Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 26
Śrīrāmāvatāravarṇanam (Description of Śrī Rāma’s Incarnation) — Ayodhyā Abhiṣeka, Vanavāsa, Daśaratha’s Death, Bharata’s Regency
सत्यपाशनिबद्धस्तु राममाहूय चाब्रवीत् कैकेय्या वञ्चितो राम राज्यं कुरु निगृह्य माम्
satyapāśanibaddhastu rāmamāhūya cābravīt kaikeyyā vañcito rāma rājyaṃ kuru nigṛhya mām
But, bound by the noose of truth, he summoned Rama and said: “Rama, I have been deceived by Kaikeyi; take up the kingdom, after restraining me (overriding my helplessness bound by my vow).”
King Dasharatha (addressing Rama), within Agni Purana’s Ramayana narrative retelling (framed traditionally as Agni’s instruction to Vashistha).
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Ethics of vows in governance: how a ruler bound by satya must act, and how authority may be transferred to preserve dharma and state order.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Commentary","entry_title":"Satya-pasha (noose of truth) and compelled abdication","lookup_keywords":["satya","vrata","rajadharma","kaikeyi","ramarajya"],"quick_summary":"Shows the king constrained by a truth-vow; he calls Rama to assume rule, acknowledging deception and the paralysis created by binding promises in political life."}
Alamkara Type: Rupaka
Concept: Satya as binding power: personal vows can override royal will, creating dharma-sankata; resolution sought through rightful transfer of duty.
Application: In leadership, avoid rash promises; when bound, seek dharmic remedies that minimize harm—delegation/transfer to a competent successor.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Ramayana-Katha (Narrative Dharma and Royal Succession)
Primary Rasa: Karuna
Secondary Rasa: Shanta
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The king, bound by his vow, summons Rama in the court and confesses Kaikeyi’s deception, urging Rama to take the kingdom despite the king’s helpless constraint.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, royal hall with pillars, Dasaratha gesturing weakly, Rama standing composed with bow absent (civil scene), symbolic rope/noose motif near the king to signify satya-pasha, attendants and lamps, rich ochres and greens.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, Rama with serene halo, Dasaratha seated with sorrow, gold-leaf throne backdrop, Kaikeyi hinted at in side panel shadow, ornate jewelry, emphasis on dharmic gravity.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, instructional narrative clarity: king addressing Rama, subtle depiction of a ‘noose’ motif as a sash/cord, fine facial expressions, balanced composition.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, court audience scene, detailed textiles and carpets, Dasaratha speaking to Rama, courtiers whispering, architectural depth, muted palette with precise linework."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सत्यपाशनिबद्धस्तु = सत्यपाशनिबद्धः + तु. राममाहूय = रामम् + आहूय. चाब्रवीत् = च + अब्रवीत्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 6.25 (succession anxiety); Agni Purana 6.27 (exile instruction)
FAQs
It conveys dharma-vidya in the form of satya (truthfulness) as a binding vow (satyapāśa), illustrating how a king’s pledged word constrains political action and personal desire.
Alongside ritual, tantra, medicine, and polity, the Agni Purana also preserves Itihasa-based case studies in ethics and governance—here, a royal succession crisis used to teach rajadharma and the consequences of vows.
The verse highlights that satya and sworn promises generate binding karmic force; even a ruler must submit to truth, making vow-keeping a core purifier and a measure of dharmic legitimacy.