Agni Purana — Veda-vidhana & Vamsha, Shloka 22
Chapter 275 — द्वादशसङ्ग्रामाः
The Twelve Battles
शाल्वादीन् दानवान् जित्वा हरिः परशुरामकः अपालयत् सुरादींश् च दुष्टक्षत्रं निहत्य च
śālvādīn dānavān jitvā hariḥ paraśurāmakaḥ apālayat surādīṃś ca duṣṭakṣatraṃ nihatya ca
シャールヴァをはじめとするダーナヴァ族を征服したのち、ハリはパラシュラーマの姿となって神々らを守護し、さらに邪悪なるクシャトリヤの軍勢を討ち滅ぼした。
Lord Agni (narrating to Sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Frames Paraśurāma as a dharma-restoring archetype: protection of the righteous and restraint/punishment of violent, adharmic rulers; used in discourse on righteous kingship and just war.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Paraśurāma’s conquest of Dānavas and chastisement of wicked Kṣatriyas","lookup_keywords":["Paraśurāma","Śālva Dānava","kṣatriya-nigraha","deva-rakṣaṇa","dharma-saṃsthāpana"],"quick_summary":"The verse summarizes Hari’s Paraśurāma manifestation as a protector of devas and a remover of oppressive, adharmic warrior power, after defeating Dānava foes."}
Alamkara Type: Anuprāsa (alliterative clusters) and vīra-vṛtta narrative compression
Weapon Type: Axe (Paraśu)
Concept: Dharma is protected by decisive action against adharma; divine power may manifest to curb abusive sovereignty.
Application: Ethics of governance: rulers must protect the innocent; when power becomes predatory, it is legitimate (within dharma) to restrain it.
Khanda Section: Avataras / Vishnu-Charita (Parashurama episode)
Primary Rasa: Vira
Secondary Rasa: Raudra
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Paraśurāma as Hari stands victorious after defeating Dānava foes like Śālva; devas are shown sheltered behind him while a fallen, arrogant kṣatriya host lies subdued, symbolizing dharma restored.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style: Paraśurāma with paraśu, serene yet formidable, devas in reverent poses behind, defeated Dānavas and kṣatriya warriors in the foreground; flat warm palette, bold outlines, ornamental jewelry, lotus motifs.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting: central Paraśurāma with axe, halo and gold foil work, devas flanking in smaller scale, stylized battlefield below; rich reds/greens, heavy ornaments, embossed aureole.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting: refined linework, soft shading; Paraśurāma in dynamic stance with axe, devas protected at side, subdued enemies; minimal background with subtle landscape, delicate gold highlights.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: detailed battlefield vignette; Paraśurāma in ascetic-warrior attire with axe, clustered devas in courtly garments, fallen armored kṣatriyas and Dānava figures; fine brushwork, naturalistic terrain and banners."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: śālvādīn = śālva-ādīn; surādīṃś = sura-ādīn + ś (anusvāra/śchutva in transmission); paraśurāmakaḥ treated as karmadhāraya proper name; duṣṭakṣatraṃ = duṣṭa-kṣatram.
Related Themes: Agni Purāṇa Avatāra-kathā sections on Paraśurāma and Viṣṇu-carita; Agni Purāṇa dharma/rājadharma-related passages (general)
FAQs
This verse conveys dharma-oriented statecraft and cosmic order: the avatāra’s role is protection of the righteous (suras/allies) and removal of oppressive warrior-rulers, rather than prescribing a specific ritual or medical procedure.
It exemplifies the Purana’s avatāra-chronicle layer—historical-theological narrative that sits alongside its ritual, polity, and śāstra sections—showing how cosmic governance (protection and punishment) is framed through Vishnu’s incarnations.
It underscores the karmic principle that adharma—especially when institutionalized as violent or unjust rule—invites divine correction; protecting the righteous and curbing tyranny is presented as a meritorious, order-restoring act.