Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 11
Chapter 10 — श्रीरामावतारवर्णनम्
Description of the Incarnation-Deeds of Śrī Rāma
कुम्भकर्णः प्रबुद्धो ऽथ पीत्वा घटसहस्रकम् मद्यस्य महिषादीनां भक्षयित्वाह रावणम्
kumbhakarṇaḥ prabuddho 'tha pītvā ghaṭasahasrakam madyasya mahiṣādīnāṃ bhakṣayitvāha rāvaṇam
પછી જાગેલો કુંભકર્ણ મદ્યના હજાર ઘડા પીીને, મહિષ વગેરે પશુઓ ભક્ષી રાવણને બોલ્યો।
Agni (narrating to Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Depicts the ‘giant-warrior’ archetype: pre-battle intoxication/feeding and psychological intimidation; useful for understanding narrative characterization of brute-force combatants.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Kumbhakarṇa’s Awakening: Thousand Jars of Liquor and Devouring of Beasts","lookup_keywords":["kumbhakarṇa","madya","ghaṭa-sahasra","mahīṣa-bhakṣaṇa","rāvaṇa"],"quick_summary":"Awakened Kumbhakarṇa drinks immense quantities of liquor and consumes buffaloes and other animals before addressing Rāvaṇa. The scene emphasizes colossal appetite, intoxication, and the terror-inducing preparation of a giant combatant."}
Dosha: Kapha
Alamkara Type: Atiśayokti (hyperbole)
Concept: Tamas-driven indulgence (madya, violent consumption) is portrayed as a mark of adharma and impending downfall.
Application: Ethical self-governance: avoid intoxication and excess that cloud discernment and fuel harmful action.
Khanda Section: Itihasa–Ramayana-Katha (Narrative Section: Lanka war episodes)
Primary Rasa: Bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: Bibhatsa
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A colossal Kumbhakarṇa rises from sleep, surrounded by heaps of buffalo carcasses and attendants pouring liquor from countless jars; he turns to speak to Rāvaṇa.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, giant Kumbhakarṇa emerging from sleep on a large couch, attendants with rows of clay jars, dark dramatic palette, expressive eyes, buffalo forms stylized, ominous atmosphere","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, Kumbhakarṇa monumental with gold accents on ornaments, neatly arranged jars with gilded highlights, Rāvaṇa in royal attire at side, rich decorative borders, iconic staging","mysore_prompt":"Mysore, detailed interior scene: attendants pouring from jars, Kumbhakarṇa seated then rising, clear depiction of vessels and food heaps, refined shading and calm linework despite grim subject","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, palace pavilion with patterned textiles, numerous jars stacked, servants bustling, giant figure dominating space, realistic animal forms, nuanced expressions of fear and urgency"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: prabuddho 'tha → prabuddhaḥ + atha (visarga elision before vowel); bhakṣayitvāha → bhakṣayitvā + āha.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Rāmāyaṇa-saṅgraha: Kumbhakarṇa’s subsequent battle and fall; Agni Purana Dharmashastra/Ahāra-related notes (general parallel, if present)
FAQs
No ritual or technical vidyā is taught here; it is a narrative detail describing Kumbhakarna’s awakening, immense consumption, and his readiness to speak to Ravana.
It shows the Agni Purana’s scope beyond rites and doctrines by incorporating Itihasa-style narrative (Ramayana retelling), preserving cultural memory, character archetypes, and moral-political context alongside technical subjects elsewhere.
The verse functions as a cautionary narrative motif: indulgence and violent appetite are portrayed as traits of rākṣasic nature, setting the ethical backdrop for the ensuing consequences in the dharmic conflict.