Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 10
Chapter 10 — श्रीरामावतारवर्णनम्
Description of the Incarnation-Deeds of Śrī Rāma
रामः शरैर् जर्जरितं रावणञ्चाकरोद्रणे रावनः कुम्भकर्णञ्च बोधयामास दुःखितः
rāmaḥ śarair jarjaritaṃ rāvaṇañcākarodraṇe rāvanaḥ kumbhakarṇañca bodhayāmāsa duḥkhitaḥ
ਯੁੱਧ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਾਮ ਨੇ ਬਾਣਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਰਾਵਣ ਨੂੰ ਜਰਜਰ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ; ਅਤੇ ਦੁਖੀ ਰਾਵਣ ਨੇ ਕੁੰਭਕਰਨ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਜਗਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ।
Lord Agni (narrating to Vashistha in the Agni Purana’s puranic dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","practical_application":"Highlights sustained archery assault and the enemy’s escalation tactic (awakening a powerful reserve). Useful for reading battle psychology and escalation dynamics.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Rāma’s Arrow-Battering of Rāvaṇa and the Awakening of Kumbhakarṇa","lookup_keywords":["rāma-śara","rāvaṇa","raṇe","kumbhakarṇa-bodhana","yuddha-escalation"],"quick_summary":"Rāma wounds and weakens Rāvaṇa with repeated arrows; in distress, Rāvaṇa awakens Kumbhakarṇa to change the battle’s balance. The passage shows pressure tactics and escalation by deploying a dormant powerhouse."}
Alamkara Type: Kārya-kāraṇa (cause-effect)
Weapon Type: Bow and arrows
Concept: Adharma, when cornered, often doubles down by unleashing greater violence; dharma must remain steady and strategic.
Application: In conflict resolution: expect escalation when applying effective pressure; plan safeguards and contingencies.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Katha (Ramayana narrative within Agni Purana)
Primary Rasa: Vira
Secondary Rasa: Raudra
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Rāma stands firm releasing volleys that batter Rāvaṇa; in the background, a distressed Rāvaṇa orders attendants to awaken the gigantic sleeping Kumbhakarṇa.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, Rāma with bow in poised stance, arrows striking armored Rāvaṇa, attendants moving toward a colossal sleeping giant, strong outlines and layered narrative space","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, central Rāma with halo and gold ornaments, Rāvaṇa richly crowned with gold detailing showing arrow impacts, side vignette of Kumbhakarṇa on a grand couch, ornate borders","mysore_prompt":"Mysore, balanced composition: foreground archery exchange, background palace-tent area where messengers awaken Kumbhakarṇa, refined faces and clear storytelling","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed battlefield with chariots and standards, Rāma’s arrows mid-flight, Rāvaṇa gesturing in distress, servants entering a pavilion where giant Kumbhakarṇa stirs"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Darbari Kanada","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: śarair → śaraiḥ (visarga before consonant); rāvaṇañcākarot → rāvaṇam + ca + akarot; akaro(d)raṇe → akarot + raṇe (t + r sandhi).
Related Themes: Agni Purana Rāmāyaṇa-saṅgraha: Kumbhakarṇa episode continuation; Agni Purana Dhanurveda sections on leader-targeting and heavy-force counters (general parallel)
FAQs
It conveys a Dhanurveda-adjacent battlefield detail: effective arrow-strikes that physically disable an opponent, and the tactical response of summoning reinforcements (rousing Kumbhakarna).
Alongside rituals, polity, and sciences, the Agni Purana also preserves Itihasa-style war episodes; this verse exemplifies its inclusion of martial narrative and strategy within a broader compendium.
It frames the conflict as dharma-driven: Rama’s disciplined martial action contrasts with Ravana’s grief-driven escalation, implying that unrighteous aggression leads to distress and desperate measures.