Vamana Purana — Shukra's Curse on King Danda, Shloka 49

Shukra’s Curse on King Danda and Andhaka’s Challenge to Shiva

Devanagari script

इन्द्रद्युम्नस्य महिषी गदिता ब्रह्मणा स्वयम् मनोः पुत्रस्य वीरस्य सहस्रक्रतुयाजिनः

Transliteration

indradyumnasya mahiṣī gaditā brahmaṇā svayam manoḥ putrasya vīrasya sahasrakratuyājinaḥ

Translation

Brahmā sendiri menyatakan bahwa ia adalah permaisuri Indradyumna—putra Manu yang gagah, pelaksana seribu kratu (yajña).

Speakers

• Narrator citing Brahmā’s own identification within the story-frame.

Primary Deities

• Brahma

Key Themes

• Royal lineage (Manu-vaṃśa)
• Vedic sacrifice and merit (kratu)
• Authority of Brahmā’s testimony
• Narrative identification (who the fallen woman is)

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

Why emphasize Indradyumna as ‘Manu’s son/descendant’ and a ‘thousand-sacrifice performer’?

These epithets establish dharmic legitimacy and extraordinary merit. In Purāṇic tīrtha narratives, a highly meritorious king’s crisis becomes a vehicle to teach about karma, vows, tīrtha-power, and the limits of ritual merit without right understanding or divine grace.

What is the function of ‘Brahmā himself said so’?

It supplies unimpeachable authority (pramāṇa) within the narrative world. By invoking Brahmā’s direct statement, the text removes ambiguity about identity and elevates the episode’s theological weight.

Does ‘sahasra-kratu’ echo Indra’s epithet ‘Sahasrakratu’?

Yes, it deliberately resonates with Indra’s title, suggesting Indradyumna’s near-Indra-like ritual prowess. The echo heightens the contrast when such a figure still encounters distress—prompting reflection on deeper dharma beyond sheer ritual quantity.