Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 12
Chapter 7 — रामायणवर्णनं (Description of the Rāmāyaṇa): Śūrpaṇakhā, Khara’s Defeat, and Sītā-haraṇa Prelude
रामलक्ष्मणरक्तस्य पानाज्जीवामि नान्यथा तथेत्याह च तच् छ्रुत्वा मारीचं प्राह वै व्रज
rāmalakṣmaṇaraktasya pānājjīvāmi nānyathā tathetyāha ca tac chrutvā mārīcaṃ prāha vai vraja
“میں رام اور لکشمن کا خون پی کر ہی جیتی ہوں، ورنہ نہیں۔” یہ سن کر اس نے کہا “تھاستو”، پھر ماریچ سے کہا: “جا۔”
Ravana (commanding Maricha after hearing the statement)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Understanding how obsessive desire and violent craving (himsa-vasana) distort judgment and precipitate catastrophic decisions.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Rakshasic Blood-Craving and Command to Maricha","lookup_keywords":["Rama","Lakshmana","rakta-pana","Maricha","Ravana-command"],"quick_summary":"The verse depicts a demonic fixation—living only by drinking the heroes’ blood—followed by immediate mobilization of an agent (Maricha). It illustrates how extreme craving becomes the engine of adharma and strategic action."}
Alamkara Type: Atishayokti (hyperbole)
Concept: Unchecked craving (trishna) and violence (himsa) eclipse discernment (viveka), leading to downfall.
Application: Treat obsessive impulses as warning signs; pause before acting on rage/craving-driven decisions, especially those harming innocents.
Khanda Section: Ramayana-katha (Itihasa-narrative within Agni Purana)
Primary Rasa: Bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: Raudra
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A rakshasa declares he lives only by drinking Rama and Lakshmana’s blood; then, with grim resolve, he orders Maricha to go.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, dark-toned rakshasa figure with fierce eyes and elaborate ornaments, hand raised in command, Maricha standing respectfully yet uneasy, stylized palace backdrop, strong outlines and flat color fields","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, commanding figure with gold-embossed crown and ornaments, Maricha receiving the order, gold foil accents on throne and jewelry, dramatic contrast of divine-like splendor used ironically for demonic court","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, delicate lines, expressive faces showing obsession and reluctance, court interior with pillars, emphasis on gesture of command and Maricha’s attentive posture","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, intimate court scene with attendants, the commander leaning forward issuing orders, Maricha slightly bowed, detailed textiles and architectural niches, fine border decorations"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"ominous","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पानाज्जीवामि = पानात् + जीवामि; तथेत्याह = तथा + इति + आह; तच् छ्रुत्वा = तत् + श्रुत्वा (व्यञ्जन-सन्धि).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 7.13 (Maricha’s golden deer plan); Agni Purana 7.14-7.15 (Maricha’s warning and acceptance)
FAQs
No ritual or technical vidyā is taught here; the verse belongs to the Itihāsa-style Ramayana narration, highlighting intent and command within a deceptive strategy.
It shows the Agni Purana’s encyclopedic scope by incorporating Itihāsa narrative (Ramayana episodes) alongside its ritual, polity, and śāstra materials—preserving cultural memory and ethical exemplars through story.
The verse underscores adharma-driven resolve—sustaining oneself through violence and issuing commands for deceit—framing actions that generate negative karmic consequences and propel the moral conflict central to the Ramayana.