Vamana Purana — Shukra's Curse on King Danda, Shloka 69

Shukra’s Curse on King Danda and Andhaka’s Challenge to Shiva

Devanagari script

तपः किमर्थं तच्छंस किमभिप्रेतमुच्यताम् सो ऽब्रवीत् को भवान् ब्रूहि ममात्मानं सुहृत्तया

Transliteration

tapaḥ kimarthaṃ tacchaṃsa kimabhipretamucyatām so 'bravīt ko bhavān brūhi mamātmānaṃ suhṛttayā

Translation

“此苦行为何而修？请告知我；你所意欲者，当明言之。”他答道：“你是谁？请以友善之心，如友人般告知你的身份。”

Speakers

• King Indradyumna questions; the tapasvin replies
• requesting the king’s identity.

Key Themes

• Motivation behind tapas
• Reciprocal disclosure and etiquette in dialogue
• Suhṛt (friendly) speech as dharmic conduct

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

Why is the purpose (artha) of tapas questioned so directly?

Purāṇic discourse distinguishes tapas aimed at dharma and purification from tapas pursued for power or worldly boons; asking the artha clarifies whether the act aligns with righteous intent.

What is the significance of “suhṛttayā” in the ascetic’s reply?

It frames the request as non-hostile and ethically proper: identity disclosure is sought in a spirit of goodwill, establishing trust before deeper instruction or revelation.

Is it typical for an ascetic to question a king’s identity?

Yes. In Purāṇic narratives, social rank yields to spiritual protocol; the ascetic may test humility or ensure the interlocutor’s sincerity before sharing vows, boons, or sacred knowledge.