Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 54
Chapter 288 — अश्वचिकित्सा
Aśva-cikitsā) | Horse-Medicine (Śālihotra to Suśruta
द्वौ रज्जुबन्धौ दुष्टानां पक्षयोरुभयोरपि पश्चाद्धनुश् च कर्तर्व्यो दूरकीलव्यपाश्रयः
dvau rajjubandhau duṣṭānāṃ pakṣayorubhayorapi paścāddhanuś ca kartarvyo dūrakīlavyapāśrayaḥ
أمّا القِسيّ المعيبة أو الملتوية فيُشدّ عليها رباطان من الحبل على طرفيها كليهما، ثم تُقوَّم بعد ذلك بإسنادها وشدّها على وتدٍ مُثبَّتٍ على بُعد، ليعود انحناؤها إلى الاستقامة الصحيحة.
Lord Agni (in instruction to Sage Vasiṣṭha, Dhanurveda discourse)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Correcting warped/defective bows by controlled binding and re-curving using a distant peg brace to restore symmetry and cast.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Repair of Defective Bow Limbs (Rajjubandha and Dūrākīla Bracing)","lookup_keywords":["dhanus","rajjubandha","dūrākīla","bow repair","pakṣa (limb)"],"quick_summary":"A warped bow is stabilized with two cord-bindings on both limbs, then re-shaped by bracing against a peg set at a distance to recover proper curvature and balance."}
Weapon Type: Bow
Concept: Skillful correction through measured constraint (bandhana) and leverage (āśraya) restores function without excess force.
Application: Use incremental, symmetric adjustments in any craft/discipline to correct defects while preserving structural integrity.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Ancient Indian Military Science and Archery Engineering)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An artisan-warrior repairs a warped bow: two cord-bindings are tied on both limbs, and the bow is braced against a distant peg to re-form its curve.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, bow-maker in a traditional workshop, large curved bow with twin cord-bindings on both limbs, a distant wooden peg used as brace, earthy reds and greens, flat iconic composition, fine linework.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style, artisan-warrior holding a bow with visible cord-bindings, distant peg support shown, rich textiles, gold leaf highlights on bow fittings and tools, temple-like interior framing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, instructional diagram-like scene: bow limbs labeled, two bindings emphasized, peg-at-distance bracing setup, delicate shading, clean outlines, muted palette.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed workshop with tools, craftsman bracing bow against a peg, precise depiction of cords and wood grain, architectural background, naturalistic colors."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पक्षयोरुभयोरपि = पक्षयोः उभयोः अपि; पश्चाद्धनुः = पश्चात् धनुः; कर्तर्व्यो = कर्तव्यः (पाठभेद/लिप्यन्तर-दोष सम्भवः); दूरकीलव्यपाश्रयः = दूर-कील-व्यपाश्रयः (समास)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 288 (Dhanurveda: bow-making/maintenance context)
FAQs
It teaches a Dhanurveda technique for repairing or re-setting a defective bow: bind both limbs with cords and then correct the bow’s shape by bracing it using a distant peg support (dūrakīla).
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves hands-on military engineering—specific, workshop-level procedures for maintaining weapons—showing its coverage of applied sciences like archery, weapon repair, and field readiness.
In the Purāṇic framework, maintaining weapons correctly supports righteous protection (dharma-rakṣaṇa) and disciplined kingship/warrior duty, emphasizing skill used in service of order rather than harm for its own sake.