Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 51
Chapter 12 — श्रीहरिवंशवर्णनं (Śrī-Harivaṃśa-varṇana) | The Description of the Sacred Harivaṃśa
विष्णुना जीवितो वाणो द्विबाहुः प्राब्रवीच्छिवम् त्वया यदभयं दत्तं वाणस्यास्य मया च तत्
viṣṇunā jīvito vāṇo dvibāhuḥ prābravīcchivam tvayā yadabhayaṃ dattaṃ vāṇasyāsya mayā ca tat
ವಿಷ್ಣುವಿಂದ ಜೀವ ಉಳಿಸಲ್ಪಟ್ಟ ಬಾಣನ ವಿಷಯದಲ್ಲಿ ದ್ವಿಬಾಹು ಶಿವನು ಹೇಳಿದನು—“ಈ ಬಾಣನಿಗೆ ನೀನು ನೀಡಿದ ಅಭಯವನ್ನು ನಾನೂ ಅದೇ ರೀತಿಯಾಗಿ ದೃಢಪಡಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ।”
Śiva (in dialogue context, confirming/echoing the boon of abhaya to Bāṇa)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Illustrates the ethics of granting protection (abhaya) and honoring boons across sectarian lines; useful for teaching reconciliation and vow-keeping.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Commentary","entry_title":"Abhaya-boon affirmed for Bāṇa (Hari–Hara concord)","lookup_keywords":["Bāṇa spared","abhaya boon","Śiva two-armed","Viṣṇu mercy","boon confirmation"],"quick_summary":"After Bāṇa’s life is spared by Viṣṇu, Śiva confirms that the fearlessness granted to Bāṇa stands equally by both, emphasizing shared authority and protection."}
Concept: Abhaya (assurance of safety) once granted must be upheld; divine powers act in concord to protect the surrendered.
Application: Ethic for rulers/teachers: keep promises of safety; coordinate with allies to prevent retaliatory harm.
Khanda Section: Avataras & Puranic Narrative (Vaishnava–Shaiva reconciliation episodes)
Primary Rasa: śānta
Secondary Rasa: karuṇa
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Śiva in a serene two-armed form speaks to Viṣṇu, while Bāṇa stands nearby as the spared devotee, receiving confirmed protection.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, temple interior feel; Śiva dvibāhu with calm expression and minimal ferocity, Viṣṇu facing him; Bāṇa at side with folded hands; luminous halos, ornamental borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore gold-work: Śiva and Viṣṇu seated/standing in dignified symmetry, heavy jewelry and halos; Bāṇa smaller in scale in añjali; emphasis on boon-confirmation serenity.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting: refined dialogue scene, clear hand gestures indicating speech and assurance; soft colors, elegant drapery; Bāṇa shown respectfully behind.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature courtly parley: Śiva and Viṣṇu in conversation, Bāṇa as a prince with attendants; fine textiles, architectural pavilion, delicate facial detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: prābravīcchivam = prābravīt + śivam. yadabhayam = yat + abhayam. vāṇasyāsya = vāṇasya + asya.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 12.50; Agni Purana 12.52
FAQs
It conveys the concept of abhaya-dāna (granting fearlessness/protection) as a formal divine assurance—an important puranic motif tied to boons and the ethics of sparing an enemy.
Beyond rituals and technical śāstras, the Agni Purana also preserves narrative theology: how boons are conferred, upheld, and harmonized among deities (here, Viṣṇu’s sparing and Śiva’s confirmation).
The verse highlights dharmic restraint and the sanctity of a granted boon: once fearlessness is given, it is to be honored—framing compassion and promise-keeping as spiritually weighty acts.