Vamana Purana — Shukra's Curse on King Danda, Shloka 53

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

Devanagari script

एवमुक्त्वा वराङ्गी सा तया सुतनुकन्यया जगाम कन्यके द्रष्टुं प्रष्टुं कार्यसमुत्सुका

Transliteration

evamuktvā varāṅgī sā tayā sutanukanyayā jagāma kanyake draṣṭuṃ praṣṭuṃ kāryasamutsukā

Translation

かく語り終えると、肢体うるわしきその婦人は、細身の乙女とともに、若き娘を見て問いたださんと赴き、なすべき事を知ろうと切に望んだ。

Speakers

• Narrator voice (Purāṇic narrator) describing the women’s movement; direct speech not quoted in this verse.

Primary Deities

• Shiva

Key Themes

• Tirtha-yatra progression
• Ritual inquiry and preparation
• Women as agents in pilgrimage narrative

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

Who are the figures implied by ‘varāṅgī’ and ‘sutanukanyā’ in this narrative style?

These are descriptive epithets typical of Purāṇic narration, marking a principal woman (‘varāṅgī’) and her companion (‘sutanukanyā’). The verse functions as a narrative hinge: after prior instruction, they proceed to consult another maiden for guidance on the next ritual or itinerary step.

Why does the verse emphasize ‘asking’ (praṣṭum) and ‘eagerness for the task’ (kāryasamutsukā)?

In tīrtha-māhātmya sections, correct procedure (vidhi) matters: where to go next, what to bathe in, whom to worship, and what vows/offerings to perform. The phrasing signals that the upcoming verses will specify concrete ritual actions and sacred locations.

Does this verse itself establish a deity focus?

Not directly. The deity focus becomes explicit in the subsequent verse sequence, where worship at Hāṭakeśvara and contact with Godāvarī waters are stated.