Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 52
Chapter 12 — श्रीहरिवंशवर्णनं (Śrī-Harivaṃśa-varṇana) | The Description of the Sacred Harivaṃśa
आवयोर् नास्ति भेदो वै भेदी नरकमाप्नुयात् शिवाद्यैः पूजितो विष्णुः सोनिरुद्ध उषादियुक्
āvayor nāsti bhedo vai bhedī narakamāpnuyāt śivādyaiḥ pūjito viṣṇuḥ soniruddha uṣādiyuk
“诚然，我与汝之间并无差别；凡执意分别（我与汝）者，必堕地狱。毗湿奴（Viṣṇu）为湿婆（Śiva）及诸天所礼敬；他即是阿尼鲁陀（Aniruddha），与乌莎（Uṣā）等相伴。”
Lord Agni (narrating Purāṇic theology to the sage Vasiṣṭha; chapter context: Vaishnava-Harihara synthesis)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Sectarian reconciliation teaching (Hari–Hara abheda) used in theology, temple discourse, and ethical guidance against divisive worship.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Hari–Hara Abheda (Non-difference of Viṣṇu and Śiva)","lookup_keywords":["abheda","Hari-Hara","bheda naraka","Śiva worships Viṣṇu","Aniruddha Uṣā"],"quick_summary":"The verse defines Hari–Hara non-difference and condemns divisive distinction; it also identifies Viṣṇu as Aniruddha associated with Uṣā, anchoring theology in narrative identity."}
Concept: Abheda (essential non-difference) of supreme divinity expressed as Viṣṇu and Śiva; bheda-buddhi is spiritually harmful.
Application: Cultivate inclusive devotion; avoid sectarian contempt; integrate worship practices with the understanding of one supreme reality manifesting diversely.
Khanda Section: Vaishnava-Tattva and Hari-Hara-Abheda (Theology of Vishnu-Shiva non-difference)
Primary Rasa: śānta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A symbolic tableau of Śiva and Viṣṇu shown as non-different—either as mutual worship or a unified harmony scene; Aniruddha with Uṣā indicated as a narrative identifier.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: Śiva offering flowers to Viṣṇu on a lotus pedestal; both with radiant halos; Aniruddha youthful form with Uṣā beside, richly ornamented; serene temple ambience.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: central Viṣṇu enthroned, Śiva in reverent stance performing pūjā; gold leaf halos and arch; Uṣā near Aniruddha as smaller accompanying figure; emphasis on unity and auspiciousness.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: didactic composition with caption-like clarity—Śiva and Viṣṇu facing each other with mirrored halos; Aniruddha and Uṣā to one side; soft palette, precise outlines.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: interfaith-style court scene of two deities in dignified dialogue and mutual reverence; fine detailing, garden pavilion, attendants holding pūjā trays; subtle symbolism of unity."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: nāsti = na + asti. narakamāpnuyāt = narakam + āpnuyāt. śivādyaiḥ = śiva-ādyaiḥ. soniruddha = saḥ + aniruddhaḥ. uṣādiyuk = uṣā-ādi-yuk (final -t of yuktaḥ elided in some recensions).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 12.50; Agni Purana 12.51; Agni Purana sections on stotra/mantra praising Hari-Hara (elsewhere in text)
FAQs
It teaches the doctrinal vidyā of Hari–Hara-abheda: do not posit an ultimate difference between Vishnu and Shiva; sectarian differentiation is condemned as spiritually harmful.
Alongside ritual manuals and practical sciences, the Agni Purana also systematizes core theological positions; here it preserves a synthesis doctrine (Vishnu–Shiva unity) and identifies Vishnu with the Vyūha name “Aniruddha,” reflecting broader Pancharatra-style categorization.
The verse frames sectarian discrimination as a grave fault leading to naraka (hell), while honoring Vishnu (recognized even by Shiva) is presented as aligned with right understanding and devotion.