Vamana Purana — Shukra's Samjivani, Shloka 76

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

Devanagari script

स्वबलं निर्जितं दृष्ट्वा मत्वाजेयं च शङ्कम् अन्धकः सुन्दमाहूय इदं वचनमब्रीत्

Transliteration

svabalaṃ nirjitaṃ dṛṣṭvā matvājeyaṃ ca śaṅkam andhakaḥ sundamāhūya idaṃ vacanamabrīt

Translation

Seeing his own forces defeated, and judging Śaṅka to be unconquerable, Andhaka summoned Sunda and spoke these words.

Speakers

• Narratorial voice leading into Andhaka’s direct speech (Andhaka to Sunda).

Primary Deities

• Shiva

Key Themes

• Turning point after defeat
• Recognition of divine invincibility
• Daitya strategy/counsel motif
• Foreshadowing of ensuing speech and tactics

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

Who is ‘Sunda’ and why is he summoned?

Sunda is a prominent daitya figure used in Purāṇic battle narratives as a commander or confidant. Summoning him signals a shift from direct combat to counsel—planning, regrouping, or deploying special means after a rout.

What does calling the opponent ‘ajeya’ (unconquerable) accomplish narratively?

It heightens the theological and dramatic stakes: the daitya leader recognizes that ordinary force cannot prevail, preparing the audience for either extraordinary stratagems, boons/curses, or the inevitability of divine victory.

Is ‘Śaṅka’ definitely Śiva here?

The immediate prior verses emphasize ‘tri-netra’ (the Three-eyed), strongly pointing to Śiva’s presence. ‘Śaṅka’ in this line most plausibly refers to that same invincible Śaiva adversary, though exact identification can vary by manuscript tradition and local epithet usage.