Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 48
अश्ववाहनसारः
Aśvavāhana-sāra) — Essentials of Horses as Mounts (and Horse-Treatment
खलीकृत्य चतुष्केण तुरङ्गो वल्गयान्यया उच्छास्य ग्राह्यते ऽन्यत्र तत्स्यादुच्छासनं पुनः
khalīkṛtya catuṣkeṇa turaṅgo valgayānyayā ucchāsya grāhyate 'nyatra tatsyāducchāsanaṃ punaḥ
Nachdem man dem Pferd mittels des vierfachen Zaumzeugs die khalī (Halfter) angelegt hat, ist es mit einem anderen Zügel oder Führriemen zu zügeln. Wenn man es kräftig ausatmen bzw. schnauben lässt und es an anderer Stelle (mit einem alternativen Griff) ergreift, heißt dieses Verfahren wiederum „ucchāsana“.
Lord Agni (narrating instructional Dhanurveda material to a sage, traditionally Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Step-by-step restraint method in horse training: fitting the halter/curb with fourfold tackle and using an alternate rein/strap to induce controlled snorting/exhalation and regain handling control (ucchāsana).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Ucchāsana: fourfold tackle haltering and alternate rein restraint","lookup_keywords":["ucchāsana","khalī-kṛtya","catuṣka (fourfold tackle)","valgā (rein)","aśva-grahaṇa (restraint)"],"quick_summary":"After fitting the horse with the halter/curb using a four-part tackle, restrain it with an alternate leading strap; the controlled snort/exhalation and seizure at an alternate hold constitutes the ‘ucchāsana’ method."}
Concept: Technique uses timing and proper equipment rather than brute force; control is achieved by understanding the animal’s breath and response.
Application: Humane training: use correct tack and timing cues to reduce stress and improve reliability of cavalry mounts.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Ashva-shiksha / Horse-training and cavalry handling)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A trainer fits a horse with a four-part halter/tackle; an assistant holds an alternate leading strap; the horse snorts/exhales as the trainer seizes control at a different hold point, calming it.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, horse with ornate tack, trainer and assistant in coordinated poses, visible fourfold straps, stylized snort cloud, bold outlines, minimal stable-yard background.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, richly decorated horse tack with gold accents, central calm trainer, assistant holding alternate rein, decorative border, emphasis on equipment geometry.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore, diagram-like clarity of fourfold tackle and alternate rein, fine lines, gentle colors, instructional stable setting with posts and ropes.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed stable scene with grooms, precise depiction of straps and knots, horse exhaling, subtle expressions, architectural stable backdrop."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ग्राह्यते ऽन्यत्र = ग्राह्यते + अन्यत्र; तत्स्यादुच्छासनम् = तत् + स्यात् + उच्छासनम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda: aśva-śikṣā terminology for khalī/valgā and restraint methods; related grahaṇa techniques
FAQs
It teaches a practical ashva-śikṣā (horse-handling) technique: using a halter and an alternate rein/strap to restrain and regain control of a horse through an “ucchāsana” method associated with making it exhale/snort and then seizing it by an alternate hold.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied war-science: cavalry management, tack usage, and control procedures—showing it functions as a compendium of technical disciplines (Dhanurveda) alongside religious and literary topics.
Its emphasis is primarily pragmatic (safe, controlled handling in service of dharmic governance and protection); indirectly, disciplined use of power—avoiding harm through proper technique—is aligned with righteous conduct (dharma) in royal and military duties.