Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 19
Chapter 238 — राजधर्माः (Rājadharmāḥ) | Duties of Kings
परिकर्मसु दक्षञ्च विज्ञानं धारयिष्णुतां गुणत्रयं परीक्षेत प्रागलभ्यं प्रीतितां तथा
parikarmasu dakṣañca vijñānaṃ dhārayiṣṇutāṃ guṇatrayaṃ parīkṣeta prāgalabhyaṃ prītitāṃ tathā
নিয়োগের আগে গুণত্রয়—কার্যসম্পাদনে দক্ষতা, যথার্থ জ্ঞান, এবং অবিচল অধ্যবসায়—পরীক্ষা করা উচিত; এবং তার পূর্ব আচরণ ও সদ্ভাবপূর্ণ আনুগত্যও যাচাই করতে হবে।
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Competency-and-character framework for appointments: test task-skill, knowledge, perseverance, plus prior conduct and loyal goodwill.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Triad of Qualities for Appointment + Conduct and Loyalty Tests","lookup_keywords":["parikarma-dakṣa","vijñāna","dhārayiṣṇutā","prāgalbhya","prīti"],"quick_summary":"Before appointment, verify operational competence, real knowledge, and sustained perseverance, and additionally assess past behavior and the candidate’s loyal, agreeable disposition."}
Concept: Sevā-dharma requires both śakti (capacity) and śīla (character); endurance and goodwill prevent corruption and instability.
Application: Design probation tasks to test execution; verify domain knowledge; observe long-term follow-through; check prior record; evaluate loyalty through stress/temptation scenarios.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma / Niti-shastra (Qualities and examination of an official/servant)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A candidate performs assigned tasks under supervision; a teacher tests knowledge; a long-duration duty scene shows perseverance; officials review past records and observe loyalty.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, sequential vignettes: task execution, learning test, endurance under heat/rain, and respectful loyalty to king; bold outlines, narrative clarity","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold work; central probation scene—candidate serving diligently before king; side panels show knowledge test and record review; ornate court setting","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style instructional storyboard: three labeled qualities (dakṣatā, vijñāna, dhārayiṣṇutā) plus prāgalbhya and prīti; clean composition, readable gestures","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature of bureaucratic evaluation; candidate demonstrating skills, scholars questioning, clerks examining documents; fine architectural background"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दक्षञ्च = दक्षम् + च
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Rajadharma—ministerial qualities and tests; Agni Purana: Nīti—traits of trustworthy servants
FAQs
It imparts administrative nīti: a practical method to evaluate a candidate by testing competence in work, real knowledge, perseverance, and their prior record and goodwill before entrusting responsibilities.
Alongside rituals and theology, the Agni Purana preserves statecraft and ethics; this verse functions like a governance manual on recruitment and character assessment, showing its multi-disciplinary, encyclopedic scope.
Choosing competent and well-disposed people for duties reduces harm, prevents injustice, and supports dharma in public life—thus aligning governance with righteous action and better karmic outcomes for ruler and society.