Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 34
Śrīrāmāvatāravarṇanam (Description of Śrī Rāma’s Incarnation) — Ayodhyā Abhiṣeka, Vanavāsa, Daśaratha’s Death, Bharata’s Regency
रामलक्ष्मणसीताश् च तीर्णा आपुः प्रयागकम् भरद्वाजं नमस्कृत्य चित्रकूटं गिरिं ययुः
rāmalakṣmaṇasītāś ca tīrṇā āpuḥ prayāgakam bharadvājaṃ namaskṛtya citrakūṭaṃ giriṃ yayuḥ
রাম, লক্ষ্মণ ও সীতা পার হয়ে প্রয়াগে পৌঁছালেন; ভরদ্বাজকে প্রণাম করে তাঁরা চিত্রকূট পর্বতে গেলেন।
Lord Agni (narrating to Sage Vashistha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Provides a pilgrimage-and-exile itinerary (Gaṅgā crossing → Prayāga → sage-visit → Citrakūṭa) and models proper conduct: paying homage to a ṛṣi before proceeding.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Route node: Prayāga—Bharadvāja-vandana—Citrakūṭa-gamana","lookup_keywords":["Prayāga","Bharadvāja","Citrakūṭa","Rāma Lakṣmaṇa Sītā","itinerary"],"quick_summary":"After crossing, the trio reaches Prayāga, salutes Bharadvāja, and proceeds to Citrakūṭa—encoding sacred geography and the etiquette of seeking sage-blessings."}
Alamkara Type: Dīpaka (single action—progression—illuminating successive places)
Concept: Guru/ṛṣi-vandana and seeking guidance before major life transitions; sanctifying travel through tīrtha and satsanga.
Application: Before undertaking difficult duties, seek counsel from the wise; integrate pilgrimage/retreat as a means of steadiness and ethical clarity.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Sankalana (Ramayana narrative within Agni Purana)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: Tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā arrive at Prayāga’s confluence, bow to sage Bharadvāja at his āśrama, then move toward the forested slopes of Citrakūṭa.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, Triveṇī confluence with stylized currents, āśrama with thatched huts, Bharadvāja seated with kamaṇḍalu, trio in añjali, Citrakūṭa hills in the distance, rich earthy palette and decorative flora","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, confluence rendered symbolically, Bharadvāja with halo-like sanctity, trio adorned yet austere, gold-leaf accents on borders and sacred vessels, mountain backdrop","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear sequential composition: arrival at Prayāga, homage at āśrama, departure toward Citrakūṭa, delicate shading, detailed trees and hermitage implements","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, expansive landscape with river confluence, hermitage scene with sage and disciples, trio traveling, distant mountain ridge, fine naturalistic detail and balanced composition"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: rāmalakṣmaṇasītāś = rāma-lakṣmaṇa-sītāḥ; namaskṛtya is a gerund formed with upapada ‘namas’.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 6.33 (Gaṅgā crossing)
FAQs
This verse primarily conveys tirtha-yatra and sadhu-samparka practice: crossing to a sacred confluence (Prayaga) and offering respectful salutation to a revered rishi (Bharadvaja) before proceeding onward.
By embedding Ramayana itinerary and sacred-place references (Prayaga, Chitrakuta) alongside rishi lineages (Bharadvaja), the Agni Purana functions as a compendium of Itihasa narrative plus pilgrimage geography and cultural memory.
Honoring sages and visiting tirthas are presented as purifying acts; the verse models dharmic conduct—humility (namaskara) and sanctified travel—which is traditionally associated with accruing punya (religious merit).