Vamana Purana — Shukra's Samjivani, Shloka 112

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

Devanagari script

जम्भस्तर्जयते ऽत्यर्थं मां निरायुधमीक्ष्य हि आयुधं देहि भगवान् त्वामहं शरणं गतः

Transliteration

jambhastarjayate 'tyarthaṃ māṃ nirāyudhamīkṣya hi āyudhaṃ dehi bhagavān tvāmahaṃ śaraṇaṃ gataḥ

Translation

“Jambha is terrifying me exceedingly, for he has seen me without weapons. Grant me a weapon, O Blessed Lord; I have come to you for refuge.”

Speakers

• Indra (Śakra) speaking to Viṣṇu

Primary Deities

• Indra (Śakra)
• Viṣṇu (Hari)

Key Themes

• Śaraṇāgati and divine protection
• Loss of martial power and humility
• Asura threat (Jambha)
• Dependence of devas on Viṣṇu

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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FAQs

What does Indra’s “nirāyudha” condition signify in Purāṇic narrative logic?

Being “unarmed” is both literal and symbolic: literal vulnerability before an asura, and symbolic loss of sovereignty/tejas. It sets up the theological point that deva-power is contingent and ultimately upheld by Viṣṇu.

Is Indra asking for personal victory or for restoration of cosmic order?

The immediate request is for a weapon, but within Purāṇic framing it serves dharma: the devas’ capacity to resist asuras is tied to maintaining cosmic order (ṛta/dharma), which is safeguarded by the supreme Lord.

How does “śaraṇaṃ gataḥ” function as a devotional marker?

It is a technical idiom of surrender/refuge. Even a high deity like Indra models the act of seeking protection from the supreme, reinforcing a hierarchy where Viṣṇu is the ultimate āśraya (support).