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
她认出他正是与自己心中相契合之人，便借友人吉特罗勒卡（Citralekhā）之助，从画布上的画像辨认无误，将阿尼鲁陀（Aniruddha）带来。
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.