Vamana Purana — Vishnu Slays Kalanemi, Shloka 23

Vishnu Enters the Deva–Asura War and Slays Kalanemi

Devanagari script

ततो ऽग्रे देवसैन्यस्य कार्तिकेयो गदाधरः पालयञ्जघनं विष्णुर्याति मध्ये सहस्रदृक्

Transliteration

tato 'gre devasainyasya kārtikeyo gadādharaḥ pālayañjaghanaṃ viṣṇuryāti madhye sahasradṛk

Translation

Then, at the front of the army of the gods was Kārtikeya, the wielder of the mace; Viṣṇu, guarding the rear, proceeded in the middle, while Sahasradṛk (Indra) was (positioned) in the midst.

Speakers

• Narrator voice describing the deva formation and roles.

Primary Deities

• Vishnu
• Kartikeya (Skanda)
• Indra

Key Themes

• Deva military organization (vyūha)
• Protective role of Viṣṇu
• Skanda as senāpati (war leader)
• Collective action of the devas

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

How should we understand the apparent ambiguity around ‘gadādharaḥ’ in this verse?

‘Gadādhara’ is a standard epithet of Viṣṇu, but the pāda as transmitted can read as if it qualifies Kārtikeya. Many Purāṇic manuscripts show occasional epithet displacement; contextually, the verse’s intent is to describe positions in the deva formation (front/middle/rear). A critical edition or parallel recensions would clarify whether ‘gadādharaḥ’ belongs to Viṣṇu (more typical) or is an unusual epithet for the front-line commander.

Why is Viṣṇu said to ‘guard the rear’ (jaghanaṃ pālayan)?

Guarding the rear is a strategic role: it prevents surprise attacks and protects the host’s vulnerable end. Theologically, it also portrays Viṣṇu as the sustaining protector (pālana) of the deva enterprise, not merely a front-line combatant.

What does the placement of Kārtikeya and Indra signify?

Kārtikeya at the front reflects his Purāṇic identity as senāpati (generalissimo) of the devas. Indra’s central placement aligns with his role as coordinating ruler of the deva polity, while Viṣṇu’s protective positioning underscores supreme guardianship over the entire formation.