Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 10
Chapter 238 — राजधर्माः (Rājadharmāḥ) | Duties of Kings
परोपतापपैशून्यमात्सर्येर्षानृतातिगः वृद्धोपदेशसम्पन्नः शक्तो मधुरदर्शनः
paropatāpapaiśūnyamātsaryerṣānṛtātigaḥ vṛddhopadeśasampannaḥ śakto madhuradarśanaḥ
هو منزَّه عن إيلام الآخرين وعن الوشاية والبهتان؛ وقد تجاوز الحسد والغيرة والكذب؛ متزوّدٌ بنصح الشيوخ؛ قادرٌ كفء، وهيئته وسَمته لطيفان عذبان.
Lord Agni (in instruction to the sage Vasiṣṭha, per the Agni Purana’s standard dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Personal ethics for leadership and public service: avoid harm and slander, transcend envy/falsehood, seek elder counsel, maintain competence and gentle demeanor for effective administration.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Sadācāra of the capable person (ahiṃsā-like restraint, truthfulness, elder counsel, pleasant conduct)","lookup_keywords":["paiśunya","mātsarya","īrṣyā","anṛta","vṛddhopadeśa"],"quick_summary":"A fit leader avoids harming others and slander, abandons envy and falsehood, follows elder counsel, and combines capability with a gentle, pleasing manner."}
Concept: Ethical speech and intention (freedom from slander, envy, falsehood) are governance-strengthening virtues; wisdom is stabilized by listening to elders.
Application: Institutionalize mentorship (elder councils), codes against defamation and malice, and leadership training emphasizing calm communication and truthfulness.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma / Niti-shastra (Ethics of conduct and qualities of a capable person)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A competent official receiving counsel from elders, speaking gently to citizens, while scenes of slander and envy are shown as rejected behaviors.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, elder sages advising a minister, calm gestures, citizens approaching without fear, stylized negative figures of slander/envious whispering pushed to the margins, vivid palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central figure with serene face and refined posture, elders seated with palm-leaf texts, gold embellishments, emphasis on gentle darśana and virtue.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, didactic composition: elder counsel panel, truthful speech panel, anti-slander panel, fine linework and soft shading for instructional clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, intimate advisory chamber with elders, the official greeting petitioners, subtle narrative vignettes of avoided slander, detailed textiles and architecture."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मात्सर्येर्षा = मात्सर्य + ईर्षा (अ + ई → ए); वृद्धोपदेश = वृद्ध + उपदेश (अ + उ → ओ)।
Related Themes: Agni Purana Sadācāra and rājadharma discussions (within 238 and nearby)
FAQs
It teaches Niti (practical ethics): avoid harming others, slander, envy, jealousy, and lying; follow elder counsel; cultivate competence and a gentle, pleasing demeanor—core traits for social harmony and leadership.
Alongside ritual, cosmology, and other sciences, the Agni Purana also preserves Rajadharma and Niti-shastra—codifying behavioral standards that support governance, public trust, and disciplined personal conduct.
Non-harm, truthfulness, and freedom from envy reduce negative karma and purify speech and mind; honoring wise counsel and acting with gentleness supports dharma and strengthens merit (puṇya) through ethical living.