Vamana Purana — Prahlada's Counsel to Andhaka, Shloka 53

Shukra’s Curse on King Danda and Prahlada’s Counsel to Andhaka on Dharma

Devanagari script

तच्छ्रत्वा दानवपतिः क्रोधदीप्तेक्षणः श्वसन् समाहूयाब्रवीद् वाक्यं दुर्योधनमिदं वचः

Transliteration

tacchratvā dānavapatiḥ krodhadīptekṣaṇaḥ śvasan samāhūyābravīd vākyaṃ duryodhanamidaṃ vacaḥ

Translation

À ces mots, le seigneur des Dānavas, les yeux flamboyants de colère et haletant, fit appeler (les siens) et prononça cette parole dure.

Speakers

• Narrator describing Andhaka (as dānava-pati) reacting to Śambara’s report; Andhaka then addresses a summoned subordinate/assembly.

Primary Deities

• Andhaka (Daitya leader)
• Śiva (implied target)
• Pārvatī (implied target)

Key Themes

• Asuric wrath and escalation
• Council/command before battle
• Adharma-driven desire and aggression (implied by Andhaka cycle)

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

Does ‘duryodhanam’ here refer to the Mahābhārata character Duryodhana?

In this construction it functions naturally as an adjective meaning ‘hard to bear/harsh’ (dur- + yodhana/‘withstanding’). Without additional identifiers, it is best read as a descriptive epithet of the speech, not a proper name.

What is the narrative function of describing Andhaka’s eyes and breath?

Such physiological markers (blazing eyes, heavy breathing) are conventional Purāṇic signals of krodha that foreshadow rash decisions and impending defeat—especially in episodes where a Daitya challenges Śiva or the Goddess.

Who is being summoned (‘samāhūya’)?

The verse does not name the person; typically it indicates ministers, generals, or attendants. The next verses (not provided) usually specify the addressee and the command that mobilizes the Daitya forces.