Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 7
Śrīrāmāvatāra-varṇanam
Description of the Incarnation of Śrī Rāma
रामं सम्प्रेषयामास लक्ष्मणं मुनिना सह रामो गतो ऽस्त्रशस्त्राणि शिक्षितस्ताडकान्तकृत्
rāmaṃ sampreṣayāmāsa lakṣmaṇaṃ muninā saha rāmo gato 'straśastrāṇi śikṣitastāḍakāntakṛt
He dispatched Rāma together with Lakṣmaṇa and the sage. Rāma went forth, trained in astras and weapons, and became the slayer of Tāḍakā.
Lord Agni (narrating the Purana to Vasiṣṭha in the standard Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","practical_application":"Frames ideal martial training under a guru (rishi) and its ethical deployment: weapons are learned for protecting yajna and removing violent threats (Tāḍakā).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Rama’s dispatch with Lakshmana and training in astra-śastra; slaying of Tāḍakā","lookup_keywords":["astra-shastra shiksha","Vishvamitra","Lakshmana","Tadaka-vadha","yajna-raksha"],"quick_summary":"The verse records Rama’s accompaniment with Lakshmana and the sage, his training in missiles and weapons, and the first major protective act—Tāḍakā’s defeat."}
Alamkara Type: Kriya-vishesha (action-focused narration)
Weapon Type: Bow and arrows; astras (missile-weapons) and śastras (hand-weapons) in general
Concept: Kshatriya power is legitimate when guided by rishi-wisdom and used to protect sacred order.
Application: Ethics of force: training + authorization + protective intent as criteria for righteous combat.
Khanda Section: Avatara-Charita (Rama-katha / Itihasa-sankalana)
Primary Rasa: Vira
Secondary Rasa: Raudra
Type: Forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Vishvamitra leads Rama and Lakshmana through a forest; Rama holds bow, poised; Tāḍakā appears as a fierce rakshasi; the moment of decisive strike is shown.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, dense stylized forest, Vishvamitra in front with staff, Rama youthful with bow drawn, Lakshmana alert, Tāḍakā as formidable rakshasi with dramatic posture, bold colors and strong outlines","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, heroic Rama with gold halo and ornate jewelry, bow drawn toward Tāḍakā, Lakshmana beside, Vishvamitra blessing gesture, gold embossing on weapons and ornaments, rich background","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, instructional clarity: depict archery stance, quiver placement, rishi-guru presence, forest setting; fine lines, soft colors, minimal but precise action","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed woodland with animals and foliage, dynamic chase/encounter, Rama aiming arrow, Tāḍakā recoiling, Vishvamitra calm, intricate textiles and weapon details"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Shankara","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गतो ऽस्त्रशस्त्राणि → गतः + अस्त्र-शस्त्राणि; शिक्षितस्ताडकान्तकृत् → शिक्षितः + ताडका-अन्तकृत्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda-related chapters (weapon classifications and training); Agni Purana Ramayana-sangraha: Tāḍakā episode
FAQs
It highlights astra-śastra-śikṣā—formal training in projectile weapons (astras) and hand-held arms (śastras), a core Dhanurveda-related competency for a kṣatriya.
By embedding martial-technical vocabulary (astra/śastra and training) within an Itihasa-style Rama narrative, the text links ethical kingship and heroism with practical military science—one strand of the Agni Purana’s multi-domain compilation.
Rāma’s disciplined training and mission culminate in removing a harmful force (Tāḍakā), presenting righteous action (dharma-protecting violence) as merit-bearing when performed under guidance and for protection of sages and society.