Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 24
Svāyambhuva-vaṁśa-varṇanam
Description of the Lineage of Svāyambhuva Manu
प्रजापतित्वं सम्प्राप्य तुष्टा विष्णोश् च निर्गताः भूः खं व्याप्तं हि तरुभिस्तांस्तरूनदहंश् च ते
prajāpatitvaṃ samprāpya tuṣṭā viṣṇoś ca nirgatāḥ bhūḥ khaṃ vyāptaṃ hi tarubhistāṃstarūnadahaṃś ca te
പ്രജാപതിത്വം പ്രാപിച്ച് അവർ തൃപ്തരായി വിഷ്ണുവിൽ നിന്നു പുറപ്പെട്ടു. ഭൂമിയും ആകാശവും വൃക്ഷങ്ങളാൽ വ്യാപിച്ചിരുന്നു; അവർ ആ വൃക്ഷങ്ങളെയേ ദഹിപ്പിച്ചു।
Lord Agni (narrating Purāṇic cosmology to a sage, traditionally Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Cosmology","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Interpreting sarga narratives: emergence of Prajāpatis from Viṣṇu, proliferation of vegetation, and subsequent burning as a mythic model for cycles of manifestation and regulation (creation–overgrowth–correction).","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Prajāpati emergence from Viṣṇu and the burning of all-pervading trees","lookup_keywords":["sarga","Prajāpati","Viṣṇu","taru-vyāpti","dāha"],"quick_summary":"After attaining Prajāpati status and emerging from Viṣṇu, the world becomes pervaded by trees; they then burn the trees. The episode encodes a cosmological correction: unchecked proliferation is restrained to restore balance."}
Concept: All beings and powers emerge from the Supreme (Viṣṇu); cosmic order includes both generation and dissolution/regulation.
Application: Read life cycles as requiring both growth and restraint; cultivate discernment so that ‘creation’ does not become disorder.
Khanda Section: Prajāpati-Sṛṣṭi and Cosmic Elements (Sarga/Creation Narrative)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Type: Cosmic-region
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Prajāpatis emerging from Viṣṇu’s being; the world choked with trees across earth and sky; a sweeping conflagration consuming the forest canopy.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, Viṣṇu as cosmic source, Prajāpatis emerging in stylized manner, dense patterned trees filling the frame, controlled sacred fire sweeping through, dramatic yet iconically ordered.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, Viṣṇu central with gold halo, Prajāpatis around, luxuriant trees with gold accents, flames rendered with gold work, high-contrast reds and greens.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, sequential-panel feel: emergence, overgrowth, burning; fine linework for trees and flames, instructional clarity of stages.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, panoramic forest overgrowth into the horizon, figures of Prajāpatis with subtle halos, realistic fire and smoke, detailed flora."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: विष्णोश् च → विष्णोः + च; तांस्तरूनदहंश् च → तान् + तरून् + अदहन् + च.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: sarga/pratisarga cosmology passages; Agni Purana: Viṣṇu as source of emanation themes
FAQs
It conveys cosmological sequencing: Prajāpatis arise from Viṣṇu, creation proliferates as vegetation fills earth and space, and a purifying/transformative burning follows—an archetype underlying Purāṇic ideas of cyclical creation and dissolution.
By documenting a compact sarga (creation) motif—emanation from Viṣṇu, expansion of life-forms, and transformative destruction—this verse exemplifies how the Agni Purāṇa preserves cosmology alongside its many other disciplines (ritual, polity, medicine, arts).
The verse frames destruction (burning) not as mere violence but as a cosmic purifier that resets and transforms creation, reinforcing the Purāṇic teaching that change and dissolution are integral to dharmic order and renewal.