Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 44
Śrīrāmāvatāravarṇanam (Description of Śrī Rāma’s Incarnation) — Ayodhyā Abhiṣeka, Vanavāsa, Daśaratha’s Death, Bharata’s Regency
पूर्वामिति ग, ङ, चिह्नितपुस्तकद्वयपाठः नृप इति ङ, चिह्नितपुस्तकपाठः चापतदिति ङ, चिह्नितपुस्तकपाठः दृष्ट्वा सशोकां कैकेयीं निन्दयामास दुःखितः अकीर्तिः पातिता मूर्ध्नि कौशल्यां स प्रशस्य च
pūrvāmiti ga, ṅa, cihnitapustakadvayapāṭhaḥ nṛpa iti ṅa, cihnitapustakapāṭhaḥ cāpataditi ṅa, cihnitapustakapāṭhaḥ dṛṣṭvā saśokāṃ kaikeyīṃ nindayāmāsa duḥkhitaḥ akīrtiḥ pātitā mūrdhni kauśalyāṃ sa praśasya ca
ಶೋಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಮುಳುಗಿದ ಕೈಕೇಯಿಯನ್ನು ನೋಡಿ ಅವನು ದುಃಖದಿಂದ ಅವಳನ್ನು ನಿಂದಿಸಿದನು; ಮತ್ತು ತನ್ನ ತಲೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಅಪಕೀರ್ತಿ ಬಿದ್ದಂತೆಯೆಂದು ಭಾವಿಸಿ ಕೌಶಲ್ಯೆಯನ್ನೂ ಪ್ರಶಂಸಿಸಿದನು.
Lord Agni (narrative summary to the seer; Ramayana episode retold)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Alamkara","practical_application":"Shows moral-psychological dynamics after tragedy: blame, praise, and reputation (kīrti/akīrti). Also preserves a textual-critical note (variant readings) relevant to scholarly transmission.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Commentary","entry_title":"Reproach of Kaikeyī, praise of Kauśalyā; akīrti (disgrace) motif; variant readings note","lookup_keywords":["Kaikeyī-nindā","Kauśalyā-praśaṃsā","akīrti","pāṭhabheda","śoka"],"quick_summary":"The narrative turns to social judgment: Kaikeyī is reproached while Kauśalyā is praised, framed through the image of disgrace falling on one’s head. The verse also signals manuscript variants, reminding readers of textual transmission."}
Alamkara Type: Rūpaka/Utprekṣā-like image: ‘akīrtiḥ pātitā mūrdhni’ (disgrace as a thrown object)
Concept: Kīrti/akīrti (honor/disgrace) as moral consequence; speech acts of blame and praise shape communal dharma-narrative.
Application: Weigh speech in crisis: censure may satisfy emotion but can deepen division; uphold dharma by truthful, measured counsel.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-katha (Ramayana narrative within Agni Purana)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sorrowful court scene: Kaikeyī seated in grief yet being reproached; Kauśalyā nearby, dignified in sorrow, receiving praise; the metaphor of ‘disgrace falling on the head’ suggested through symbolic gesture or dark cloth above.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: two queens contrasted—Kaikeyī with downcast face as a courtier gestures reproach; Kauśalyā calm and sorrowful, praised by elders; symbolic dark veil hovering above to suggest akīrti, bold outlines and warm palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: ornate court with gold pillars; Kaikeyī shown in subdued posture, Kauśalyā with composed dignity; gold-work used to emphasize ‘kīrti’ around Kauśalyā and a darker motif above Kaikeyī for ‘akīrti’.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: refined, didactic composition highlighting moral contrast; elders pointing in admonition toward Kaikeyī and offering consoling praise to Kauśalyā; soft colors, detailed jewelry and textiles.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: intimate court debate scene with expressive faces; Kaikeyī at one side, Kauśalyā at the other; subtle symbolic element (shadow/cloth) above to indicate disgrace; intricate carpet and architectural framing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"somber","suggested_raga":"Asavari","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: Verse text includes manuscript notes (‘पूर्वामिति...’ etc.) omitted from pada-analysis as non-śloka apparatus. सशोकां = स-शोकाम्; च (conjunction) joins clauses.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Ramopākhyāna: episodes on Kaikeyī’s boons, public blame, and Bharata’s response
FAQs
No ritual or technical vidyā is taught here; the verse conveys ethical instruction through narrative—censure of wrongdoing and the social-spiritual weight of akīrti (disgrace).
It shows the Agni Purana’s inclusion of Itihasa-katha (Ramayana retellings) alongside ritual, polity, and other sciences—using famous narratives to transmit dharma, character, and governance ideals.
The verse highlights that adharma brings akīrti (ill-fame), a moral consequence affecting one’s standing and karmic trajectory, while honoring virtue (praising Kauśalyā) reinforces dharmic conduct.