Vamana Purana — Merit of Shravana Dvadashi, Shloka 32

The Merit of Śravaṇa-Dvādaśī and the Liberation of a Preta through Gayā Piṇḍa-Rites

Devanagari script

शक्रः शतं तु पुण्यानां क्रोतूनामजयत् पुरा दैत्येन्द्र वाजिमेधानां तेन ब्रह्मसदो गतः

Transliteration

śakraḥ śataṃ tu puṇyānāṃ krotūnāmajayat purā daityendra vājimedhānāṃ tena brahmasado gataḥ

Translation

O lord of the Daityas, Śakra formerly surpassed (others) by means of a hundred meritorious sacrifices—Aśvamedhas; by that he attained the assembly/seat of Brahmā (i.e., the highest divine eminence).

Speakers

• Śukra addressing the Daitya lord (Bali)
• citing Indra’s precedent.

Primary Deities

• Indra (Śakra)
• Brahmā
• Śukra

Key Themes

• Aśvamedha as instrument of sovereignty
• Merit (puṇya) through śrauta ritual
• Competitive kingship and cosmic rank

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

Is ‘vājimedha’ the same as Aśvamedha?

In Purāṇic usage, ‘vājimedha’ commonly functions as a synonym or near-synonym for Aśvamedha (horse-sacrifice), a paradigmatic royal rite conferring imperial legitimacy.

What is meant by ‘brahmasadaḥ’—did Indra literally go to Brahmā’s world?

‘Brahma-sad’ can denote Brahmā’s assembly/seat as a symbol of supreme divine recognition. The verse emphasizes Indra’s elevation in status through ritual merit rather than giving a precise cosmographic itinerary.

Why does Śukra cite Indra’s hundred sacrifices to Bali?

It is strategic instruction: Indra’s ritual record is presented as a benchmark. By hearing that Indra gained supremacy through repeated Aśvamedhas, Bali is motivated to undertake comparable or greater rites to assert Daitya sovereignty.