Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 21
Kūrma-avatāra-varṇana (The Description of the Tortoise Incarnation) — Samudra Manthana and the Reordering of Cosmic Prosperity
मायेयमिति तां ज्ञात्वा स्वरूपस्थो ऽभवद्धरः शिवमाह हरी रुद्र जिता माया त्वया हि मे
māyeyamiti tāṃ jñātvā svarūpastho 'bhavaddharaḥ śivamāha harī rudra jitā māyā tvayā hi me
Nang makilala niya siya bilang, “Ito ang Māyā,” ang Tagapagdala (Viṣṇu) ay nanatili sa sarili niyang tunay na kalikasan. Pagkaraan, sinabi ni Hari kay Śiva: “O Rudra, sa iyo nga napagtagumpayan ang aking Māyā.”
Agni (narrator) recounting a Shiva–Vishnu episode; direct speech in the verse is by Hari (Vishnu) addressing Shiva (Rudra).
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Maya-viveka (discriminating Māyā from svarūpa) to stabilize awareness in one’s own nature and reduce delusion-driven reactions.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Māyā-viveka and Svarūpa-sthiti (Hari acknowledges Śiva’s conquest of Māyā)","lookup_keywords":["Māyā","viveka","svarūpa","Śiva–Viṣṇu tattva","jaya over Māyā"],"quick_summary":"The verse frames Māyā as an identifiable power that can be recognized and thereby ‘conquered,’ leading to establishment in one’s true nature. It also encodes Śiva–Viṣṇu tattva as mutual recognition of spiritual mastery."}
Alamkara Type: Vākya-śleṣa / tattva-vyapadeśa (philosophical statement in narrative speech)
Concept: Māyā is to be recognized as Māyā; recognition enables svarūpa-sthiti (abidance in true nature).
Application: Use contemplative inquiry—‘this is Māyā’—to de-identify from appearances and return to steady awareness (ātma/īśvara-svarūpa).
Khanda Section: Moksha-Dharma / Shiva–Vishnu Tattva (Maya-viveka)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Secondary Rasa: Adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Viṣṇu, having recognized Māyā, stands composed in his own nature and addresses Śiva/Rudra with reverence, acknowledging Śiva’s victory over Māyā; Māyā suggested as a translucent veil dissolving.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural, two central figures: Viṣṇu in serene blue-green tones with śaṅkha-cakra, Śiva ash-toned with jaṭā and crescent; a faint golden veil labeled Māyā dissolving between them; flat iconic composition, ornate borders, sacred calm.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, embossed gold halos around Viṣṇu and Śiva, rich reds and greens; Viṣṇu in composed stance, Śiva in victorious yet tranquil posture; subtle gold filigree veil motif representing Māyā being overcome.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, delicate linework and soft shading; instructional feel: Viṣṇu pointing inward to heart (svarūpa), Śiva holding a symbolic noose/veil cut (Māyā-vijaya); minimal background, refined ornament.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly dialogue scene: Viṣṇu and Śiva seated facing each other, attendants minimal; a translucent gauze-like veil drifting away to signify Māyā; fine architectural pavilion and subdued palette."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मायेयम् इति → माया + इयम् + इति; स्वरूपस्थोऽभवत् → स्वरूपस्थः + अभवत्; शिवमाह → शिवम् + आह; (हरी) likely हरिः; जिता माया → जिता + माया.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Mokṣa-dharma sections on Māyā, jñāna, and Śiva–Viṣṇu tattva (adjacent verses in ch. 3)
FAQs
It imparts tattva-viveka: identifying Māyā as Māyā and stabilizing oneself in svarūpa (one’s essential nature), presented as the means by which delusion is overcome.
Beyond rituals and practical sciences, the Agni Purana also preserves high-level theology and liberation-doctrine; this verse exemplifies its coverage of metaphysics (Māyā, svarūpa) alongside devotional sectarian narratives (Śiva–Hari).
Spiritually, recognizing Māyā and resting in one’s true nature is portrayed as a direct victory over delusion, supporting liberation-oriented conduct and devotion grounded in discernment.