Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 6
Śrīrāmāvatāra-varṇana
Description of the Incarnation of Sri Rama
इत्युक्त्वा ते गता विप्रा अगस्त्याद्या नमस्कृताः देवप्रार्थितरामोक्तः शत्रुघ्नो लवणार्दनः
ityuktvā te gatā viprā agastyādyā namaskṛtāḥ devaprārthitarāmoktaḥ śatrughno lavaṇārdanaḥ
இவ்வாறு கூறி அகஸ்தியர் முதலிய பிராமண முனிவர்கள் உரிய வணக்கத்தை ஏற்று புறப்பட்டனர். பின்னர் தேவர்களின் வேண்டுதலின்பேரில் ராமன் ஆணையிட்டபடி லவணனை அழித்த சத்ருக்னன் புறப்பட்டான்.
Lord Agni (narrating Purāṇic history to the inquirer, traditionally Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Models etiquette and authority-transfer: sages are honored and depart; a royal mission (Śatrughna vs Lavaṇa) is undertaken on divine request and Rāma’s command.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Departure of sages (Agastya etc.) and Śatrughna’s mission against Lavaṇa","lookup_keywords":["Agastya","vipra","namaskāra","Śatrughna","Lavaṇa-vadha"],"quick_summary":"After counsel, the sages depart with due honor; Śatrughna proceeds to slay Lavaṇa, acting under Rāma’s instruction prompted by the gods’ request."}
Alamkara Type: Itivṛtta-saṅkṣepa (compressed narrative transition)
Weapon Type: Bow/Sword (general kṣatriya armament implied)
Concept: Respect for spiritual authority (namaskāra to sages) and execution of righteous governance when urged for loka-kṣema.
Application: In leadership: honor counsel, then act decisively on legitimate mandate to remove threats to public welfare.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Ramayana-Upakhyana (Puranic retelling of Ramayana episodes)
Primary Rasa: Vīra
Secondary Rasa: Śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Sages led by Agastya depart after being saluted; Rāma gives instructions; Śatrughna sets out as the destined slayer of Lavaṇa, with divine impetus implied.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: Agastya and sages walking away with kamaṇḍalu; Rāma seated in royal posture; Śatrughna standing with bow, receiving command; devas in the upper register indicating ‘devapārthita’; strong outlines and narrative registers.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: Rāma enthroned with gold halo; sages receiving honor; Śatrughna in ornate attire holding weapon; gold leaf emphasizing crowns, halos, and jewelry; symmetrical devotional-court composition.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clear sequential scene—salutation to sages, then briefing of Śatrughna; fine lines, soft colors; emphasis on gestures (namaskāra, instruction).","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: palace audience scene with sages in simple robes, Rāma as king, Śatrughna as prince-warrior; architectural details, carpets, attendants; subtle celestial motif above."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kedar","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: इत्युक्त्वा = इति + उक्त्वा; अगस्त्याद्याः = अगस्त्य + आद्याः; देवप्रार्थितरामोक्तः = देव-प्रार्थित + राम-उक्तः.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Ramayana-saṅkṣepa: post-war governance and allied missions
FAQs
This verse conveys no ritual procedure; it records a narrative transition: sages depart after receiving salutations, and Śatrughna proceeds under Rāma’s command prompted by the gods—illustrating divine sanction behind royal action.
By embedding Itihāsa (Ramayana) material alongside other disciplines, the Agni Purana functions as a compendium: it preserves ethical-political exemplars (divinely guided kingship and duty) in the same text that also teaches ritual, polity, and other sciences.
The verse frames righteous warfare as dharmic when undertaken on divine request and under a just ruler’s command; honoring sages (namaskāra) and acting in obedience to dharma are presented as merit-bearing conduct.