Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 25
Svāyambhuva-vaṁśa-varṇanam
Description of the Lineage of Svāyambhuva Manu
मुखजाग्निमरुद्भ्यां च दृष्ट्वा चाथ द्रुमक्षयम् उपगम्याब्रवीदेतान् राजा सोमः प्रजापतीन्
mukhajāgnimarudbhyāṃ ca dṛṣṭvā cātha drumakṣayam upagamyābravīdetān rājā somaḥ prajāpatīn
At pagkatapos, nang makita ang apoy na lumalabas mula sa bibig at ang mga hangin, at masaksihan ang pagkalipol ng mga puno, lumapit si Haring Soma sa mga Prajāpati at nagsalita sa kanila.
Agni (narrator) describing Soma’s action within the Purāṇic narrative
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Cosmology","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Model for deva-administration: Soma (as king) intervenes when elemental forces (fire/wind) cause ecological imbalance, illustrating governance as regulation of destructive excess.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Soma’s approach to the Prajāpatis after fire-and-wind tree-destruction","lookup_keywords":["Soma rājā","agni-mukha","marut","druma-kṣaya","prajāpati"],"quick_summary":"Seeing fire issuing from the mouth and the winds, and the resulting destruction of trees, King Soma approaches the Prajāpatis to address the crisis. The scene frames cosmic ecology as subject to oversight and counsel."}
Concept: Authority entails responsibility: when power manifests destructively, wise governance seeks dialogue and restraint to restore balance.
Application: In leadership, respond to harm by investigation, approaching responsible agents, and instituting corrective counsel rather than unchecked escalation.
Khanda Section: Prajapati-Upakhyana / Cosmology and Deva-Administration (Sarga–Prajapati narrative)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A devastated forest with scorched trunks; gusting winds; fiery breath-like flames; Soma as a regal figure approaching the assembled Prajāpatis to speak.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, Soma with moon-crown and royal ornaments approaching Prajāpatis, stylized wind swirls (marut) and flame motifs from mouths, burnt forest backdrop, strong outlines and traditional palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, Soma enthroned yet stepping forward, gold work on moon emblem and ornaments, Prajāpatis in respectful cluster, flames and wind rendered decoratively, darkened forest behind.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear narrative staging: Soma at left approaching, Prajāpatis at right, visual symbols for wind and fire, restrained colors, fine detailing for expressions of concern.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, dramatic landscape with smoke and wind, Soma in courtly attire with moon insignia, Prajāpatis as ascetic-royal figures, detailed charred trees and atmospheric haze."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Kedar","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: उपगम्याब्रवीदेतान् → उपगम्य + अब्रवीत् + एतान्; मुखजाग्निमरुद्भ्यां → मुखज + अग्नि + मरुद्भ्याम् (dvandva with qualifier).
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Soma/Chandra narratives and deva-roles; Agni Purana: sarga episodes involving elemental imbalance and correction
FAQs
This verse is primarily narrative rather than prescriptive; it frames a cosmological event (fire and winds leading to forest devastation) that prompts Soma to consult the Prajāpatis—highlighting divine consultation as a governance mechanism in Purāṇic lore.
It contributes by embedding administrative cosmology—how major deities (Soma) interact with progenitor-lords (Prajāpatis) in response to large-scale natural disruption—alongside the text’s broader coverage of ritual, polity, and sacred lore.
The spiritual takeaway is the model of dharmic response: when destructive forces arise, one seeks counsel from higher, creation-sustaining authorities (the Prajāpatis), prioritizing restoration and order over unchecked power.