Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 24
Chapter 233 — Ṣāḍguṇya (The Six Measures of Royal Policy) and Foreign Daṇḍa
संश्रयस्तेन वक्तव्यो गुणानामधमो गुणः प्रासादाग्रे प्रदर्शयेदिति ट विगृहीतस्तु इति ख बहुक्षयव्ययायासं तेषां यानं प्रकीर्तितं
saṃśrayastena vaktavyo guṇānāmadhamo guṇaḥ prāsādāgre pradarśayediti ṭa vigṛhītastu iti kha bahukṣayavyayāyāsaṃ teṣāṃ yānaṃ prakīrtitaṃ
Daher ist saṃśraya, das Sich-Anlehnen bzw. die Schutz- und Stützbündnisnahme, darzulegen; unter den «Qualitäten» gilt es als die niedrigste. Die Lesart „es soll an der Vorderseite/auf der Spitze des Palastes gezeigt werden“ ist in der ṭa-Überlieferung vermerkt; während „doch es ist getrennt/abgelöst“ die Lesart der kha-Überlieferung ist. Ihre Fahrt bzw. ihr Fahrzeug wird als Ursache großen Verlustes, großer Ausgaben und Mühsal bezeichnet.
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition, instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Text-critical and technical note on prāsāda-lakṣaṇa: defining saṃśraya (support/dependence) as a ‘low’ quality/omen, variant readings about placement at the building’s front/top, and warning that a certain ‘yāna’ (structural feature/arrangement or associated conveyance/approach) leads to loss and strain.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Commentary","entry_title":"Saṃśraya as a low guṇa in prāsāda-omens; variant readings and loss-bearing yāna","lookup_keywords":["saṃśraya","guṇa-adhama","prāsāda-agre","pāṭhabheda ṭa kha","bahu-kṣaya-vyaya-āyāsa"],"quick_summary":"In temple/building omens, ‘saṃśraya’ is classified as an inferior quality; manuscripts differ on whether it is displayed at the front/top or described as detached. The associated ‘yāna’ is said to cause heavy loss, expense, and exertion—hence to be avoided."}
Concept: Built form carries auspicious/inauspicious indicators; correct specification and transmission (pāṭha) matters for practice.
Application: In design review, verify structural ‘supports/attachments’ and their placement; consult recension/reading traditions before executing costly features.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-śāstra / Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa (Temple architecture and structural omens)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A temple architect (sthapati) points to the top/front of a prāsāda drawing, comparing two manuscript readings on palm-leaf; workers and patrons listen as he warns about a costly, loss-bringing structural arrangement.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, sthapati with palm-leaf manuscripts marked ‘ṭa’ and ‘kha’, stylized prāsāda elevation showing the front/top feature, muted earth tones, ornamental border, didactic gestures.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, architect and patron before a gilded temple model, gold leaf emphasizing prāsāda top/front, palm-leaf manuscripts in hand, attendants holding measuring rods, rich decorative frame.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, technical instructional scene: clean temple elevation diagram, sthapati indicating ‘saṃśraya’ placement, scribal notes showing variant readings, fine linework and clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, workshop scene with drafts, compasses, and palm-leaf texts; a temple model on a table; patrons in discussion; detailed textiles and architectural backdrop."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: saṃśrayastena = saṃśrayaḥ + tena; guṇānāmadhamo = guṇānām + adhamaḥ; prāsādāgre = prāsāda + agre.
Related Themes: Agni Purana prāsāda-lakṣaṇa sections (vāstu/prāsāda chapters, including 233.24 context)
FAQs
It conveys a Vāstu-śāstra point about identifying/declaring a structural ‘support/dependence’ (saṃśraya) as an inferior architectural feature, along with manuscript variant readings about where it is indicated on the prāsāda and whether it is ‘detached’—and it warns of practical consequences (loss/expense/strain).
By preserving specialized building-science terminology (saṃśraya, prāsāda-agre) and even recording recension-based variant readings (ṭa/kha), the Agni Purana functions as a technical compendium that includes Vāstu alongside many other disciplines.
In Vāstu framing, inferior or defective features in sacred/royal architecture are treated as sources of inauspicious outcomes; the verse underscores that ignoring such guidance can manifest as tangible misfortune—loss, financial drain, and hardship—thus encouraging dharmic diligence in construction.