Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 31
Chapter 10 — श्रीरामावतारवर्णनम्
Description of the Incarnation-Deeds of Śrī Rāma
भरद्वाजं नमस्कृत्य नन्दिग्रामं समागतः भरतेन नतश्चागाद् अयोध्यान्तत्र संस्थितः
bharadvājaṃ namaskṛtya nandigrāmaṃ samāgataḥ bharatena nataścāgād ayodhyāntatra saṃsthitaḥ
بعد أن قدّم السجود لبھاردفاجا، وصل إلى نانديغراما. ولمّا انحنى بهاراتا إجلالًا له، مضى إلى أيودهيا وأقام فيها.
Lord Agni (narrating Purāṇic-Itihāsa material to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Teaches etiquette of honoring sages and rightful succession: paying respects (Bharadvaja), reconciliation with Bharata, and lawful return to the capital.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Homage to Bharadvāja and return via Nandigrāma to Ayodhyā","lookup_keywords":["Bharadvaja namaskara","Nandigrama","Bharata bows","Ayodhya return","Rama residence"],"quick_summary":"Rama honors the rishi Bharadvaja, meets Bharata at Nandigrama, and returns to Ayodhya to reside—depicting dharmic restoration through humility and legitimate kingship."}
Alamkara Type: Kramānuprāsa (sequential movement: rishi → Nandigrama → Ayodhya)
Concept: Guru-rishi-vandana and fraternal harmony as foundations of rājya-sthāpana (stable rule).
Application: Before assuming authority, seek blessings of elders/teachers and reconcile with stakeholders to ensure stable governance.
Khanda Section: Itihasa–Ramayana-katha (Narrative Section)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Secondary Rasa: Karuna
Type: Tirtha/Settlement/Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Rama bows to sage Bharadvaja in a forest hermitage; then at Nandigrama Bharata bows to Rama; finally the procession moves toward Ayodhya where Rama takes residence.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural triptych: (1) hermitage with Bharadvaja, (2) Nandigrama meeting with Bharata prostrating, (3) Ayodhya gates and palace; bold outlines, saturated colors, ornamental frames separating scenes.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: central reunion of Rama and Bharata with gold halos; side vignette of Bharadvaja āśrama; Ayodhya arch in background; heavy gold embossing on crowns and ornaments.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: narrative clarity with three registers; delicate expressions emphasizing humility; hermitage details (kamandalu, deer, trees), then Nandigrama bowing, then Ayodhya cityscape.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: detailed hermitage scene with naturalistic trees; courtly meeting at Nandigrama; Ayodhya rendered as fortified city with gates; fine textile patterns and architectural perspective."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"peaceful","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नतश्चागाद् → नतः + च + अगात्; अयोध्यान्तत्र → अयोध्याम् + तत्र.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Ramayana-saṅkṣepa: return and coronation context
FAQs
It conveys the dharmic protocol of honoring a ṛṣi (Bharadvāja) with namaskāra before undertaking royal or political movement, modeling correct conduct (ācāra) rather than a specialized ritual procedure.
Alongside its technical sections (ritual, polity, medicine, poetics), the Agni Purana preserves Itihāsa narrative material; this verse exemplifies its compendium style by embedding ethical-political exemplars from the Ramayana within a broader encyclopedic framework.
Saluting a realized sage and receiving/returning respectful salutations are presented as meritorious acts that purify intention, legitimize action through dharma, and strengthen auspicious outcomes for rulers and communities.