Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 19
Chapter 9 — श्रीरामावतारकथनम् (Śrī Rāmāvatāra-kathanam) | Hanumān’s Ocean-Crossing, Sītā-Darśana, and the Setu Plan
रामदूतो राघवाय सीतां देहि मरिष्यसि रामबाणैर् हतः सार्धं लङ्कास्थै राक्षसैर् ध्रुवम्
rāmadūto rāghavāya sītāṃ dehi mariṣyasi rāmabāṇair hataḥ sārdhaṃ laṅkāsthai rākṣasair dhruvam
Ako ang sugo ni Rāma. Ibalik si Sītā kay Rāghava; kung hindi, mamamatay ka—tiyak na papatayin ng mga palaso ni Rāma, kasama ang mga Rākṣasa na naninirahan sa Laṅkā.
Hanumān (as Rāma’s messenger) addressing Rāvaṇa (implied addressee) within Agni Purana’s Ramayana summary narrated by Agni to Vasiṣṭha
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Model of envoy-speech: clear identification, demand, and consequence; illustrates deterrence and psychological warfare grounded in dharma.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Rāmadūta-vākya: ultimatum to return Sītā","lookup_keywords":["rāmadūta","sītā-pratyarpaṇa","ultimatum","rāmabāṇa","laṅkā-rākṣasa"],"quick_summary":"Hanumān declares himself Rāma’s envoy and issues a direct ultimatum: return Sītā or face certain destruction by Rāma’s arrows. The verse exemplifies diplomatic warning before war."}
Alamkara Type: Ājñā/niṣedha with bhaya-pradarśana (threat as persuasive device)
Weapon Type: Bāṇa (Rāma’s arrows)
Concept: Dharma-yuddha begins with fair warning and opportunity to rectify wrongdoing (Sītā’s return)
Application: In conflict resolution, state identity, terms, and consequences plainly; offer a final ethical exit before escalation
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Ramayana-Samgraha (Ramayana Narrative Retelling)
Primary Rasa: vīra
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Hanumān stands before Rāvaṇa, proclaiming he is Rāma’s envoy and demanding Sītā’s return, while the court reacts with anger and shock.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, frontal proclamation scene, Hanumān in dynamic stance, Rāvaṇa with fierce eyes, courtiers in layered rows, bold reds and greens, stylized speech-gesture emphasized","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold-embossed court, Hanumān with ornate ornaments and halo, Rāvaṇa on gilded throne, dramatic hand gestures, rich textile patterns","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, elegant linework, focus on expressive faces and hand mudrā of declaration, balanced composition with court pillars and drapery","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed audience hall, subtle expressions of courtiers, Hanumān pointing/raising hand, Rāvaṇa leaning forward, intricate carpet and architectural detailing"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Kedar","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: रामबाणैर् = रामबाणैः (विसर्ग/रेफ-संधि in recitation). लङ्कास्थै = लङ्कास्थैः; राक्षसैर् = राक्षसैः.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 9.18 (interrogation); Agni Purana 9.20-9.21 (escalation and aftermath)
FAQs
This verse conveys diplomatic doctrine in epic context: a messenger’s formal ultimatum—return the captive (Sītā) or face inevitable military retaliation (Rāma’s arrows).
Alongside rituals and sciences, the Agni Purana also preserves condensed Itihāsa material; this shloka exemplifies its narrative compendium function by summarizing a key Ramayana diplomatic-and-war turning point.
It frames adharma (abduction and refusal to return Sītā) as leading to certain destruction, reinforcing the karmic principle that unrighteous acts invite inevitable consequence and that restoring dharma averts ruin.