Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 13
Chapter 7 — रामायणवर्णनं (Description of the Rāmāyaṇa): Śūrpaṇakhā, Khara’s Defeat, and Sītā-haraṇa Prelude
स्वर्णचित्रमृगो भूत्वा रामलक्ष्मणकर्षकः हृद्रुधिरमिति ख, ग, ङ, चिह्नितपुस्तकत्रयपाठः रक्षसां सहसा प्रायाद्योद्धुमिति ग, चिह्नितपुस्तकपाठः सीताग्रे तां हरिष्यामि अन्यथा मरणं तव
svarṇacitramṛgo bhūtvā rāmalakṣmaṇakarṣakaḥ hṛdrudhiramiti kha, ga, ṅa, cihnitapustakatrayapāṭhaḥ rakṣasāṃ sahasā prāyādyoddhumiti ga, cihnitapustakapāṭhaḥ sītāgre tāṃ hariṣyāmi anyathā maraṇaṃ tava
تحوّل إلى غزالٍ ذهبيٍّ منقّط ليجتذب راما ولاكشمانا بعيدًا، وعزم: «سأمضي مسرعًا إلى الرّاكشاسا للقتال. وأمام سيتا نفسها سأختطفها؛ وإلا فالموتُ لك».
Agni (narrating puranic-itihasa material to Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Recognizing deceptive appearances (maya) and the tactical use of disguise/decoy to manipulate attention—useful as a cautionary model in ethics and security.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Maricha’s Maya: Golden Deer Decoy and Threat of Forced Abduction","lookup_keywords":["Maricha","maya-mriga","suvarna-mriga","Sita-harana","decoy"],"quick_summary":"Maricha assumes a golden deer form to lure Rama and Lakshmana away, enabling the abduction attempt. The passage highlights maya (illusion) as a strategic tool and a moral hazard."}
Alamkara Type: Rupaka (transformation imagery) and Chitra (visual vividness)
Weapon Type: Bow (implied via Rama-Lakshmana pursuit)
Concept: Maya (deceptive appearance) can displace dharmic priorities; vigilance (apramada) is required.
Application: In personal and institutional life, treat ‘too-attractive’ distractions as potential decoys; keep core duties and protection commitments intact.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Narrative (Ramayana episode / Rakshasa-maya)
Primary Rasa: Adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: Bhayanaka
Type: Forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Maricha transforms into a radiant golden, spotted deer near Sita’s hut, intending to lure Rama and Lakshmana away; the threat of abduction hangs over the scene.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, forest hermitage with thatched kutira, Sita in elegant stance, golden dappled deer in foreground with stylized spots, Rama and Lakshmana partially visible moving toward pursuit, lush foliage, bold outlines, narrative clarity","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central golden deer with gold foil shimmer, Sita adorned with traditional jewelry, hermitage setting, ornate borders, embossed gold highlights on deer and ornaments, devotional yet dramatic composition","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, fine detailing of deer’s dappled pattern, gentle forest palette, Sita near hut with attentive gaze, Rama/Lakshmana in poised movement, emphasis on storytelling and expression","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed forest with layered trees, small hermitage, Sita watching the exquisite golden deer, Rama and Lakshmana stepping out with bows, intricate flora and patterned ground, delicate brushwork"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"suspenseful","suggested_raga":"Khamaj","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: Verse text contains critical apparatus notes (हृद्रुधिरम् इति..., रक्षसां सहसा प्रायात्..., योद्धुम् इति...) which are not part of the continuous śloka; analyzed the main readable pādas: स्वर्णचित्रमृगः... सीताग्रे तां हरिष्यामि अन्यथा मरणं तव. सीताग्रे treated as अव्ययीभाव.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 7.14 (Maricha’s assessment of Rama as death); Agni Purana 7.15 (Maricha accepts fate, becomes deer)
FAQs
It conveys strategic deception (māyā/guise) and coercive threat as a narrative lesson—how a rakshasa uses disguise to separate protectors and enable abduction.
Alongside ritual, polity, and other śāstras, the Agni Purana preserves Itihasa material (Ramayana episodes) as moral-political exempla illustrating dharma, danger, and strategy.
The verse highlights adharma-driven intent (abduction, intimidation) and its grave karmic consequences, functioning as a cautionary contrast to righteous conduct.