Vamana Purana — Shukra's Samjivani, Shloka 142

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

Devanagari script

इत्युक्तावति वाक्ये तु बाल एव त्वेचेतनः जगाम साह्यं शक्रस्य कर्तुं सौत्यविशारदः

Transliteration

ityuktāvati vākye tu bāla eva tvecetanaḥ jagāma sāhyaṃ śakrasya kartuṃ sautyaviśāradaḥ

Translation

When those words had thus been spoken, a certain youth—though seemingly unthinking/insensible—set out to render assistance to Śakra (Indra), being skilled in the office of a charioteer.

Speakers

• Narrator voice describing the consequence of the prior counsel; the youth departs to aid Indra.

Primary Deities

• Indra (Śakra)

Key Themes

• Deva-sāhāyya (assistance to the gods)
• Role of the sūta/charioteer in epic-purāṇic warfare
• Mobilization before conflict

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

What is the significance of calling the helper ‘sauti-viśārada’?

In Purāṇic and Itihāsa battle-settings, the sūta (charioteer) is a technical specialist—driver, strategist, and battlefield aide. Labeling him ‘viśārada’ signals competence and readiness for a martial or diplomatic mission in Indra’s cause.

How should ‘acetanaḥ’ be understood—literally unconscious or figuratively heedless?

In isolated form it can read as ‘insensible/unaware,’ but in narrative idiom it often conveys acting without hesitation or deliberation—moving promptly upon instruction. Without broader context, both readings remain possible; the action (immediate departure) supports the ‘unhesitating’ nuance.

Does this verse connect to Vāmana/Trivikrama material?

Not directly in the wording provided. It belongs to an Indra-centered assistance motif; any linkage to Vāmana’s broader Indra-restoration theme would require surrounding verses.