Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 13
Prātyahika-Rāja-Karma
Daily Duties of a King
राजा विभूतिमाप्नोति धारयन्ति नृपं हि ते मन्त्रं कृत्वाथ व्यायामञ्चक्रे याने च शस्त्रके
rājā vibhūtimāpnoti dhārayanti nṛpaṃ hi te mantraṃ kṛtvātha vyāyāmañcakre yāne ca śastrake
Ein König erlangt Wohlstand und königliche Hoheit; denn sie stützen wahrlich den Herrscher. Darum soll er, nachdem er die gebotene strategische Beratung vollzogen hat, körperliches Training aufnehmen — sowohl im Wagen-/Fahrzeugdienst als auch im Gebrauch der Waffen.
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition, instructing Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","practical_application":"Royal routine: strategic deliberation (mantra) followed by disciplined physical training in mobility (chariot/vehicle drill) and weapons practice to sustain sovereignty.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Rāja-sampad: Mantra then Vyāyāma (counsel followed by training)","lookup_keywords":["rājā","vibhūti","mantra","vyāyāma","yāna","śastra"],"quick_summary":"Prosperity and majesty arise when the king is upheld by proper counsel and then strengthens himself through exercise, chariot/vehicle drill, and weapons practice."}
Dosha: Tridosha
Weapon Type: Bow, sword and general śastra (weapons) implied; yāna suggests chariot/vehicle drill
Concept: Rāja-dharma integrates buddhi (counsel) and bala (trained strength); prosperity is sustained by both governance and preparedness.
Application: Institutionalize a daily schedule: council first, then physical and martial training; treat readiness as a moral duty of rulership.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma (Governance and Royal Duties)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A king in council with ministers, then transitioning to a training ground: chariot drill and weapons practice under instructors.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, two-panel narrative: left—council scene with palm-leaf manuscripts; right—king practicing with bow and sword near a chariot, stylized horses, bold outlines, heroic vira mood.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, central king with gold-embellished armor; background shows chariot and weapons rack; ministers with scrolls; rich reds and greens, gold work on weapons and ornaments.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear instructional composition: sequence of counsel table, then vyāyāma postures, then chariot handling and weapon drills; fine detailing of equipment.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, court-to-training transition in one frame: pavilion with advisors, adjacent maidan with chariot and archery; intricate textiles, realistic horses, dynamic action."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: विभूतिमाप्नोति → विभूतिम् आप्नोति; कृत्वाथ → कृत्वा अथ; व्यायामञ्चक्रे → व्यायामम् चक्रे (अनुस्वार-सन्धि)।
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Rajadharma chapters on ministers and counsel; Agni Purana: Dhanurveda sections on weapons practice and training
FAQs
It teaches rāja-nīti as practical discipline: after mantra (strategic counsel and policy deliberation), the king should train in vyāyāma, specifically vehicle/chariot drill (yāna/cakra) and weapon practice (śastra), aligning governance with martial readiness.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves applied knowledge of governance and military preparedness—linking counsel (mantra), physical conditioning (vyāyāma), transport tactics (yāna/cakra), and arms training (śastra) as part of a ruler’s curriculum.
By emphasizing disciplined counsel and controlled strength, the verse frames kingship as dharmic stewardship: right policy and restrained martial skill protect subjects, supporting righteous order (dharma) and reducing harm born of negligence or impulsive power.