Vamana Purana — Shukra's Curse on King Danda, Shloka 33

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

Devanagari script

सा तामुवाच पुत्रीं मां विन्दस्व सुरव्रधकेः चित्राङ्गदेति सुश्रेणि विख्यातां विश्वकर्मणः

Transliteration

sā tāmuvāca putrīṃ māṃ vindasva suravradhakeḥ citrāṅgadeti suśreṇi vikhyātāṃ viśvakarmaṇaḥ

Translation

彼女はその者に言った。「美しい腰の女よ、わたしを汝の娘と知れ。名はチトラーンガダー（Citrāṅgadā）。神々を増益するヴィシュヴァカルマン（Viśvakarman）の娘として名高い。」

Speakers

• Unnamed woman (self-identifying) speaking to Citrāṅgadā

Primary Deities

• Viśvakarman

Key Themes

• Identity and lineage
• Divine artisan tradition (Viśvakarman)
• Recognition of kinship

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

Who is Viśvakarman in Purāṇic tradition, and why is his mention important?

Viśvakarman is the divine architect/artisan associated with crafting celestial cities, weapons, and ritual implements. Mentioning him confers a semi-divine pedigree and often signals that the character has a role connected to sacred construction, order, or ritual efficacy.

How should ‘suravradhakeḥ’ be understood here?

The form appears as an epithet meaning ‘one who increases/strengthens the gods’ (sura-vardhaka). In context it most naturally qualifies Viśvakarman (or his function), emphasizing his beneficence toward the devas.

What does the kinship claim (‘know me as your daughter’) suggest narratively?

It indicates a relational twist—either literal lineage, adoptive/ritual kinship, or a revelation that reconfigures the listener’s status. Such claims commonly precede a tīrtha-related vow, pilgrimage purpose, or a boon narrative.