Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 8
कुरुपाण्डवसङ्ग्रामवर्णनम्
Description of the War between the Kurus and the Pāṇḍavas
दशमे ह्य् अर्जुनो वाणैर् भीष्मं वीरं ववर्ष ह शिखण्डी द्रुपदोक्तो ऽस्त्रैर् ववर्ष जलदो यथा
daśame hy arjuno vāṇair bhīṣmaṃ vīraṃ vavarṣa ha śikhaṇḍī drupadokto 'strair vavarṣa jalado yathā
De fato, no décimo dia, Arjuna fez chover flechas sobre Bhīṣma, o herói; e Śikhaṇḍī—agindo segundo a instrução de Drupada—fez chover armas sobre ele, como uma nuvem de chuva derrama água.
Lord Agni (narrating puranic-itihasa material to Vasiṣṭha, in the common Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","practical_application":"Illustrates coordinated engagement against a key commander (Bhīṣma) using massed arrow volleys and role-based participation (Śikhaṇḍin acting under instruction), relevant to combined-arms focus on neutralizing high-value targets.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Tenth-Day Arrow-Shower on Bhīṣma (Arjuna & Śikhaṇḍin)","lookup_keywords":["Arjuna","Śikhaṇḍin","Drupada","Bhīṣma","vāṇa-varṣa"],"quick_summary":"On the tenth day, Arjuna and Śikhaṇḍin unleash sustained volleys upon Bhīṣma; the simile of a rain-cloud conveys density and continuity of missile fire."}
Alamkara Type: Upama
Weapon Type: Bow (arrows)
Concept: Strategic coordination and adherence to command instruction can overcome even near-invincible opponents within the war’s ethical frame.
Application: Operational lesson: synchronize efforts, exploit known constraints of the opponent, and maintain disciplined execution.
Khanda Section: Itihasa–Mahabharata-katha (Dhanurveda/War narrative context)
Primary Rasa: Vira
Secondary Rasa: Raudra
Type: Tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Arjuna and Śikhaṇḍin stand on chariots, bows drawn, releasing dense streams of arrows toward Bhīṣma; the sky is filled with arrow-lines like rain, with a cloud motif reinforcing the simile.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, twin chariots of Arjuna and Śikhaṇḍin, stylized arrow-rain pattern across the panel, Bhīṣma receiving the volley, cloud forms echoing the simile, saturated colors and ornamental borders","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, Arjuna prominent with gold halo, Śikhaṇḍin beside, embossed gold on bows and armor, arrows rendered as rhythmic gold-tipped lines, Bhīṣma centered as heroic target, rich jewel tones","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear instructional depiction of volley technique—multiple arrows in flight, archers’ posture and draw length emphasized, cloud-rain analogy subtly in background, fine linework and soft palette","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, dramatic moment with dense arrow trajectories, detailed chariots and horses, Bhīṣma steadfast amid impact, cloud bank above mirroring arrow-rain, intricate textiles and realistic faces"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Kedar","pace":"fast","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ह्य् = हि; वाणैर् = वाणैः; द्रुपदोक्तो = द्रुपद-उक्तः; ऽस्त्रैर् = अस्त्रैः
Related Themes: Agni Purana Mahābhārata-saṃgraha: Bhīṣma’s fall episode; Agni Purana Dhanurveda: archery/arrow techniques (general)
FAQs
This verse primarily conveys Dhanurveda-style battlefield imagery: concentrated arrow-volleying (vāṇa-varṣa) and the deployment of astras (missile weapons) under command, illustrating coordinated martial execution rather than a ritual instruction.
By embedding Itihasa (Mahābhārata) battle episodes within the Purana, it preserves cultural memory and models of kingship and warfare; such narrative segments sit alongside the Agni Purana’s technical sections (ritual, polity, medicine, architecture), reinforcing its multi-domain, encyclopedic scope.
The verse underscores the Purāṇic theme that even mighty warriors are subject to time and destiny; it frames martial action within dharma and consequence—reminding readers that power and heroism culminate in impermanence and karmic fruition.