Vamana Purana — Andhaka's Defeat & Redemption, Shloka 14

Andhaka’s Defeat, the Bhairava Manifestation, and His Redemption as Bhṛṅgī Gaṇapati

Devanagari script

इतेयवमुक्ताः प्रमथा वासुदेवेन सामराः चक्रुर्वेगं सहेन्द्रेण समं चक्रधरेण च

Transliteration

iteyavamuktāḥ pramathā vāsudevena sāmarāḥ cakrurvegaṃ sahendreṇa samaṃ cakradhareṇa ca

Translation

turaga: horse; sahasra: a thousand; meghābha: cloud-hued, dark like a rain-cloud; Janārdana: an epithet of Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa, ‘the one who is worshipped/approached by people’ (also ‘chastiser of the wicked’ in epic usage); nimiṣa: a blink, moment; nimiṣāntara-mātra: only the interval of a blink (instantaneously); gadā: mace; vinipothayat: smashed, felled, struck down violently.

Speakers

• Narrator voice describing the response of the Pramathas and devas to the preceding instruction.

Primary Deities

• Vāsudeva (Viṣṇu)
• Indra
• Śiva (via Pramatha hosts)

Key Themes

• Shaiva–Vaishnava cooperation in cosmic order
• Collective divine assault against adharma
• Martial momentum (vega) and coordinated action

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

Who are the Pramathas, and why are they prominent in an Andhaka episode?

Pramathas are Śiva’s attendant gaṇas, often depicted as fierce, irregular troops. In Andhaka-related narratives, they function as Śiva’s battlefield host, executing tactical strikes and supporting the devas.

What is the significance of naming Viṣṇu as ‘Vāsudeva’ and ‘Cakradhara’ here?

‘Vāsudeva’ identifies Viṣṇu in a personal, heroic register, while ‘Cakradhara’ highlights his signature weapon (Sudarśana). Together they mark Viṣṇu’s active martial participation rather than a distant cosmic role.

Does this verse reflect a broader purāṇic theme beyond the immediate battle?

Yes: it exemplifies Shaiva–Vaishnava unity—Śiva’s gaṇas (Pramathas) and Viṣṇu (Cakradhara) acting in concert with Indra and the devas to restore dharma.