Vamana Purana — Shukra's Samjivani, Shloka 21

Shukra’s Saṃjīvanī, Shiva’s Containment of the Asuras, and Indra’s Recovery of Power

Devanagari script

तं दृष्ट्वा भगवान् ब्रह्म प्राह शक्रपुरोगमान् साहाय्यं क्रियतां शंभोरेतदन्तरमुत्तमम्

Transliteration

taṃ dṛṣṭvā bhagavān brahma prāha śakrapurogamān sāhāyyaṃ kriyatāṃ śaṃbhoretadantaramuttamam

Translation

Seeing this, the Blessed Brahmā spoke to the gods led by Śakra (Indra): “Render aid to Śaṃbhu (Śiva); this is the most fitting moment.”

Speakers

• Brahmā addressing the Devas led by Indra (Śakra).

Primary Deities

• Brahmā
• Indra (Śakra)
• Śiva (Śaṃbhu)

Key Themes

• Deva coordination
• Aid to Śiva
• Timing/strategic intervention in divine battle
• Shaiva-centered narrative with Deva support

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

Why does Brahmā instruct the Devas to aid Śiva here?

Within the Andhaka cycle, Śiva’s gaṇas (pramathas) are the primary combatants; Brahmā’s command frames the conflict as cosmic in scale, requiring the collective Deva order (led by Indra) to reinforce Śiva at a decisive moment.

What does ‘etad-antaram uttamam’ imply?

It indicates a strategic ‘window’—the most advantageous time to intervene. In Purāṇic battle narration, such phrasing often marks a turning point where reinforcements can decisively shift momentum.

Does this verse suggest Shaiva–Vaishnava rivalry or unity?

It emphasizes unity among the divine functions: Brahmā (creation) directs Indra and the Devas to support Śiva (dissolution/transformative power). Even when Viṣṇu is not named, the narrative models coordinated cosmic governance rather than sectarian opposition.