Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 36
Śrīrāmāvatāravarṇanam (Description of Śrī Rāma’s Incarnation) — Ayodhyā Abhiṣeka, Vanavāsa, Daśaratha’s Death, Bharata’s Regency
नखैर् विदारयन्तन्तां काकन्तच्चक्षुराक्षिपत् ऐषिकास्त्रेण शरणं प्राप्तो देवान् विहायसः
nakhair vidārayantantāṃ kākantaccakṣurākṣipat aiṣikāstreṇa śaraṇaṃ prāpto devān vihāyasaḥ
وبينما كانوا يمزقونه بمخالبهم، ضرب غرابٌ عينه. ثم بوساطة الأيشيكاسترا (Aiṣikāstra، سلاح التعويذة كالسهم من القصب) نال ملجأً لدى الآلهة في السماء.
Lord Agni (narrating Purāṇic material to Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purāṇa frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Illustrates astra-prayoga (weapon-spell deployment) and the idea of seeking higher protection/refuge when afflicted; also frames consequences of aggression and the need for restraint.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Aiṣikāstra (reed-weapon spell) and refuge-seeking in aerial realm","lookup_keywords":["Aiṣikāstra","astra-prayoga","kāka","refuge with gods","divine weapon"],"quick_summary":"A divine weapon-spell (Aiṣikāstra) is invoked amid violent conflict; the episode emphasizes both the potency of astras and the motif of seeking protection from higher powers when endangered."}
Weapon Type: Astra (Aiṣikāstra; reed/arrow-based weapon-spell)
Concept: Violence rebounds into suffering; refuge (śaraṇāgati) and accountability before higher order are implied.
Application: In conflict, avoid cruelty; if harm is done, seek rectification and protection through lawful/ethical authority rather than further escalation.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Puranic Narrative (Mythic Episode / Deva-Protection Motif)
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: Samanya
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A violent aerial moment: a crow strikes at an eye amid clawing attackers; an invoked Aiṣikāstra flashes as the figure flees upward to the gods’ realm.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, dramatic diagonals, stylized crow with sharp beak near the eye, swirling red-black energy indicating astra, celestial devas above in tiered clouds, intense but controlled palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, central figure with gold-highlighted astra aura, crow rendered symbolically, devas in upper register with gold work, strong contrast between earthly threat and divine refuge.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear depiction of astra emission (reed/arrow motif), sequential feel (attack → astra → ascent), fine lines and soft shading, didactic composition.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed sky with layered clouds, small devas in courtly arrangement, dynamic bird attack near the face, luminous projectile/arrow, meticulous anatomy and textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"fast","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नखैर् = नखैः; विदारयन्तन्तां = विदारयन् + ताम्; काकन्तच्चक्षुराक्षिपत् = काकः + तत् + चक्षुः + आक्षिपत्; ऐषिकास्त्रेण = ऐषिक-अस्त्रेण.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Dhanurveda/astravidyā chapters (astra classifications and prayoga); Agni Purana: Mantra/nyāsa/rakṣā sections (protective invocations)
FAQs
It indicates the practical idea of invoking an astra (Aiṣikāstra) as a mantra-empowered weapon for protection and escape, showing astra-vidyā as both martial and ritual technology.
Alongside mythic narration, it embeds named weapon-lore (astra terminology and its application), illustrating how the Agni Purāṇa blends story, theology, and technical Dhanurveda-style knowledge.
Seeking śaraṇa (refuge) with the devas through dhārmic, mantra-governed means emphasizes divine protection and the principle that sacred knowledge, rightly applied, preserves life and restores cosmic order.