Agni Purana — Kosha, Shloka 15
Chapter 365 — क्षत्रविट्शूद्रवर्गाः
The Classes of Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas, and Śūdras
नस्तकस्तु धनुर्मध्यं मौर्वी ज्या शिञ्जिनी गुणः पृषत्कवाणविशिखा अजिह्मगखगाशुगाः
nastakastu dhanurmadhyaṃ maurvī jyā śiñjinī guṇaḥ pṛṣatkavāṇaviśikhā ajihmagakhagāśugāḥ
ধনুকের মধ্যাংশকে ‘নস্তক’ বলা হয়। ধনুর্জ্যা ‘মৌর্বী’ বা ‘জ্যা’; যে জ্যা ঝংকার তোলে তা ‘শিঞ্জিনী’; এবং জ্যার আরেক নাম ‘গুণ’। বাণকে ‘পৃষৎ’, ‘কবাণ’ ও ‘বিশিখা’ বলা হয়; আবার ‘অজিহ্ম’, ‘গ’, ‘খগ’ ও ‘আশুগ’ নামেও অভিহিত।
Lord Agni (teaching Dhanurveda terminology to the sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s encyclopedic discourse)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Vyakarana","practical_application":"Teach precise archery-part nomenclature (bow anatomy, strings, arrow synonyms) for instruction, manufacture, repair, and command clarity.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Archery terminology: bow middle, bowstrings, and arrow names","lookup_keywords":["nastaka","maurvī/jyā/śiñjinī/guṇa","pṛṣat/kavāṇa/viśikhā","ajihma","āśuga"],"quick_summary":"Enumerates technical names for the bow’s central portion, multiple terms for bowstring (including the twanging śiñjinī), and a set of arrow synonyms—supporting standardized training and craftsmanship."}
Weapon Type: Bow and arrows
Concept: Nāma-rūpa clarity in applied arts
Application: Correct naming improves transmission of skill between teacher, archer, and bowyer; reduces errors in repair and supply.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Ancient Indian Archery and Weapon-Science Terminology)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An archery workshop and training ground: a teacher points to the bow’s center (nastaka), demonstrates different bowstrings (maurvī/jyā/śiñjinī/guṇa) and lays out arrows labeled pṛṣat, kavāṇa, viśikhā, ajihma, āśuga.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized archery lesson with bold outlines, bow enlarged to show nastaka, strings highlighted, arrows arranged in a row with distinct tips, traditional palette","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold detailing on bow fittings and quiver, teacher and student in ornate attire, arrows displayed like sacred implements, rich decorative border","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, technical illustration feel: close-up bow anatomy with labeled parts, separate panel of arrow types and names, fine lines and soft colors","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed bowyer’s shop with tools, teacher instructing prince/warrior, arrows meticulously painted with varied heads, calligraphic labels on a scroll"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: nastakaḥ+tu→nastakastu; dhanus+madhyam→dhanurmadhyam; pṛṣat+kavāṇa+viśikhāḥ→pṛṣatkavāṇaviśikhāḥ; a+jihma+ga+kha+ga+āśugāḥ→ajihmagakhagāśugāḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda: weapon/armour nomenclature (365.11) and army organization (365.12–365.14)
FAQs
It imparts Dhanurveda technical nomenclature: the bow’s central section (nastaka), multiple terms for bowstring (maurvī, jyā, śiñjinī, guṇa), and multiple synonyms for arrows (pṛṣat, kavāṇa, viśikhā, etc.), useful for precise instruction in archery and weapon handling.
By cataloging specialized vocabulary for archery equipment, it functions like a technical glossary embedded within a Purana, showing how the Agni Purana preserves practical sciences (military arts/Dhanurveda) alongside theology and ritual.
While primarily technical, its karmic value lies in promoting disciplined, correct practice of one’s duty (dharma) in protection and righteous warfare; accurate knowledge reduces harm through error and supports ethical conduct in martial action.