Vamana Purana — Shukra's Samjivani, Shloka 113

Shukra’s Saṃjīvanī, Shiva’s Containment of the Asuras, and Indra’s Recovery of Power

Devanagari script

तमुवाच हरिः शक्रं त्यक्त्वा दर्प व्रजाधुना प्रार्थयस्वायुधं वह्निं स ते दास्यत्यसंशयम्

Transliteration

tamuvāca hariḥ śakraṃ tyaktvā darpa vrajādhunā prārthayasvāyudhaṃ vahniṃ sa te dāsyatyasaṃśayam

Translation

Hari said to Śakra: “Abandon pride and go now. Request as your weapon Vahni (Agni); he will give it to you without doubt.”

Speakers

• Viṣṇu (Hari) speaking to Indra (Śakra)

Primary Deities

• Viṣṇu (Hari)
• Indra (Śakra)
• Agni (Vahni)

Key Themes

• Humility as prerequisite for aid (tyaktvā darpa)
• Inter-deity cooperation (Viṣṇu directing Indra to Agni)
• Agni as āyudha (weaponized fire)
• Restoration of deva agency through proper conduct

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

Why does Viṣṇu first command Indra to abandon pride (darpa)?

The instruction frames divine assistance as aligned with dharma and inner qualification. Indra’s vulnerability is linked to ego; relinquishing darpa restores receptivity to rightful power and guidance.

How can Agni (Vahni) be ‘requested as a weapon’?

In Purāṇic idiom, deities can manifest as powers or implements (śakti/āyudha). “Vahni as weapon” indicates fire-power granted or embodied in a form usable against the asura threat.

What does this verse imply about the hierarchy among devas?

It shows functional hierarchy: Viṣṇu as the supreme counselor/refuge, Indra as executive ruler needing sanction, and Agni as a specialized power-source. Cosmic order is maintained through coordinated divine roles under the supreme.