Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 20
Chapter 9 — श्रीरामावतारकथनम् (Śrī Rāmāvatāra-kathanam) | Hanumān’s Ocean-Crossing, Sītā-Darśana, and the Setu Plan
रावणो हन्तुमुद्युक्तो विभीषणनिवारितः दीपयामास लाङ्गलं दीप्तपुच्छः स मारुतिः
rāvaṇo hantumudyukto vibhīṣaṇanivāritaḥ dīpayāmāsa lāṅgalaṃ dīptapucchaḥ sa mārutiḥ
罗波那欲杀之，却为毗毗沙那所阻。于是风神之子摩鲁提——尾端炽燃——令其尾巴燃起烈火。
Lord Agni (narrating to Sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","practical_application":"Shows escalation control (Vibhīṣaṇa restrains execution) and tactical use of fire as psychological and material warfare (tail ignition leading to arson).","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Vibhīṣaṇa’s restraint and Hanumān’s burning tail","lookup_keywords":["vibhīṣaṇa","nigraha","hanumān","dīpta-puccha","lāṅgūla-dīpana"],"quick_summary":"Rāvaṇa is checked from killing the envoy; Hanumān’s tail is set ablaze, becoming the instrument for the coming conflagration. The episode highlights counsel, envoy-immunity themes, and fire as a weapon."}
Alamkara Type: Dīpaka/utprekṣā-like vividness through ‘dīpta’ imagery (visual intensification)
Weapon Type: Agni (fire) as improvised weapon; arson tactic
Concept: Counsel (mantra) restrains rash kings; adharma rebounds—harm intended for the righteous becomes self-destructive
Application: Value wise advisors; avoid impulsive punitive actions that create strategic blowback
Khanda Section: Itihasa-Ramayana-Katha (Narrative Section: Rama–Ravana episode)
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: vīra
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Vibhīṣaṇa restrains an enraged Rāvaṇa from killing Hanumān; attendants ignite Hanumān’s tail, which flares brightly as he stands fearless.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, dramatic flame motifs around Hanumān’s tail, Rāvaṇa restrained by Vibhīṣaṇa’s grasp, stylized fire curls, intense reds/oranges with traditional outlines","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold highlights on flames and ornaments, Rāvaṇa’s throne and weapons gleaming, Hanumān’s tail rendered with embossed flame patterns, devotional aura despite danger","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, controlled composition showing the act of ignition, detailed textiles and court props, emphasis on narrative clarity and facial expressions","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, realistic flame and smoke, palace courtyard/court interior, attendants with torches, Vibhīṣaṇa’s restraining gesture captured mid-motion"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: हन्तुमुद्युक्तः = हन्तुम् + उद्युक्तः (संधि: म् + उ).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 9.21 (burning Laṅkā)
FAQs
No direct ritual or technical vidyā is taught here; the verse functions as Itihāsa-narrative, highlighting the strategic and dramatic setup for Laṅkā-dahana (the burning of Laṅkā) through Hanumān’s ignited tail.
By incorporating Rama-kathā material, the Agni Purana preserves ethical history (Itihāsa) alongside its ritual, polity, medicine, and arts sections—showing how narrative exempla are used to teach dharma, character, and consequences within a multi-topic Purāṇic compendium.
The verse underscores dharma-aligned restraint (Vibhīṣaṇa preventing rash killing) and the inevitability of karmic repercussion for adharma (Rāvaṇa’s hostility), while presenting Hanumān as an instrument of righteous divine purpose.