Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 19
Śrīrāmāvatāravarṇanam (Description of Śrī Rāma’s Incarnation) — Ayodhyā Abhiṣeka, Vanavāsa, Daśaratha’s Death, Bharata’s Regency
येन रामेण हि विना न जीवामि मुहूर्तकम् शपामि तेन कुर्यां वै वाञ्छितं तव सुन्दरि
yena rāmeṇa hi vinā na jīvāmi muhūrtakam śapāmi tena kuryāṃ vai vāñchitaṃ tava sundari
ज्या रामाविना मी क्षणभरही जगत नाही, त्याची शपथ—हे सुंदरी, तुझे इच्छित मागणे मी नक्कीच पूर्ण करीन।
Narrative speaker within the Ramopakhyana episode (a male character invoking Rama as the binding witness of an oath); overarching narrator in Agni Purana tradition: Lord Agni to Vashistha
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","practical_application":"Illustrates binding nature of oaths and the peril of rash vows; guidance for ethical speech and promise-making in family/governance.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Commentary","entry_title":"Oath by Rama: pledge to fulfill Kaikeyi’s desire","lookup_keywords":["shapatha","satya-vacana","Rama","vow","Kaikeyi"],"quick_summary":"Dasharatha swears by Rama—his dearest—promising to fulfill Kaikeyi’s request, demonstrating how emotionally charged vows can compel dharmic catastrophe when made without full knowledge."}
Alamkara Type: Atishyokti (hyperbole: cannot live even a moment without Rama)
Concept: Satya (truthfulness) and pratijñā (vow) are sacred, yet must be undertaken with foresight; attachment can cloud judgment.
Application: Avoid absolute promises under emotional pressure; when vows are made, uphold them with integrity while seeking least-harmful dharmic resolution.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Narrative (Ramopakhyana / Dharma-Patnivrata & Vow)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Dasharatha, emotionally bound, swearing an oath by Rama, addressing Kaikeyi who listens with poised expectation.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, Dasharatha with raised hand in oath gesture, eyes moist, Kaikeyi composed and intent, dramatic lamp-lit interior, strong outlines, traditional color blocks, emphasis on hand mudra of vow.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold haloed Dasharatha taking oath, Kaikeyi richly ornamented, gold-leaf highlighting the solemnity, decorative borders, symbolic depiction of Rama’s name as sacred anchor.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, didactic oath scene with clear gestures, subtle expressions, minimal background, fine ornamentation, focus on the moment of irreversible promise.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, intimate court interior, Dasharatha swearing with hand raised, Kaikeyi attentive, attendants at margins, intricate textiles and jewelry, nuanced facial emotion."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Raga Todi","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कुर्यां = कुर्याम् (विधिलिङ् 1sg); ‘रामेण ... विना’ uses instrumental with vinā; no major sandhi beyond phonetic coalescence in recitation.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 6.15 (exile decision outcome); Agni Purana 6.18 (prelude inquiry)
FAQs
This verse conveys oath-taking (śapatha) as a dharmic restraint—invoking a revered figure (Rama) as witness to bind oneself to fulfill a requested act.
Alongside ritual and technical topics, the Agni Purana preserves ethical instruction through Itihasa-style narratives, illustrating dharma (truthfulness, promise-keeping) via a Rama-centered episode.
Invoking Rama while swearing heightens accountability; keeping such a vow supports satya (truth) and dharma, while breaking it is traditionally treated as spiritually blameworthy.