Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 18
Chapter 10 — श्रीरामावतारवर्णनम्
Description of the Incarnation-Deeds of Śrī Rāma
युध्यमानास्तया ह्य् अन्ये राक्षसा भुवि पातिताः इन्द्रजिन्मायया युध्यन् रामादीन् सम्बबन्ध ह
yudhyamānāstayā hy anye rākṣasā bhuvi pātitāḥ indrajinmāyayā yudhyan rāmādīn sambabandha ha
حقًّا، أثناء القتال معها سقط رَكْشَسَةٌ آخرون صرعى على الأرض؛ وأمّا إندرجيت فكان يقاتل بقوة المايا (الوهم) فقيّد راما ومن معه.
Agni (narrating to Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Understanding ‘maya’ (illusion/occult stratagem) as a battlefield force-multiplier and the need for countermeasures (mantra, vigilance, allied counsel).","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Indrajit-maya-bandhana (Binding by illusion)","lookup_keywords":["Indrajit","maya","bandhana","Rama bound","Rakshasa warfare"],"quick_summary":"Indrajit employs illusory power to bind Rama and allies while the battle rages; highlights non-physical tactics in war and the vulnerability of even great heroes to stratagem."}
Alamkara Type: Kriya-vishesha (action emphasis)
Weapon Type: Occult/illusory binding (maya) alongside conventional combat
Concept: Maya can bind the mind and action; protection requires steadiness and higher aid (mantra/wise guidance).
Application: In crises, recognize deceptive appearances and seek disciplined countermeasures rather than panic.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Ramayana-Katha (Raksasa-yuddha / Indrajit Maya-Prayoga)
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Indrajit, unseen or partially concealed, casts an illusory binding; Rama and allies appear ensnared while other Rakshasas fall in combat.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, dramatic composition: Indrajit as shadowy archer-magician, swirling serpentine/illusory bands around Rama and companions, fallen Rakshasas on ground, intense reds and blacks, stylized motion lines","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style with gold accents: Rama and allies bound by ornate golden/serpentine bands, Indrajit at side with regal demonic splendor, decorative aura effects, symmetrical layout","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting: clear depiction of ‘bandhana’ as luminous cords, instructional clarity—Indrajit’s gesture/weapon, Rama’s restrained posture, battlefield simplified for readability","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: fine detailing of cords/serpents as illusion, Indrajit positioned on a chariot or elevated ground, expressive faces showing shock and resolve, dense battlefield vignette"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: युध्यमानास्तया=युध्यमानाः+तया; ह्य्=हि; इन्द्रजिन्मायया=इन्द्रजित्+मायया; रामादीन्=राम+आदीन्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 10.19 (healing and removal of naga-bana effects); Agni Purana 10.20-10.21 (Nikumbhila rite and Indrajit’s fall)
FAQs
The verse highlights a tactical application of māyā (illusory warfare) used to immobilize opponents—an applied battlefield stratagem aligned with Dhanurveda-style combat narratives.
Alongside ritual and doctrinal material, the Agni Purana preserves Itihasa-based war episodes that encode practical themes—battlefield psychology, supernatural tactics, and restraint methods—showing its wide scope beyond purely liturgical subjects.
It underscores that power (including māyā) can temporarily bind even the righteous, yet such restraints are ultimately transient; the episode frames endurance and dharma under adversity as spiritually elevating.