Vamana Purana — Shukra's Samjivani, Shloka 139

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

Devanagari script

बालस्यास्य द्वितीयस्य के भविष्यद्गुणा वद भाग्यानि चास्य यच्चोक्तं कर्मतत् कथयाधुना

Transliteration

bālasyāsya dvitīyasya ke bhaviṣyadguṇā vada bhāgyāni cāsya yaccoktaṃ karmatat kathayādhunā

Translation

“Tell (me): what future qualities will this second child have? And tell now his fortunes as well—(and) that karma which has been spoken of (as his).”

Speakers

• Same male speaker questioning his wife (seer-like knower) about the child’s destiny.

Key Themes

• Karma and destiny (karma–bhāgya)
• Characterology: guṇa as future traits
• Purāṇic mode of inquiry into birth-portents

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

What is meant by ‘future qualities’ (bhaviṣyad-guṇāḥ) in a Purāṇic setting?

It refers to predicted traits—ethical disposition, prowess, devotion, longevity, and social/religious excellence—often used to frame a child’s role in dharma or in a forthcoming sacred narrative.

How do bhāgya and karma relate here?

Bhāgya is the experienced ‘fortune’ or life-outcome, while karma is the causal moral residue (past deeds) that ripens into those outcomes. The question asks for both the visible destiny and its underlying cause.

Does ‘yaccoktaṃ karma’ imply a prior prophecy?

Yes, the phrasing suggests that some karmic account or prediction has already been stated or is known in the narrative frame, and the speaker requests it to be explained clearly ‘now’ (adhunā).