Agni Purana — Veda-vidhana & Vamsha, Shloka 18
Description of the Royal Dynasties (राजवंशवर्णनम्) — Chapter Colophon and Transition
देवरातः कतिमुखा विश्वामित्रस्य ते सुताः शुनःशेफो ऽष्टकश्चान्यो ह्य् अजमीढात् सुतो ऽभवत्
devarātaḥ katimukhā viśvāmitrasya te sutāḥ śunaḥśepho 'ṣṭakaścānyo hy ajamīḍhāt suto 'bhavat
देवरातः कतिमुखा च विश्वामित्रस्य सुतौ। शुनःशेफोऽष्टकश्चान्यः—एतौ ह्यजमीढवंशे सुतत्वं प्रापतुः।
Lord Agni (narrating puranic genealogies, traditionally to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Identifies Viśvāmitra’s sons and connects Śunaḥśepha/Aṣṭaka traditions to the Ajamīḍha line—useful for aligning Purāṇic genealogy with Vedic-ritual narratives (Śunaḥśepha episode).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Viśvāmitra’s sons and Śunaḥśepha/Aṣṭaka linkage","lookup_keywords":["Devarāta","Katimukhā","Viśvāmitra-putra","Śunaḥśepha","Aṣṭaka"],"quick_summary":"Lists key descendants of Viśvāmitra and notes Śunaḥśepha and Aṣṭaka as connected into the Ajamīḍha lineage, bridging Purāṇic vaṃśa with Vedic ritual lore."}
Concept: Lineage can be reconfigured through ritual/ethical resolution (as in Śunaḥśepha traditions), showing dharma’s role in social incorporation.
Application: Interpreting Purāṇic genealogies alongside śrauta narratives; understanding how r̥ṣi lineages absorb figures through dharma/ritual outcomes.
Khanda Section: Vamsha-Anucharita (Genealogies and lineages of sages and kings)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sage-family register: Viśvāmitra seated in āśrama with two sons (Devarāta, Katimukhā) nearby; a secondary vignette alludes to Śunaḥśepha and Aṣṭaka being incorporated into the Ajamīḍha line via a symbolic thread/scroll.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, Viśvāmitra in hermitage with disciples, two sons standing with folded hands, a palm-leaf manuscript showing names Śunaḥśepha and Aṣṭaka, subdued forest backdrop.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, Viśvāmitra with golden halo, Devarāta and Katimukhā as smaller attendant figures, ornate name cartouches; include a sacred thread motif linking Śunaḥśepha/Aṣṭaka to a royal emblem of Ajamīḍha.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional genealogical diagram integrated into the scene: arrows from Viśvāmitra to sons; side panel showing Śunaḥśepha and Aṣṭaka with a connecting line to Ajamīḍha, fine detailing and soft colors.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, split composition: left—Viśvāmitra’s āśrama with sons; right—formal genealogical register with calligraphy linking Śunaḥśepha and Aṣṭaka to Ajamīḍha; delicate flora and patterned textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Raga Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: शुनःशेफो 'ष्टकश्चान्यो → शुनःशेफः अष्टकः च अन्यः; ह्य् अजमीढात् → हि अजमीढात्; सुतो 'भवत् → सुतः अभवत्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana genealogical continuation around Kuśika–Viśvāmitra line; Agni Purana mantra/stotra sections where Viśvāmitra is invoked as r̥ṣi in mantra-nyāsa contexts (general linkage)
FAQs
This verse primarily transmits vamśa-vidyā (genealogical knowledge): the identification of persons and their lineage connections, rather than a ritual procedure.
By preserving precise lineage data (rishis and royal lines), it functions as a historical-index layer within the Agni Purana’s broader compendium of subjects—supporting cross-references to dharma, rites, and narratives tied to specific families.
Remembering and reciting puranic genealogies is traditionally treated as smṛti-saṃrakṣaṇa (preservation of sacred memory), supporting śraddhā and continuity of dharma through awareness of rishi and royal lineages.