Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 3
Varāhādy-avatāra-varṇana
Description of Varāha and Other Incarnations
धर्मदेवादिरक्षाकृत् ततः सो ऽन्तर्दधे हरिः हिरण्याक्षस्य वै भ्राता हिरण्यकशिपुस् तथा
dharmadevādirakṣākṛt tataḥ so 'ntardadhe hariḥ hiraṇyākṣasya vai bhrātā hiraṇyakaśipus tathā
ダルマと神々の護りを確立したのち、ハリは姿を消した。まことに、ヒラニヤカシプはヒラニヤークシャの兄弟である。
Lord Agni (narrating to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Cosmology","practical_application":"Establishes narrative continuity: after restoring divine order, Hari withdraws; genealogical linkage (Hiraṇyakaśipu as brother) sets up subsequent avatāra arcs (e.g., Narasiṃha).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Aftermath of Varāha: protection secured; Hari’s disappearance; Daitya genealogy (Hiraṇyākṣa–Hiraṇyakaśipu)","lookup_keywords":["Hiraṇyakaśipu","Hiraṇyākṣa","daitya genealogy","Hari antardhāna","dharma-rakṣā"],"quick_summary":"The verse closes the immediate crisis—dharma and devas are protected—and notes Hari’s withdrawal. It records the fraternal relation of the two major asuras, preparing the next theological-historical episode."}
Alamkara Type: Saṅkṣepa (compression) / anvaya for genealogical notice
Concept: Īśvara intervenes to protect dharma and then becomes unmanifest (antardhāna); cosmic governance includes both appearance and withdrawal.
Application: After resolving a crisis, return to steadiness and non-attachment; recognize cycles of manifestation/withdrawal in life and practice.
Khanda Section: Avataras & Puranic Cosmology (Daitya-vamsha / Varaha-avatara context)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Secondary Rasa: Adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A calm epilogue: devas and Dharma are secured; Hari vanishes from sight; a genealogical note points to Hiraṇyakaśipu as brother of Hiraṇyākṣa, hinting at future conflict.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: devas standing relieved, hands in añjali; a fading luminous silhouette of Hari indicating antardhāna; side medallions with two asura brothers’ portraits labeled Hiraṇyākṣa and Hiraṇyakaśipu.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: serene celestial court with gold accents; a subtle translucent outline where Hari stood, now empty; decorative genealogical cartouche naming the two brothers.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: didactic composition—upper scene ‘dharma-rakṣā’ with devas; lower inset showing the two asura brothers as lineage figures; soft colors and fine detailing.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: quiet palace courtyard; devas conversing as a radiant figure dissolves into light; margin note-style genealogy panel with the two brothers in profile, manuscript-illustration feel."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bihag","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सोऽन्तर्दधे → सः + अन्तर्दधे; धर्मदेवादिरक्षाकृत् is a multi-member compound; हिरण्यकशिपुस् (in text) → हिरण्यकशिपुः (visarga restoration).
Related Themes: Agni Purana continuation of avatāra narratives following Varāha; later mention of Hiraṇyakaśipu leading toward Narasiṃha-related material
FAQs
This verse is primarily narrative (itihāsa-purāṇa style), conveying the doctrinal point that Viṣṇu (Hari) restores dharma and protects the devas, rather than prescribing a specific ritual or technique.
It preserves mythic history and daitya genealogy (Hiraṇyākṣa–Hiraṇyakaśipu), a core purāṇic function that complements the Agni Purana’s technical sections (ritual, polity, medicine) by grounding them in cosmology and avatāra theology.
The takeaway is that alignment with dharma results in divine safeguarding: when cosmic order is defended, Hari’s protective agency is affirmed, reinforcing faith (śraddhā) in dharma as a purifier and sustainer of well-being.