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
Na batalha, Rāma dilacerou Rāvaṇa com flechas; e Rāvaṇa, aflito, despertou também Kumbhakarṇa.
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.