Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 23
Chapter 9 — श्रीरामावतारकथनम् (Śrī Rāmāvatāra-kathanam) | Hanumān’s Ocean-Crossing, Sītā-Darśana, and the Setu Plan
दृष्टा सीतेति रामो ऽपि हृष्टः पप्रच्छ मारुतिम् कथं दृष्ट्वा त्वया सीता किमुवाच च माम्प्रति
dṛṣṭā sīteti rāmo 'pi hṛṣṭaḥ papraccha mārutim kathaṃ dṛṣṭvā tvayā sītā kimuvāca ca māmprati
“సీతను చూశాను” అని విని రాముడూ హర్షించి మారుతి (హనుమంతుడు)ను అడిగాడు—నీవు సీతను ఎలా చూశావు? నా విషయమై ఆమె ఏమని చెప్పింది?
Narrator (Agni Purana’s narrative voice) reporting Rama’s words to Hanuman
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Models dharmic leadership: verify intelligence reports, ask precise questions, and seek actionable details before deciding.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Rama questions Hanuman after news of Sita","lookup_keywords":["Rama","Hanuman","Sita seen","questioning messenger","Lanka intelligence"],"quick_summary":"Rama’s joy is immediately disciplined into inquiry: he asks how Sita was found and what message she conveyed, emphasizing reliable reporting and clear communication."}
Alamkara Type: Prashna (interrogative narration)
Concept: Pramāṇa in action—truth-seeking through direct questioning and accountable testimony.
Application: In governance or personal life, confirm news by asking: method, circumstances, and exact message before acting.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Ramayana-katha (Narrative Section: Rama–Sita episode)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shringara
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Rama, newly hopeful, turns to Hanuman with focused questions as the vanara leaders watch.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, Rama with bow and serene face turning toward Hanuman in añjali, vanara chiefs behind, flat vibrant colors, temple mural composition, lotus borders","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, Rama seated with halo and gold leaf ornaments, Hanuman kneeling presenting verbal report, rich textiles, embossed gold work, deep red background","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clean linework and soft shading, instructional narrative panel: Rama questioning Hanuman, labeled gestures, minimal background with camp setting","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed court-like camp scene, Rama and Lakshmana under canopy, Hanuman speaking, attendants and vanaras, fine foliage and patterned textiles"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Kedar","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सीतेति = सीता + इति; रामोऽपि = रामः + अपि; किमुवाच = किम् + उवाच; माम्प्रति = माम् + प्रति.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 9.24-9.27 (continuation of Hanuman’s report and Rama’s response)
FAQs
No ritual or technical vidyā is taught here; the verse functions as narrative transmission—Rāma’s inquiry establishes the protocol of a messenger’s report (dūta-vārttā) after locating Sītā.
By embedding Itihāsa material (Ramayana episodes) within a Purāṇic framework, the Agni Purana preserves ethical models—leadership, duty, and communication—alongside its many technical sections, showing its wide encyclopedic scope.
Spiritually, it highlights śraddhā and hope grounded in dharma: Rāma’s joy and careful questioning reflect disciplined action even in crisis, reinforcing the karmic ideal of right conduct guided by truthful information.