Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 12
Śrīrāmāvatāra-varṇanam
Description of the Incarnation of Śrī Rāma
ददौ रामाय रामो ऽपि पित्रादौ हि समागते उपयेमे जानकीन्ताम् उर्मिलां लक्ष्मणस् तथा
dadau rāmāya rāmo 'pi pitrādau hi samāgate upayeme jānakīntām urmilāṃ lakṣmaṇas tathā
Nang magtipon ang mga ama at iba pang matatanda, ibinigay ni (Janaka) si (Sītā) kay Rāma; at si Rāma naman, ayon sa wastong ritwal, ay tinanggap si Jānakī bilang asawa. Gayundin, pinakasalan ni Lakṣmaṇa si Urmilā.
Lord Agni (narrating Purāṇic-Itihāsa material in the Agni Purana’s discourse framework)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","practical_application":"Outlines marriage legality and social protocol: elders’ assembly, kanyā-dāna, and formal acceptance (upayama) as the validating steps of vivāha.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Vivāha protocol: elders assemble; Sītā given to Rāma; Lakṣmaṇa marries Urmilā","lookup_keywords":["kanyā-dāna","upayama","pitrādi-samāgama","Jānakī","Urmilā"],"quick_summary":"With fathers and elders present, Janaka gives Sītā to Rāma, who accepts her in due form; Lakṣmaṇa likewise marries Urmilā—showing marriage as a public, witnessed dharmic rite."}
Alamkara Type: Yamaka/anuprāsa (subtle repetition: ‘Rāmāya Rāmo’)
Concept: Saṃskāra as social-sacred contract: marriage is validated by elders, proper giving/acceptance, and public rite—not merely private choice.
Application: For major life rites, ensure consent, witnesses, and correct procedure to protect individuals and community order.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Avataras (Ramayana narrative / dynastic accounts)
Primary Rasa: śṛṅgāra
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Type: Kingdom/Capital
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A formal wedding assembly: elders gathered, Janaka performs kanyā-dāna of Sītā to Rāma; Lakṣmaṇa and Urmilā are shown in parallel union.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: two couples in one auspicious frame—Rāma-Sītā central with Janaka offering the bride’s hand; Lakṣmaṇa-Urmilā to the side; ritual fire, garlands, and lamps; stylized gestures of dāna and acceptance.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: richly ornamented wedding scene with gold-leaf on jewelry and ritual vessels; Janaka seated, placing Sītā’s hand into Rāma’s; second couple depicted smaller; temple-pillared backdrop and symmetrical composition.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clear depiction of saṃskāra steps—elders seated, priest near fire, hand-joining; delicate pastel palette; emphasis on didactic clarity of roles (giver, receiver, witnesses).","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: court wedding with detailed costumes and attendants; multiple vignettes within one page showing both marriages; intricate carpets, floral borders, and architectural depth."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"devotional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: रामोऽपि = रामः + अपि. पित्रादौ = पित्रा + आदौ (अर्थतः ‘पित्रादिभिः’). जानकीन्ताम् = जानकीम् + ताम्. लक्ष्मणस् = लक्ष्मणः (विसर्ग-लोपः).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 5.11 (qualification through bow feat); Agni Purana 5.13 (other brothers’ marriages)
FAQs
It conveys the dhārmic framework of vivāha: the bride is formally “given” by her guardian/elders (dadāu) and the groom ritually “accepts” the bride as wife (upayeme) in the presence of assembled elders.
Alongside ritual, polity, and other sciences, the Agni Purana also preserves Itihāsa-based cultural history; this verse exemplifies how Purāṇas encode social institutions like marriage through concise narrative.
By highlighting marriage performed with elders present and proper consent, it reinforces dharma-based household life (gṛhastha-dharma), traditionally regarded as a meritorious foundation for righteous conduct and lineage continuity.