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
सीतेने ती अंगठी घेतली. झाडावर मारुतीला पाहून ती पुन्हा त्याच्या समोर बसली आणि म्हणाली—“जर ते जिवंत असतील…”।
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.