Vamana Purana — Andhaka's Defeat & Redemption, Shloka 19

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

Devanagari script

पदान्यष्टौ ततो गत्वा मेघगम्भीरया गिरा स्थित्वा प्रोवाच दैत्येन्द्रो महादेवं स हेतुमत्

Transliteration

padānyaṣṭau tato gatvā meghagambhīrayā girā sthitvā provāca daityendro mahādevaṃ sa hetumat

Translation

Then, having gone eight paces, and standing (there), the lord of the Daityas spoke to Mahādeva in a voice deep as thunderclouds—addressing him with a pointed, reasoned challenge.

Speakers

• Daityendra speaking to Mahādeva (Śiva).

Primary Deities

• Shiva (Mahadeva)
• Daityas (collective)

Key Themes

• Direct confrontation with Śiva
• Hubris and challenge speech
• Dramatic battlefield rhetoric

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

What is conveyed by “eight paces” (padānyaṣṭau)?

It functions as a staging detail: the Daitya leader closes to a deliberate speaking distance—near enough to confront, yet far enough to posture—heightening the drama before the verbal challenge.

Why describe the voice as “megha-gambhīra” (cloud-deep)?

Purāṇic style uses natural grandeur to signal power and intimidation; a thundercloud-like voice frames the Daitya as formidable and wrathful, matching the battlefield setting.

How should “hetumat” be read here?

It indicates the speech is not casual; it is motivated—either accusatory, challenging, or justificatory—setting up the explicit taunt and claim of victory stated in the next verse.