Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 11
Śrīrāmāvatāra-kathana (Account of the Rāma Incarnation) — Kiṣkindhā Alliance and the Search for Sītā
रामाङ्गुलीयं सङ्गृह्य हनूमान् वानरैः सह दक्षिणे मार्गयामास सुप्रभाया गुहान्तिके
rāmāṅgulīyaṃ saṅgṛhya hanūmān vānaraiḥ saha dakṣiṇe mārgayāmāsa suprabhāyā guhāntike
رام کی مُہر والی انگوٹھی لے کر ہنومان بندروں کے ساتھ جنوبی راستے پر، سُپربھا کی غار کے نزدیک تلاش کے لیے روانہ ہوا۔
Agni (narrating Purāṇic-Itihāsa material to Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purāṇa’s discourse frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Use of a recognized token (signet-ring) for authentication and trust-building in sensitive missions; selecting a capable envoy for the hardest route (south).","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Rama’s signet-ring as pratyaya (token) for Hanuman’s southern mission","lookup_keywords":["Rama ring","anguliya token","Hanuman envoy","southern route","Suprabha cave"],"quick_summary":"A trusted messenger carries an unmistakable royal token to establish identity and credibility; the most competent agent is assigned the most critical route."}
Concept: Pratyaya (assurance) and shraddha: right means and right messenger enable success in dharmic tasks.
Application: In diplomacy/fieldwork, carry verifiable credentials; choose agents by competence and character.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Ramayana-Katha (Narrative Section: Rama–Hanuman episode)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: Cave
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Hanuman receives/holds Rama’s signet-ring and leads vanaras southward near the cave of Suprabha, entering a shadowed rocky landscape.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: Hanuman foreground, muscular yet graceful, holding a small ring prominently; Rama and Lakshmana behind blessing him; dark cave mouth with stylized rock patterns labeled Suprabha; saturated reds/ochres/greens.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting: Rama with gold halo extends the ring; Hanuman kneels receiving it; gold embossing on jewelry and borders; background shows southern hills and a cave entrance.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style: clear instructional focus on the ring as token; Hanuman leading a column of vanaras toward a cave; fine lines, soft colors, minimal gold.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: intimate exchange of the ring; detailed cave and forest textures; Hanuman and companions moving south with a sense of purposeful travel; naturalistic shading."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: rāmāṅgulīyam = राम + अङ्गुलीयम्; guhāntike = गुहा + अन्तिके.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 8.9; Agni Purana 8.12; Agni Purana 8.13
FAQs
It conveys a practical narrative device: the signet-ring functions as an authenticating token (pratyaya/abhijñāna) for a messenger on a mission, ensuring trust and verification.
Alongside rituals and sciences, the Agni Purāṇa preserves Itihāsa-style guidance through exemplary narratives—here, mission logistics, verification by token, and coordinated search strategy—showing its breadth beyond purely ritual topics.
Hanuman’s acceptance of Rama’s ring symbolizes devoted service (dāsya-bhakti) and faithful execution of dharmic duty, presenting devotion and obedience as spiritually meritorious conduct.