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
ແລ້ວກຸມພະກັນນະທີ່ຕື່ນຂຶ້ນ ໄດ້ດື່ມເຫຼົ້າເປັນພັນໄຫ; ແລະຫຼັງຈາກກິນຄວາຍ ແລະສັດອື່ນໆ ແລ້ວ ຈຶ່ງກ່າວກັບຣາວະນະ.
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.