Vamana Purana — Battle at Mandara, Shloka 26

The Battle at Mandara: Vinayaka, Nandin, and Skanda Rout the Daitya Hosts

Devanagari script

आदाय परिघं घोरं पट्टोद्ब्द्धमयस्मयम् राजतं राजते ऽत्यर्थमिन्द्रध्वजमिवोच्छ्रितम्

Transliteration

ādāya parighaṃ ghoraṃ paṭṭodbddhamayasmayam rājataṃ rājate 'tyarthamindradhvajamivocchritam

Translation

Er ergriff einen schrecklichen Parigha, eine eiserne Keule, fest mit Riemen gebunden; und er glänzte überaus, hoch erhoben wie Indras Banner.

Speakers

• Narrator describing Huṇḍa’s arming and display in the battle scene.

Primary Deities

• Indra (by simile: indra-dhvaja)
• Shiva (contextual, via gaṇas in surrounding verses)

Key Themes

• Martial imagery
• Asuric prowess and intimidation
• Epic simile (Indra’s banner as a measure of height/splendor)

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

What is a “parigha” in Purāṇic/Itihāsa weapon lists?

A parigha is a massive iron bar or club used for crushing blows—often associated with powerful asuras, yakṣas, or heroic fighters when emphasizing brute force over finesse.

Why compare the raised weapon to “Indra’s banner (indra-dhvaja)”?

The indra-dhvaja is a culturally prominent standard—both a war emblem and a festival symbol—so the simile conveys height, conspicuousness, and commanding visibility on the battlefield.

What does “paṭṭodbaddha” add to the description?

It indicates the weapon is tightly strapped/bound—suggesting reinforcement, secure grip, and readiness for sustained, violent swinging without loosening.