instructed by the mighty one (Nandī), Andhaka—the lord of the gaṇas—(proceeded accordingly).

Speakers

• Narrator (Pulastya’s narration) reporting Nandī’s instruction to Andhaka.

Primary Deities

• Ambikā (the Mother)
• Nandī
• Śiva (implied)

Key Themes

• Śaraṇāgati (taking refuge)
• Śreyas (true welfare) vs. mere power
• Goddess-centered redemption
• Authority of Śiva’s attendants in guiding beings

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

{ "primaryRasa": "shanta", "secondaryRasa": "vira", "rasaIntensity": 0, "emotionalArcPosition": "", "moodDescriptors": [] }

FAQs

What does ‘taking refuge in the Mother’ imply in Purāṇic Śaiva theology?

It implies surrender to Ambikā/Śakti as the compassionate, purifying power who can transform a being’s fate through devotion, confession, and praise—often functioning as the gateway to reconciliation with Śiva.

What is meant by śreyas here?

Śreyas denotes auspicious, higher good—spiritual welfare and right outcome—contrasted with preyas (immediate pleasure) or mere martial success. Nandī frames devotion as the truly beneficial path for Andhaka.

Why is Andhaka called gaṇeśvara?

In some Śaiva narrative strands, Andhaka is portrayed as commanding hosts (gaṇas/asuras) or being treated with a title reflecting his status among troops. The epithet here marks rank, not sanctity.