Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 24
Chapter 233 — Ṣāḍguṇya (The Six Measures of Royal Policy) and Foreign Daṇḍa
संश्रयस्तेन वक्तव्यो गुणानामधमो गुणः प्रासादाग्रे प्रदर्शयेदिति ट विगृहीतस्तु इति ख बहुक्षयव्ययायासं तेषां यानं प्रकीर्तितं
saṃśrayastena vaktavyo guṇānāmadhamo guṇaḥ prāsādāgre pradarśayediti ṭa vigṛhītastu iti kha bahukṣayavyayāyāsaṃ teṣāṃ yānaṃ prakīrtitaṃ
لذلك ينبغي بيان السَّمْشْرَيَا (saṃśraya)، أي الاعتماد والاحتماء بالسند؛ وهو في عداد «الخصال» أدناها مرتبة. وقد أثبتت نسخة ṭa قراءة: «يُظهَر عند مقدّمة/أعلى القصر»، بينما أثبتت نسخة kha قراءة: «لكنّه منفصل/مفارق». وقد أُعلن أن مسيرهم أو مركبهم يجلب خسارةً كثيرة ونفقةً وعناءً.
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition, instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Text-critical and technical note on prāsāda-lakṣaṇa: defining saṃśraya (support/dependence) as a ‘low’ quality/omen, variant readings about placement at the building’s front/top, and warning that a certain ‘yāna’ (structural feature/arrangement or associated conveyance/approach) leads to loss and strain.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Commentary","entry_title":"Saṃśraya as a low guṇa in prāsāda-omens; variant readings and loss-bearing yāna","lookup_keywords":["saṃśraya","guṇa-adhama","prāsāda-agre","pāṭhabheda ṭa kha","bahu-kṣaya-vyaya-āyāsa"],"quick_summary":"In temple/building omens, ‘saṃśraya’ is classified as an inferior quality; manuscripts differ on whether it is displayed at the front/top or described as detached. The associated ‘yāna’ is said to cause heavy loss, expense, and exertion—hence to be avoided."}
Concept: Built form carries auspicious/inauspicious indicators; correct specification and transmission (pāṭha) matters for practice.
Application: In design review, verify structural ‘supports/attachments’ and their placement; consult recension/reading traditions before executing costly features.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-śāstra / Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa (Temple architecture and structural omens)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A temple architect (sthapati) points to the top/front of a prāsāda drawing, comparing two manuscript readings on palm-leaf; workers and patrons listen as he warns about a costly, loss-bringing structural arrangement.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, sthapati with palm-leaf manuscripts marked ‘ṭa’ and ‘kha’, stylized prāsāda elevation showing the front/top feature, muted earth tones, ornamental border, didactic gestures.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, architect and patron before a gilded temple model, gold leaf emphasizing prāsāda top/front, palm-leaf manuscripts in hand, attendants holding measuring rods, rich decorative frame.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, technical instructional scene: clean temple elevation diagram, sthapati indicating ‘saṃśraya’ placement, scribal notes showing variant readings, fine linework and clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, workshop scene with drafts, compasses, and palm-leaf texts; a temple model on a table; patrons in discussion; detailed textiles and architectural backdrop."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: saṃśrayastena = saṃśrayaḥ + tena; guṇānāmadhamo = guṇānām + adhamaḥ; prāsādāgre = prāsāda + agre.
Related Themes: Agni Purana prāsāda-lakṣaṇa sections (vāstu/prāsāda chapters, including 233.24 context)
FAQs
It conveys a Vāstu-śāstra point about identifying/declaring a structural ‘support/dependence’ (saṃśraya) as an inferior architectural feature, along with manuscript variant readings about where it is indicated on the prāsāda and whether it is ‘detached’—and it warns of practical consequences (loss/expense/strain).
By preserving specialized building-science terminology (saṃśraya, prāsāda-agre) and even recording recension-based variant readings (ṭa/kha), the Agni Purana functions as a technical compendium that includes Vāstu alongside many other disciplines.
In Vāstu framing, inferior or defective features in sacred/royal architecture are treated as sources of inauspicious outcomes; the verse underscores that ignoring such guidance can manifest as tangible misfortune—loss, financial drain, and hardship—thus encouraging dharmic diligence in construction.