Vamana Purana — Merit of Shravana Dvadashi, Shloka 31

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

Devanagari script

ततो ऽस्मै कथयामास दैत्यचार्यः कलिप्रिय शक्रस्य चरितं श्रीमान् पुरा वृत्ररिपोः किल

Transliteration

tato 'smai kathayāmāsa daityacāryaḥ kalipriya śakrasya caritaṃ śrīmān purā vṛtraripoḥ kila

Translation

ਤਦੋਂ ਕਲਹ-ਪ੍ਰਿਯ ਦੈਤ੍ਯਾਚਾਰ੍ਯ ਨੇ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼੍ਰੀਮਾਨ ਸ਼ਕ੍ਰ (ਇੰਦਰ)—ਵ੍ਰਿਤ੍ਰ ਦਾ ਪੁਰਾਤਨ ਵੈਰੀ—ਦੀ ਕਥਾ ਸੁਣਾਈ।

Speakers

• Narrator-context within Adhyaya 52: Śukra (Daitya-guru) speaking to the Daitya lord (Bali/Daṇava-pati).

Primary Deities

• Indra (Śakra)
• Śukra

Key Themes

• Deva–Asura rivalry
• Priestly counsel and political strategy
• Indra’s precedent as a model for royal ritual power

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

Who is the ‘Daitya-preceptor’ here, and why is he central to the narrative?

The Daitya-preceptor is Śukra (Śukrācārya), the ritual and political adviser of the Asuras/Daityas. In the Vāmana–Bali cycle, Śukra’s counsel frames Bali’s ritual actions (especially great sacrifices) that provoke divine response.

What does ‘kalipriya’ imply in this context?

Here ‘kali’ is best read as ‘discord/strife’ rather than the later cosmic Kali-yuga. ‘Kalipriya’ characterizes Śukra as one who is adept in, or even inclined toward, competitive contest—fitting the theme of ritual rivalry between Indra and the Daitya king.

Why is Indra called ‘Vṛtra’s enemy’?

‘Vṛtraripu’ is a standard epithet of Indra recalling the Vedic myth of Indra’s slaying of Vṛtra, which establishes Indra’s sovereignty and is invoked as a precedent for royal-sacrificial supremacy.