Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 8
Śrīrāmāvatāra-varṇanam
Description of the Incarnation of Śrī Rāma
मारीचं मानवास्त्रेण मोहितं दूरतो ऽनयत् सुबाहुं यज्ञहन्तारं सबलञ्चावधीत् बली
mārīcaṃ mānavāstreṇa mohitaṃ dūrato 'nayat subāhuṃ yajñahantāraṃ sabalañcāvadhīt balī
मारीचं मानवास्त्रेण मोहितं दूरतोऽनयत्; यज्ञहन्तारं सुबाहुं सबलं च बली अवधीत्।
Lord Agni (traditionally narrating to Sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Illustrates tactical use of specific astras: non-lethal displacement via mohana (bewilderment) and decisive elimination of a hostile force threatening yajna.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Use of Mānava-astra: mohana and displacement; defeat of Subāhu’s force","lookup_keywords":["Mānava-astra","Maricha mohana","Subahu vadha","yajna-hanta","astra-prayoga"],"quick_summary":"Rama employs the Mānava-weapon to bewilder and drive away Mārīca, then destroys Subāhu and his troops—showing graded force and mission-focused combat to protect sacrifice."}
Alamkara Type: Vyatireka (contrast of outcomes: drive-away vs slay)
Weapon Type: Astra (Mānava-astra) delivered by bow/arrow; general missile warfare
Concept: Force is dharmic when calibrated—restraint where possible, severity where necessary—to protect sacred duty and the innocent.
Application: Decision-making model for conflict: choose minimal sufficient force for deterrence, decisive force for persistent lethal threats.
Khanda Section: Avataras / Ramayana Narrative (Itihasa-katha)
Primary Rasa: Vira
Secondary Rasa: Raudra
Type: Tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"At the yajna-altar, Rama releases the Mānava-astra; Mārīca appears bewildered and is hurled far away; Subāhu and his forces fall amid the disrupted sacrificial ground now being restored.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, yajna-vedi with flames, Rama shooting a radiant astra-arrow, Mārīca shown spinning in confusion and flying outward, Subāhu and rakshasa troops collapsing, dramatic reds and ochres, strong outlines","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, central Rama with gold halo and ornate bow, luminous astra effect rendered with gold highlights, yajna altar with priests, Mārīca propelled away, Subāhu defeated with attendants, rich jewel tones and embossed gold","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear depiction of two outcomes in one panel (split narrative): left—Mārīca bewildered and driven away; right—Subāhu slain near yajna; fine linework, soft shading, didactic composition","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed sacrificial pavilion, priests and implements, Rama firing arrow, swirling motion lines for Mārīca’s displacement, battle vignette for Subāhu’s fall, intricate costumes and landscape depth"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Darbari Kanada","pace":"fast","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दूरतो ऽनयत् → दूरतः + अनयत्; सबलञ्चावधीत् → सबलम् + च + अवधीत्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda material on astras and their effects (mohana, marana, stambhana themes); Agni Purana Ramayana-sangraha: Maricha-Subahu episode
FAQs
It highlights astra-prayoga (practical deployment of a divine missile)—specifically the Mānava-astra—used to neutralize a threat without immediate killing (driving Mārīca away) and to protect yajña by eliminating the principal disruptor (Subāhu).
Alongside mythic narrative, it preserves applied knowledge themes—ritual security (yajña-rakṣā) and martial science (Dhanurveda via astras)—showing how the Purana integrates dharma, ritual practice, and weapon-lore within a single compendium.
Protecting a yajña is presented as upholding dharma and safeguarding sacred rites; removing forces that obstruct sacrifice supports cosmic order (ṛta/dharma) and accrues merit through the defense of religious practice.