Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 26

Varāha Confronts Hiraṇyākṣa: The Challenge, the Rescue of Earth, and the Opening of the Mace-Duel

Devanagari script

एषा घोरतमा सन्ध्या लोकच्छम्बट्करी प्रभो । उपसर्पति सर्वात्मन् सुराणां जयमावह ॥ २६ ॥

Transliteration

eṣā ghoratamā sandhyā loka-cchambaṭ-karī prabho upasarpati sarvātman surāṇāṁ jayam āvaha

Translation

प्रभो, एषा घोरतमा सन्ध्या लोकं छादयित्री शीघ्रम् उपसर्पति; सर्वात्मन्, सुराणां जयम् आवहन् एनं जहि।

Synonyms

• एषा: this (she/this)
• एषा: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: etad (सर्वनाम-प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (Nom.), एकवचन

• घोरतमा: most dreadful
• घोरतमा: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: घोरतम (प्रातिपदिक; घोर+तम)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (Nom.), एकवचन; अतिशयार्थक-तमप् (superlative)

• सन्ध्या: twilight
• सन्ध्या: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: सन्ध्या (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (Nom.), एकवचन

• लोकच्छम्बट्करी: causing turmoil in the world
• लोकच्छम्बट्करी: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: लोक + छम्बट्करी (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (Nom.), एकवचन; षष्ठी-तत्पुरुषः (loka- ‘of the world’ + chambaṭ-karī ‘causing tumult/confusion’)

• प्रभो: O Lord
• प्रभो: Sambodhana (सम्बोधन)
• Type: Noun
• Root: प्रभु (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, सम्बोधन (Voc.), एकवचन

• उपसर्पति: approaches/creeps near
• उपसर्पति: Kriya (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: उप√सृप् (धातु)
• Form: लट्-लकार (Present), प्रथमपुरुष, एकवचन; परस्मैपदम्

• सर्वात्मन्: O all-soul (all-pervading one)
• सर्वात्मन्: Sambodhana (सम्बोधन)
• Type: Noun
• Root: सर्वात्मन् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, सम्बोधन (Voc.), एकवचन

• सुराणाम्: of the gods
• सुराणाम्: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/Genitive)
• Type: Noun
• Root: सुर (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, षष्ठी (Gen.), बहुवचन

• जयम्: victory
• जयम्: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: जय (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (Acc.), एकवचन

• आवह: bring
• आवह: Kriya (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: आ√वह् (धातु)
• Form: लोट् (Imperative), मध्यमपुरुष, एकवचन; परस्मैपदम्

Characters & Entities

• Varāha
• Devas

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about the terrifying nature of sandhyā (twilight) during cosmic battles?

This verse describes sandhyā as extremely fearful and world-agitating, indicating an ominous, intense transition time as the battle reaches a critical moment, prompting the devas to seek the Lord’s protection and victory.

Why do the demigods pray to Lord Varāha for victory in this verse?

Because Varāha is addressed as the Sarvātmā (Supersoul of all) and the true protector of cosmic order; the devas depend on Him to ensure the triumph of dharma over demonic power.

Practical application: how can devotees use the idea of sandhyā (transition time) in modern spiritual life?

Sandhyā reminds one to become vigilant during transitions—dawn/dusk or major life changes—by increasing prayer, remembrance of the Lord, and disciplined practice so dharma prevails over confusion and fear.