Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 10
Chapter 9 — श्रीरामावतारकथनम् (Śrī Rāmāvatāra-kathanam) | Hanumān’s Ocean-Crossing, Sītā-Darśana, and the Setu Plan
सीताङ्गुलीयं जग्राह सापश्यन्मारूतिन्तरौ भूयो ऽग्रे चोपविष्टं तम् उवाच यदि जीवति
sītāṅgulīyaṃ jagrāha sāpaśyanmārūtintarau bhūyo 'gre copaviṣṭaṃ tam uvāca yadi jīvati
സീത ആ മോതിരം സ്വീകരിച്ചു. വൃക്ഷത്തിൽ മാർുതിയെ കണ്ടിട്ട് അവൾ വീണ്ടും അവന്റെ മുമ്പിൽ ഇരുന്ന് പറഞ്ഞു—“അവൻ ജീവിച്ചിരിക്കുകയാണെങ്കിൽ…”।
Sita
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Highlights psychological realism in crisis: acceptance of proof, cautious dialogue, and the shift from shock to inquiry.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Sita receives the ring and questions Hanuman","lookup_keywords":["sita-anguliya","maruti","ashoka-vatika","samvada","pratyaya"],"quick_summary":"After receiving Rama’s ring, Sita re-engages Hanuman in direct conversation, moving from verification to urgent inquiry about Rama’s survival and intent."}
Alamkara Type: Dhvani (suggestion)
Concept: Shraddha with viveka: faith is strengthened by discernment and proper verification, not blind acceptance.
Application: When receiving critical news, confirm authenticity, then proceed to purposeful action rather than remaining in paralysis.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Ramayana-Prasanga (Narrative Episode: Sita–Hanuman dialogue)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: Garden
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Sita holds Rama’s ring; Hanuman is seen on a tree branch; Sita sits again before him, beginning a hesitant question about Rama’s life.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural; lush Ashoka grove, broad leaves and flowers; Hanuman perched on a branch, Sita seated below holding a ring close to her chest; expressive eyes, traditional ornaments, flat color planes","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting; Sita seated with ring highlighted in gold; Hanuman above or beside, reverent posture; ornate gold borders and embossed jewelry; deep saturated background","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style; gentle, intimate dialogue scene; careful depiction of hand gesture holding the ring; Hanuman on a tree with soft shading; emphasis on narrative clarity","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature; detailed garden with flowering trees; Sita seated on a carpeted platform, ring visible; Hanuman on a branch; attendants/guards faintly in background; fine brushwork"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Raga Todi","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सीताङ्गुलीयम् = सीता + अङ्गुलीयम्; सापश्यन् = सा + अपश्यत्; मारूतिन्तरौ = मारूतिम् + तरौ; भूयोऽग्रे = भूयः + अग्रे; चोपविष्टम् = च + उपविष्टम्।
Related Themes: Agni Purana Ramayana synopsis passages around Hanuman’s Lanka entry and Sita’s consolation; Agni Purana sections on stotra/mantra where Hanuman’s devotion is thematically echoed
FAQs
No ritual or technical vidyā is taught here; the verse functions as narrative transmission—Sītā accepts the ring as a pratyabhijñāna (recognition-token) and begins conveying her message.
It shows the Agni Purana’s scope beyond rites and doctrines by embedding Itihāsa-style narrative (Ramayana material), preserving ethical and devotional exemplars alongside technical chapters.
The episode highlights faith and perseverance in dharma under suffering: Sītā’s continued hope and communication through a devoted messenger exemplify steadiness (dhṛti) and trust in righteous protection.