Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 8
Chapter 7 — रामायणवर्णनं (Description of the Rāmāyaṇa): Śūrpaṇakhā, Khara’s Defeat, and Sītā-haraṇa Prelude
खरस्तथेति तामुक्त्वा चतुर्दशसहस्रकैः रक्षसां दूषणेनागाद् योद्धुं त्रिशिरसा सह
kharastatheti tāmuktvā caturdaśasahasrakaiḥ rakṣasāṃ dūṣaṇenāgād yoddhuṃ triśirasā saha
खरस्तथेति तामुक्त्वा चतुर्दशसहस्रकैः । रक्षसां दूषणेनागाद् योद्धुं त्रिशिरसा सह ॥
Lord Agni (narrating to Sage Vasiṣṭha) [contextual attribution for Agni Purana narration]
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","practical_application":"Narrative of mobilization: illustrates leadership response, force composition, and named commanders—useful for itihāsa recitation and martial-ethos study.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Khara’s sortie with Dūṣaṇa, Triśiras, and 14,000 rākṣasas","lookup_keywords":["Khara","Dūṣaṇa","Triśiras","fourteen thousand","march to battle"],"quick_summary":"Khara consents and marches to battle with key lieutenants and a large rākṣasa host, marking the formal commencement of the Khara-yuddha."}
Alamkara Type: Saṅkhyā (numerical specification) and nāma-grahaṇa (naming) for epic vividness
Concept: Consequences of adharma-led leadership: large force does not ensure victory against dharma-protected hero.
Application: In governance/strategy, assess righteousness, morale, and opponent capability—not merely numbers.
Khanda Section: Rama-Avatara / Ramayana-katha (Narrative Itihasa within Agni Purana)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Khara departs for battle with Dūṣaṇa, Triśiras, and a vast rākṣasa army, banners and weapons raised, forest paths crowded with troops.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, panoramic procession through stylized forest, Khara leading with Dūṣaṇa and Triśiras, rows of rākṣasas, bold outlines, rhythmic repetition of figures, war drums implied","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, grand martial procession with gold accents on armor and banners, central Khara on a decorated mount or chariot, attendants and troops in symmetrical tiers","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional clarity: labeled commanders, orderly ranks, emphasis on count and hierarchy, soft colors, detailed weapons and standards","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, dense composition of marching troops, detailed textiles and weaponry, commanders distinguished by headgear, forest landscape with depth and perspective"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Kedar","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: खरस्तथेति = खरः + तथा + इति; दूषणेनागाद् = दूषणेन + अगात्; लक्ष्मणोऽनुजः-वत्: vowel sandhi/avagraha.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 7.9; Agni Purana 7.10
FAQs
This verse is narrative (Itihasa) rather than a ritual or technical vidyā; it records the mobilization for combat—Khara departing with a defined force (14,000) and key commanders (Dūṣaṇa, Triśiras).
Alongside ritual, law, medicine, and arts, the Agni Purana preserves Itihasa-style Rama-kathā material; this verse exemplifies its inclusion of epic narrative and martial context (army leadership and campaign movement) within a broader compendium.
The verse underscores the karmic trajectory of adharmic aggression: hostile intent and collective violence initiated by rākṣasas becomes the immediate cause for their downfall in the Rama narrative arc.