Vamana Purana — Shukra's Samjivani, Shloka 59

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

Devanagari script

द्वावश्विनौ च नरको भास्करानेव शम्बरः साध्यान् मरुद्गणांश्चैव निवातकवचादयः

Transliteration

dvāvaśvinau ca narako bhāskarāneva śambaraḥ sādhyān marudgaṇāṃścaiva nivātakavacādayaḥ

Translation

44

Speakers

• Narrator (Purāṇic sūta/ṛṣi voice) describing the battle to an inquirer (contextual listener not specified in the excerpt)

Primary Deities

• Aśvins
• Sādhyas
• Maruts

Key Themes

• Deva–Asura conflict
• Cataloguing of divine and demonic hosts
• Cosmic order challenged by asuric aggression

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

Why does the verse list specific match-ups (e.g., Naraka vs. the Aśvins)?

Purāṇic battle narration often uses ‘pairing’ to convey scale and hierarchy: notable asuras are set against distinct divine classes to show that the assault is comprehensive—medical/healing deities (Aśvins), storm hosts (Maruts), and higher celestial collectives (Sādhyas) are all targeted.

Who are the Nivātakavacas, and why are they significant?

The Nivātakavacas are a famed asura group known from epic lore as exceptionally difficult to defeat. Their mention signals that the conflict has escalated beyond ordinary daityas to near-invincible adversaries, heightening the narrative tension.

What is implied by ‘Bhāskarān iva’ with Śambara?

‘Bhāskara’ primarily means the Sun; in such contexts it can function as an epithet for solar powers or radiant deities. The simile underscores Śambara’s audacity—he attacks even those associated with solar brilliance/authority, not merely lesser gods.