Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 45
Chapter 12 — श्रीहरिवंशवर्णनं (Śrī-Harivaṃśa-varṇana) | The Description of the Sacred Harivaṃśa
आत्मना सङ्गतं ज्ञात्वा तत्सख्या चित्रलेखया लिखिताद्वै चित्रपटादनिरुद्धं समानयत्
ātmanā saṅgataṃ jñātvā tatsakhyā citralekhayā likhitādvai citrapaṭādaniruddhaṃ samānayat
Nhận ra (Aniruddha) là người đã hiệp nhất với nàng ngay trong tâm mình, nàng nhờ người bạn Citralekhā đem Aniruddha đến, sau khi nhận diện chàng từ bức chân dung vẽ trên tấm vải tranh.
Lord Agni (narrating to Sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s frame dialogue)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Narrative motif of recognition through portraiture; illustrates the social/ritual plausibility of चित्रपट (painted cloth) as an identification tool and messenger-aid.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Citralekhā’s portrait-recognition and bringing Aniruddha","lookup_keywords":["Citralekhā","चित्रपट","portrait recognition","Uṣā-Aniruddha","Dvārikā prince"],"quick_summary":"Uṣā recognizes her heart’s beloved through Citralekhā’s painted portraits and has Aniruddha brought to her; the episode foregrounds चित्रपट as a medium for identification and communication."}
Alamkara Type: Bhāva (implicit emotion) with Saṃketa (suggestive sign/recognition)
Concept: Manas-saṅgati (inner attachment) leading to decisive action; the power of saṅkalpa aided by skill (kalā).
Application: Highlights how intention plus competent assistance (a trusted friend/artist) accomplishes difficult aims.
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Puranic Narrative (Krishna–Aniruddha–Usha episode)
Primary Rasa: Śṛṅgāra
Secondary Rasa: Adbhuta
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Uṣā, seated in a private chamber, points to a painted cloth showing multiple princely portraits; Citralekhā identifies Aniruddha and prepares to bring him.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat vibrant colors, Uṣā in royal chamber with ornate pillars, Citralekhā holding a चित्रपट with princely faces, expressive eyes, traditional jewelry, warm lamp-lit interior","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, rich gold leaf highlights on textiles and jewelry, Uṣā and Citralekhā beside a framed cloth-portrait of Aniruddha, deep maroon background, embossed ornaments, devotional elegance","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, delicate linework and soft shading, instructional clarity: Citralekhā presenting the चित्रपट, Uṣā indicating the correct portrait, detailed patterns on garments, calm palace setting","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, fine brushwork, palace interior with carpets, attendants at distance, Citralekhā unfurling a painted cloth of princes, Uṣā selecting Aniruddha’s likeness, naturalistic faces and textiles"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Khamaj","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तत्सख्या → तत् + सख्या; लिखिताद्वै → लिखितात् + वै; चित्रपटादनिरुद्धम् → चित्रपटात् + अनिरुद्धम्
Related Themes: Agni Purana 12.46-12.49 (continuation of Uṣā–Aniruddha and ensuing conflict)
FAQs
No ritual or technical vidyā is taught here; the verse narrates identification of Aniruddha via a painted portrait and his subsequent summoning/bringing through Citralekhā.
Alongside ritual, polity, medicine, and poetics, the Agni Purana preserves Itihāsa-Purāṇic narrative cycles; this verse exemplifies its narrative compendium function by embedding well-known Krishna-lineage episodes.
Rather than prescribing merit-bearing practice, it highlights the Purāṇic theme of destined union and recognition (pratyabhijñāna) within dharmic narrative, illustrating how events unfold through relational bonds and divine lineage.