Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 36
Śrīrāmāvatāravarṇanam (Description of Śrī Rāma’s Incarnation) — Ayodhyā Abhiṣeka, Vanavāsa, Daśaratha’s Death, Bharata’s Regency
नखैर् विदारयन्तन्तां काकन्तच्चक्षुराक्षिपत् ऐषिकास्त्रेण शरणं प्राप्तो देवान् विहायसः
nakhair vidārayantantāṃ kākantaccakṣurākṣipat aiṣikāstreṇa śaraṇaṃ prāpto devān vihāyasaḥ
Enquanto o dilaceravam com as garras, um corvo atingiu-lhe o olho. Então, por meio do Aiṣikāstra (a arma-mantra da cana/flecha), obteve refúgio junto aos deuses no céu.
Lord Agni (narrating Purāṇic material to Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purāṇa frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Illustrates astra-prayoga (weapon-spell deployment) and the idea of seeking higher protection/refuge when afflicted; also frames consequences of aggression and the need for restraint.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Aiṣikāstra (reed-weapon spell) and refuge-seeking in aerial realm","lookup_keywords":["Aiṣikāstra","astra-prayoga","kāka","refuge with gods","divine weapon"],"quick_summary":"A divine weapon-spell (Aiṣikāstra) is invoked amid violent conflict; the episode emphasizes both the potency of astras and the motif of seeking protection from higher powers when endangered."}
Weapon Type: Astra (Aiṣikāstra; reed/arrow-based weapon-spell)
Concept: Violence rebounds into suffering; refuge (śaraṇāgati) and accountability before higher order are implied.
Application: In conflict, avoid cruelty; if harm is done, seek rectification and protection through lawful/ethical authority rather than further escalation.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Puranic Narrative (Mythic Episode / Deva-Protection Motif)
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: Samanya
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A violent aerial moment: a crow strikes at an eye amid clawing attackers; an invoked Aiṣikāstra flashes as the figure flees upward to the gods’ realm.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, dramatic diagonals, stylized crow with sharp beak near the eye, swirling red-black energy indicating astra, celestial devas above in tiered clouds, intense but controlled palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, central figure with gold-highlighted astra aura, crow rendered symbolically, devas in upper register with gold work, strong contrast between earthly threat and divine refuge.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear depiction of astra emission (reed/arrow motif), sequential feel (attack → astra → ascent), fine lines and soft shading, didactic composition.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed sky with layered clouds, small devas in courtly arrangement, dynamic bird attack near the face, luminous projectile/arrow, meticulous anatomy and textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"fast","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नखैर् = नखैः; विदारयन्तन्तां = विदारयन् + ताम्; काकन्तच्चक्षुराक्षिपत् = काकः + तत् + चक्षुः + आक्षिपत्; ऐषिकास्त्रेण = ऐषिक-अस्त्रेण.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Dhanurveda/astravidyā chapters (astra classifications and prayoga); Agni Purana: Mantra/nyāsa/rakṣā sections (protective invocations)
FAQs
It indicates the practical idea of invoking an astra (Aiṣikāstra) as a mantra-empowered weapon for protection and escape, showing astra-vidyā as both martial and ritual technology.
Alongside mythic narration, it embeds named weapon-lore (astra terminology and its application), illustrating how the Agni Purāṇa blends story, theology, and technical Dhanurveda-style knowledge.
Seeking śaraṇa (refuge) with the devas through dhārmic, mantra-governed means emphasizes divine protection and the principle that sacred knowledge, rightly applied, preserves life and restores cosmic order.