Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 11
Śrīrāmāvatāra-varṇanam
Description of the Incarnation of Śrī Rāma
धनुरापूरयामास लीलया स बभञ्ज तत् वीर्यशुक्लाञ्च जनकः सीतां कन्यान्त्वयोनिजाम्
dhanurāpūrayāmāsa līlayā sa babhañja tat vīryaśuklāñca janakaḥ sītāṃ kanyāntvayonijām
اس نے آسانی سے کمان پر چِلّہ چڑھایا اور پھر اسے توڑ دیا؛ تب جنک نے بہادری کے مہر کے طور پر، اَیونِجا کنیا سیتا کو پیش کیا۔
Lord Agni (narrating the Purana’s account to Sage Vashistha in the standard Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","practical_application":"Highlights the kṣatriya qualification test (dhanus-parīkṣā) and the social-ritual mechanism of svayaṃvara/śaurya-śulka marriage, linking prowess with dharmic alliance.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Śiva-bow feat: Rāma strings and breaks the bow; Sītā given as vīrya-śulka","lookup_keywords":["dhanus-bhaṅga","Janaka","Sītā ayoni-jā","vīrya-śulka","svayaṃvara"],"quick_summary":"Rāma effortlessly strings and breaks the famed bow; Janaka then offers Sītā—described as ayoni-jā—as the bride-prize, framing marriage as a dharmic alliance validated by extraordinary prowess."}
Alamkara Type: Atiśayokti (hyperbolic ease: ‘līlayā’)
Weapon Type: Bow (heavy divine/royal bow)
Concept: Śakti subordinated to dharma: extraordinary power is validated when exercised within ritual order and for righteous alliance, not for ego.
Application: Cultivate competence and strength, but deploy it only within ethical constraints and for socially constructive ends.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Ramayana-Sangraha (Rama-katha / genealogical-epic narrative section)
Primary Rasa: vīra
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: Kingdom/Capital
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In Janaka’s assembly, Rāma strings the colossal bow with ease and it snaps; courtiers recoil in awe as Janaka presents Sītā, the ayoni-jā maiden, as the prize of valor.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: dramatic central Rāma bending a massive bow; stylized sound-wave motif for the snap; Janaka and Sītā to the side with attendants; bold outlines, saturated reds/ochres/greens, expressive wide eyes, ornate jewelry.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: Rāma with radiant halo holding the broken bow; gold-leaf emphasis on the bow, throne, and ornaments; Sītā in rich silk with gem-studded jewelry; symmetrical court composition with pillars and lamps.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: sequential depiction—stringing, tension, break—within one frame using subtle paneling; fine linework on the bow mechanism and string; calm heroic facial expression of Rāma contrasted with astonished courtiers.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: crowded court scene with nuanced reactions; the bow breaking rendered with dynamic diagonal; Janaka presenting Sītā with attendants holding garlands; intricate textiles, carpets, and architectural arches."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: धनुरापूरयामास = धनुः + आपूरयामास. वीर्यशुक्लाञ्च = वीर्यशुक्लान् + च. कन्यान्त्वयोनिजाम् = कन्याम् + तु + अयोनिजाम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 5.9–5.10 (arrival and reception); Agni Purana 5.12 (formal marriage)
FAQs
It highlights Dhanurveda-linked prowess: the ability to properly string (āpūrayāmāsa) and handle a heavy ceremonial bow—an embodied test of strength, control, and martial competence used in royal selection contexts.
Alongside rituals and doctrines, the Agni Purana preserves Itihasa material (Rama-katha) and social institutions like svayamvara, showing how martial capability, kingship customs, and epic history are integrated into a single compendium.
The verse frames righteous merit through dharmic marriage selection: valor aligned with dharma leads to auspicious union, while Sītā’s ayonija status underscores divine providence guiding karmic destiny.