Vamana Purana — Andhaka's Defeat & Redemption, Shloka 74

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

Devanagari script

ततः स्वदेहतो देवान् ब्रह्मादीनाजुहाव सः ते निश्चेरुर्महात्मानो नमस्यन्तस्त्रिलोचनम्

Transliteration

tataḥ svadehato devān brahmādīnājuhāva saḥ te niścerurmahātmāno namasyantastrilocanam

Translation

Then, from his own body, he summoned the gods beginning with Brahmā. Those great-souled deities came forth, bowing in reverence to the Three-eyed Lord (Śiva).

Speakers

• Primary narrator (Purāṇic narrator) describing events to the listening sage(s) (exact interlocutors not specified in the given excerpt).

Primary Deities

• Shiva
• Brahma
• Devas (collective)

Key Themes

• Śiva as supreme source (emanation from the deity)
• Deva-assembly and homage
• Shaiva theology within the Andhaka cycle
• Hierarchy and reverence among gods

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

What does it mean that the gods ‘emerged from his body’ (svadehataḥ)?

This is a Purāṇic idiom for Śiva’s sovereignty: the devas are portrayed as dependent manifestations or empowered presences arising by his will. It emphasizes that even Brahmā and the deva-host function within Śiva’s cosmic authority in this narrative frame.

Why is Śiva called ‘Trilocana’ here?

Trilocana (‘three-eyed’) signals Śiva’s transcendent perception and his destructive/transformative power (the third eye). In the Andhaka cycle, it also underscores Śiva’s capacity to subdue demonic forces through higher insight and fiery energy.

Is there any implied ritual or courtly setting in this verse?

Yes. The verbs ‘summoned’ and ‘bowing’ depict a divine sabhā-like scene: Śiva calls the deities to appear, and they respond with formal reverence, setting the stage for counsel or action against the asura threat.