Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 8
Varāhādy-avatāra-varṇana
Description of Varāha and Other Incarnations
देवान् पठन्तं तं श्रुत्वा वामनं वरदो ऽब्रवीत् निवारितो ऽपि शुक्रेण बलिर् ब्रूहि यद् इच्छसि
devān paṭhantaṃ taṃ śrutvā vāmanaṃ varado 'bravīt nivārito 'pi śukreṇa balir brūhi yad icchasi
देवान् पठन्तं तं श्रुत्वा वामनं वरदोऽब्रवीत्—शुक्रेण निवारितोऽपि, बले, ब्रूहि यदिच्छसि।
Bali (addressing Vamana; narrative context includes Shukracharya’s restraint)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Highlights dāna-dharma and the tension between guru’s counsel (Śukra) and king’s vow (Bali); useful for ethics of giving, counsel, and keeping one’s word.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Dialogue","entry_title":"Bali invites Vāmana to ask a boon despite Śukra’s restraint","lookup_keywords":["Bali","Śukra","Vāmana","vara","dāna-dharma"],"quick_summary":"Bali, hearing Vāmana’s invocations, offers a boon and urges him to state his desire even though Śukra attempts to restrain the gift—setting up the moral test of dāna and truth."}
Alamkara Type: Vākya-vyakti (direct speech) creating ethical tension
Concept: Dāna and satya-vrata: the giver’s integrity is tested against strategic restraint; dharma may demand honoring one’s pledged generosity.
Application: Balance expert advice with ethical commitments; if you publicly commit to a gift/contract, uphold it unless it violates higher dharma.
Khanda Section: Avataras (Vamana-Avatara narrative; Daitya-King Bali and Shukra)
Primary Rasa: Adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: Vira
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In the sacrificial hall, Vāmana chants invocations; Bali, the boon-giver, addresses him inviting a request while Śukra gestures to restrain the donation.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, yajña-fire central, Vāmana small and radiant reciting, Bali in regal attire offering boon, Śukra as stern guru pulling Bali back, bold colors and clear gestures","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, lavish yajña pavilion with gold, Bali extending hand in dāna, Vāmana with halo and kamaṇḍalu, Śukra admonishing, ornate jewelry and embossed gold","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, narrative clarity with three figures in triangular composition (Vāmana-Bali-Śukra), ritual implements detailed, subtle expressions showing dilemma","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly sacrificial scene with attendants, Bali speaking to Vāmana, Śukra intervening, intricate textiles, architectural depth and fine linework"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Darbari Kanada","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वरदो ऽब्रवीत् = वरदः अब्रवीत्; निवारितो ऽपि = निवारितः अपि; बलिर् ब्रूहि = बलिः ब्रूहि; यद् इच्छसि = यत् इच्छसि
Related Themes: Agni Purāṇa continuation: Vāmana’s request and Bali’s granting; Śukra’s obstruction episode
FAQs
It highlights mantra-like recitation/invocation to the devas (devān paṭhantam) as part of sacred approach, and frames the dana-vow context where a boon/request is formally invited.
Beyond narrative, it encodes dharma themes—proper reception of a supplicant, the social-religious protocol of granting boons, and the tension between guru’s counsel (Śukra) and the king’s vow—showing how the Purana teaches ethics through avatara episodes.
It underscores the merit of generosity and truthfulness in giving: even under discouragement, the dharmic act is to hear the petitioner and honor rightful giving, which is presented as spiritually elevating.