Agni Purana — Kosha, Shloka 5
Chapter 366 — सामान्यनामलिङ्गानि
Common Noun-Forms and Their Grammatical Genders
जाल्मो ऽसमीक्ष्यकारी स्यात् कुण्ठो मन्दः क्रियासु यः कर्मशूरः कर्मठः स्याद्भक्षको घस्मरो ऽद्मरः
jālmo 'samīkṣyakārī syāt kuṇṭho mandaḥ kriyāsu yaḥ karmaśūraḥ karmaṭhaḥ syādbhakṣako ghasmaro 'dmaraḥ
‘জাল্ম’ হলো যে বিবেচনা না করে কাজ করে। ‘কুণ্ঠ’ হলো কর্মে ধীর ও অলস ব্যক্তি। ‘কর্মশূর’ ও ‘কর্মঠ’—কাজে বীর্যবান ও পরিশ্রমী মানুষকে বোঝায়। ‘ভক্ষক’, ‘ঘস্মর’ ও ‘অদ্মর’—এগুলো ভোজনকারী, অর্থাৎ লোভে গিলে খাওয়া ব্যক্তির নাম।
Lord Agni (teaching to sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s didactic catalogue sections)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vyakarana","secondary_vidya":"Alamkara","practical_application":"Lexical discrimination for writing and speech: labeling rash action, sluggishness, industriousness, and gluttony with precise Sanskrit terms.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Nighaṇṭu: Terms for Rashness, Sloth, Industry, and Gluttony","lookup_keywords":["jālma","kuṇṭha","karmaśūra","karmaṭha","ghasmara"],"quick_summary":"Defines key epithets for behavioral types—useful for moral description, narrative characterization, and precise commentary."}
Dosha: Kapha
Alamkara Type: Paryāya (synonymy)
Concept: Language encodes ethical evaluation: rashness vs deliberation, sloth vs diligence, restraint vs greed.
Application: Apply in pedagogy and governance: praise karmaṭha/karmaśūra; correct jālma and kuṇṭha tendencies; discourage gluttony.
Khanda Section: Sahitya-shastra (Lexicography / Synonyms and precise word-usage)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: hasya
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Contrasting vignettes: a rash man acting without looking; a sluggish worker delaying; an industrious man completing tasks; a greedy eater devouring food.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural split-panel narrative, four compartments with stylized figures: impulsive actor, slow worker, energetic craftsman, glutton at a feast; bold outlines and earthy palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with four medallions bordered in gold, each labeled with Sanskrit epithet; rich ornamentation and iconic poses emphasizing moral types.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore instructional illustration, sequential storyboard with captions 'jālma', 'kuṇṭha', 'karmaṭha', 'ghasmara', fine lines and gentle colors.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature genre scene: workshop and dining setting, expressive faces showing haste, lethargy, diligence, and greed; detailed utensils and textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: जाल्मो ऽसमीक्ष्यकारी → जाल्मः असमीक्ष्यकारी; स्याद्भक्षको → स्यात् भक्षकः; ऽद्मरः → अद्मरः (अवग्रहः).
Related Themes: Agni Purana: lexicography run continuing 366.4–366.6; didactic nīti passages on diligence and restraint
FAQs
This verse imparts lexical knowledge (nighaṇṭu-vidyā): precise synonyms for behavioral and occupational descriptors—rashness, sluggishness, industriousness, and gluttony—useful for accurate Sanskrit composition and interpretation.
By cataloguing exact word-equivalents and semantic distinctions, the Agni Purana functions like a reference manual for language and literature alongside its ritual, dharma, and other sciences—showing its encyclopedic scope beyond purely mythic narration.
Though primarily lexical, the terms implicitly mark virtues and faults—reflective action and diligence are praised, while rashness and gluttony are cautioned—supporting ethical self-assessment that aligns with dharmic conduct.