Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 19
Śrīrāmāvatāravarṇanam (Description of Śrī Rāma’s Incarnation) — Ayodhyā Abhiṣeka, Vanavāsa, Daśaratha’s Death, Bharata’s Regency
येन रामेण हि विना न जीवामि मुहूर्तकम् शपामि तेन कुर्यां वै वाञ्छितं तव सुन्दरि
yena rāmeṇa hi vinā na jīvāmi muhūrtakam śapāmi tena kuryāṃ vai vāñchitaṃ tava sundari
రాముని లేక నేను క్షణమాత్రమూ జీవించలేను; ఆయనపై ప్రమాణం—ఓ సుందరీ, నీకు కావలసినదాన్ని నేను నిశ్చయంగా నెరవేర్చుదును।
Narrative speaker within the Ramopakhyana episode (a male character invoking Rama as the binding witness of an oath); overarching narrator in Agni Purana tradition: Lord Agni to Vashistha
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","practical_application":"Illustrates binding nature of oaths and the peril of rash vows; guidance for ethical speech and promise-making in family/governance.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Commentary","entry_title":"Oath by Rama: pledge to fulfill Kaikeyi’s desire","lookup_keywords":["shapatha","satya-vacana","Rama","vow","Kaikeyi"],"quick_summary":"Dasharatha swears by Rama—his dearest—promising to fulfill Kaikeyi’s request, demonstrating how emotionally charged vows can compel dharmic catastrophe when made without full knowledge."}
Alamkara Type: Atishyokti (hyperbole: cannot live even a moment without Rama)
Concept: Satya (truthfulness) and pratijñā (vow) are sacred, yet must be undertaken with foresight; attachment can cloud judgment.
Application: Avoid absolute promises under emotional pressure; when vows are made, uphold them with integrity while seeking least-harmful dharmic resolution.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Narrative (Ramopakhyana / Dharma-Patnivrata & Vow)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Dasharatha, emotionally bound, swearing an oath by Rama, addressing Kaikeyi who listens with poised expectation.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, Dasharatha with raised hand in oath gesture, eyes moist, Kaikeyi composed and intent, dramatic lamp-lit interior, strong outlines, traditional color blocks, emphasis on hand mudra of vow.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold haloed Dasharatha taking oath, Kaikeyi richly ornamented, gold-leaf highlighting the solemnity, decorative borders, symbolic depiction of Rama’s name as sacred anchor.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, didactic oath scene with clear gestures, subtle expressions, minimal background, fine ornamentation, focus on the moment of irreversible promise.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, intimate court interior, Dasharatha swearing with hand raised, Kaikeyi attentive, attendants at margins, intricate textiles and jewelry, nuanced facial emotion."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Raga Todi","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कुर्यां = कुर्याम् (विधिलिङ् 1sg); ‘रामेण ... विना’ uses instrumental with vinā; no major sandhi beyond phonetic coalescence in recitation.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 6.15 (exile decision outcome); Agni Purana 6.18 (prelude inquiry)
FAQs
This verse conveys oath-taking (śapatha) as a dharmic restraint—invoking a revered figure (Rama) as witness to bind oneself to fulfill a requested act.
Alongside ritual and technical topics, the Agni Purana preserves ethical instruction through Itihasa-style narratives, illustrating dharma (truthfulness, promise-keeping) via a Rama-centered episode.
Invoking Rama while swearing heightens accountability; keeping such a vow supports satya (truth) and dharma, while breaking it is traditionally treated as spiritually blameworthy.