Vamana Purana — Shukra's Curse on King Danda, Shloka 59

Shukra’s Curse on King Danda and Andhaka’s Challenge to Shiva

Devanagari script

सम्यक् संपूजितस्तेन सजाबालिरृतध्वजः स चेक्ष्वाकुसुतो धीमान् शकुनिर्भ्रातृजोर्चितः

Transliteration

samyak saṃpūjitastena sajābālirṛtadhvajaḥ sa cekṣvākusuto dhīmān śakunirbhrātṛjorcitaḥ

Translation

Having been duly honored by him, Ṛtadhvaja—together with Jābāli—(was present). He was a wise prince, a son of Ikṣvāku, named Śakuni, and was esteemed by his brothers.

Speakers

• Narrator voice within the Pulastya–Nārada frame (contextual narration of the Saro-mahātmya episode)

Primary Deities

• Vishnu

Key Themes

• Tirtha Mahima
• Royal-sage interaction
• Lineage (Ikṣvāku-vaṃśa)
• Rta (cosmic order) as royal ideal

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

Who are Ṛtadhvaja and Jābāli in this passage?

Ṛtadhvaja is presented as a righteous king (his very name evokes ṛta, cosmic truth/order). Jābāli is a sage associated with counsel and ritual presence; the verse depicts a courtly/ritual setting where the king is properly honored in the company of the sage.

Does ‘Śakuni’ here refer to the Mahābhārata character?

Not necessarily. ‘Śakuni’ is a common proper name. In Purāṇic tīrtha-narratives, names can recur across traditions; identification should be made only when corroborated by surrounding verses (genealogy, deeds, locale).

Why is Ikṣvāku lineage emphasized in a tīrtha chapter?

Tīrtha-māhātmyas often anchor sanctity in exemplary royal patrons from famed dynasties. Mentioning Ikṣvāku signals dharmic kingship and lends prestige to the episode connected with the sacred site.