Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 17
Yātrā-Maṇḍala-Cintā and Rājya-Rakṣaṇa: Auspicious Travel Rules and the Twelve-King Mandala
आसारस्तु ततो ऽन्यः स्यादाक्रन्दासार उच्यते जिगीषोः शत्रुयुक्तस्य विमुक्तस्य तथा द्विज
āsārastu tato 'nyaḥ syādākrandāsāra ucyate jigīṣoḥ śatruyuktasya vimuktasya tathā dvija
এরপর আরেক প্রকার বিন্যাস আছে, যাকে ‘আক্রন্দ-আসার’ বলা হয়—জিগীষু (বিজয়কামী) যখন শত্রুর সঙ্গে যুক্ত থাকে, অথবা ঘেরাও/চাপ থেকে মুক্ত হয়, হে দ্বিজ।
Lord Agni (narrating Agni Purana’s instructional material to a sage, traditionally Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Operational terminology for field deployments: understand and apply the ākranda-āsāra formation/deployment for a conqueror either while engaged with the enemy or when breaking free from pressure/encirclement.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Ākranda-āsāra: a distinct deployment for the jigiṣu","lookup_keywords":["ākranda-āsāra","āsāra deployment","jigiṣu","field operations","military terminology"],"quick_summary":"Defines ākranda-āsāra as a distinct kind of deployment used by an aspiring conqueror in active enemy contact or upon extricating forces from constraint."}
Concept: Prayoga (applied knowledge): naming and standardizing battlefield actions enables command, coordination, and repeatable doctrine.
Application: Codify drills and terminology so commanders can issue concise orders under stress; choose ākranda-āsāra when needing decisive forward pressure or a controlled disengage-and-surge.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma & Dhanurveda (Military Science: Strategy and Field-Operations Terminology)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Type: Battlefield
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A battlefield diagram brought to life: the jigiṣu’s army surges in a coordinated drive (ākranda) and advance (āsāra); one scene shows pressing an engaged enemy, another shows a breakout from a tightening ring; commanders signal with flags and drums.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: stylized battle lines with elephants, chariots, and infantry; a wedge-like surge breaking through; bold flags, rhythmic repetition of soldiers, strong outlines and flat colors.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: heroic commander with gold-ornamented armor; armies arranged symmetrically; the breakout corridor highlighted with gold accents; rich decorative borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: semi-diagrammatic battlefield with clear formations and labeled movement arrows; commanders giving hand-signals; refined linework suited to technical instruction.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: panoramic battle with detailed units, dust clouds, banners; a focused vignette of a breakthrough; meticulous depiction of armor, horses, and command signals."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"fast","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: आसारस्तु = आसारः + तु; ततोऽन्यः = ततः + अन्यः; स्यादाक्रन्दासारः = स्यात् + आक्रन्दासारः.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda: classifications of vyuha, gati, and operational terms (same adhyaya cluster); Agni Purana Rajadharma: jigiṣu (would-be conqueror) and conquest policy
FAQs
This verse imparts tactical (Dhanurveda/Rajadharma) knowledge: it defines a specific operational deployment called ākranda-āsāra, used during direct enemy engagement or immediately after escaping a dangerous tactical situation.
By cataloging precise battlefield terms and use-cases (when to apply a named deployment), the Agni Purana functions like a compendium that includes not only theology but also practical statecraft and military doctrine.
As part of rajadharma, correct tactical conduct supports the king’s duty to protect subjects and uphold order; fulfilling one’s duty with discernment is treated as dharmic action that sustains social stability and righteous rule.