Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 12
Śrīrāmāvatāravarṇanam (Description of Śrī Rāma’s Incarnation) — Ayodhyā Abhiṣeka, Vanavāsa, Daśaratha’s Death, Bharata’s Regency
बालिशे रक्ष भरतम् आत्मानं माञ्च राघवात् भविता राघवो राजा राघवस्य ततः सुतः
bāliśe rakṣa bharatam ātmānaṃ māñca rāghavāt bhavitā rāghavo rājā rāghavasya tataḥ sutaḥ
হে সরলমতি, ভরতকে রক্ষা কর; নিজেকে এবং আমাকেও রাঘবের থেকে রক্ষা কর—রাঘবের বিরুদ্ধাচরণ কোরো না। রাঘব রাজা হবে, তারপর রাঘবের পুত্র (রাজা হবে)।
Lord Agni (narrating the Ramopakhyana within Agni Purana)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Guidance on prudence in royal household politics: avoid antagonizing the rightful heir; protect one’s position by aligning with dharma and likely succession.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Prudential counsel: protect Bharata; do not oppose Rāghava","lookup_keywords":["protect Bharata","do not oppose Rama","succession forecast","rajadharma counsel","Kaikeyi admonition"],"quick_summary":"The speaker advises safeguarding Bharata and oneself by not acting against Rāma, predicting Rāma’s kingship and his son’s succession."}
Alamkara Type: Ādeśa (injunctive speech) / Bhaviṣyad-vākya (predictive statement)
Concept: Alignment with rightful order (dharma) is also pragmatic protection; opposing the dharmic heir invites ruin.
Application: In leadership transitions, avoid factional hostility; prioritize stability and legitimate succession.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-katha / Rajadharma (Ramayana-related counsel on kingship and protection)
Primary Rasa: śānta
Secondary Rasa: bhayānaka
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A counselor-like figure admonishes Kaikeyī: protect Bharata and do not act against Rāma; the scene feels like a stern warning in palace quarters.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, admonitory dialogue scene: speaker with raised hand in teaching gesture, Kaikeyi listening, subtle depiction of Rama and Bharata as symbolic figures in background medallions, traditional flat colors","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, didactic palace scene with gold highlights, Kaikeyi seated, counselor standing with instructive mudra, small inset showing Rama crowned and a prince-successor to indicate prophecy","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional composition: clear gestures, calm faces, minimal background, emphasis on the counsel text as a scroll motif near the figures","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, intimate chamber counsel, refined expressions, a faint future-crowning scene painted as a background vignette, detailed architecture and textiles"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: माञ्च → माम् च.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Rajadharma/Itihasa passages on kingship and succession (near 6.12)
FAQs
It imparts practical rajadharma: safeguarding the rightful heir (Bharata) and maintaining loyalty to the legitimate sovereign (Rāghava), emphasizing political prudence and personal safety.
Beyond ritual and theology, the Agni Purana preserves statecraft and ethical governance through Itihasa-based instruction—using Ramayana narrative to teach succession order, loyalty, and protection of the realm.
Supporting dharmic kingship and avoiding opposition to the rightful ruler is presented as alignment with dharma, reducing harmful karma arising from rebellion, intrigue, or endangering innocents.