Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 8
कुरुपाण्डवसङ्ग्रामवर्णनम्
Description of the War between the Kurus and the Pāṇḍavas
दशमे ह्य् अर्जुनो वाणैर् भीष्मं वीरं ववर्ष ह शिखण्डी द्रुपदोक्तो ऽस्त्रैर् ववर्ष जलदो यथा
daśame hy arjuno vāṇair bhīṣmaṃ vīraṃ vavarṣa ha śikhaṇḍī drupadokto 'strair vavarṣa jalado yathā
പത്താം ദിവസം അർജുനൻ അമ്പുവർഷംകൊണ്ട് വീരഭീഷ്മനെ മൂടി; ദ്രുപദന്റെ ആജ്ഞപ്രകാരം ശിഖണ്ഡിയും മേഘംപോലെ അസ്ത്രവർഷം ചൊരിഞ്ഞു.
Lord Agni (narrating puranic-itihasa material to Vasiṣṭha, in the common Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","practical_application":"Illustrates coordinated engagement against a key commander (Bhīṣma) using massed arrow volleys and role-based participation (Śikhaṇḍin acting under instruction), relevant to combined-arms focus on neutralizing high-value targets.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Tenth-Day Arrow-Shower on Bhīṣma (Arjuna & Śikhaṇḍin)","lookup_keywords":["Arjuna","Śikhaṇḍin","Drupada","Bhīṣma","vāṇa-varṣa"],"quick_summary":"On the tenth day, Arjuna and Śikhaṇḍin unleash sustained volleys upon Bhīṣma; the simile of a rain-cloud conveys density and continuity of missile fire."}
Alamkara Type: Upama
Weapon Type: Bow (arrows)
Concept: Strategic coordination and adherence to command instruction can overcome even near-invincible opponents within the war’s ethical frame.
Application: Operational lesson: synchronize efforts, exploit known constraints of the opponent, and maintain disciplined execution.
Khanda Section: Itihasa–Mahabharata-katha (Dhanurveda/War narrative context)
Primary Rasa: Vira
Secondary Rasa: Raudra
Type: Tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Arjuna and Śikhaṇḍin stand on chariots, bows drawn, releasing dense streams of arrows toward Bhīṣma; the sky is filled with arrow-lines like rain, with a cloud motif reinforcing the simile.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, twin chariots of Arjuna and Śikhaṇḍin, stylized arrow-rain pattern across the panel, Bhīṣma receiving the volley, cloud forms echoing the simile, saturated colors and ornamental borders","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, Arjuna prominent with gold halo, Śikhaṇḍin beside, embossed gold on bows and armor, arrows rendered as rhythmic gold-tipped lines, Bhīṣma centered as heroic target, rich jewel tones","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear instructional depiction of volley technique—multiple arrows in flight, archers’ posture and draw length emphasized, cloud-rain analogy subtly in background, fine linework and soft palette","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, dramatic moment with dense arrow trajectories, detailed chariots and horses, Bhīṣma steadfast amid impact, cloud bank above mirroring arrow-rain, intricate textiles and realistic faces"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Kedar","pace":"fast","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ह्य् = हि; वाणैर् = वाणैः; द्रुपदोक्तो = द्रुपद-उक्तः; ऽस्त्रैर् = अस्त्रैः
Related Themes: Agni Purana Mahābhārata-saṃgraha: Bhīṣma’s fall episode; Agni Purana Dhanurveda: archery/arrow techniques (general)
FAQs
This verse primarily conveys Dhanurveda-style battlefield imagery: concentrated arrow-volleying (vāṇa-varṣa) and the deployment of astras (missile weapons) under command, illustrating coordinated martial execution rather than a ritual instruction.
By embedding Itihasa (Mahābhārata) battle episodes within the Purana, it preserves cultural memory and models of kingship and warfare; such narrative segments sit alongside the Agni Purana’s technical sections (ritual, polity, medicine, architecture), reinforcing its multi-domain, encyclopedic scope.
The verse underscores the Purāṇic theme that even mighty warriors are subject to time and destiny; it frames martial action within dharma and consequence—reminding readers that power and heroism culminate in impermanence and karmic fruition.