Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 42
Chapter 238 — राजधर्माः (Rājadharmāḥ) | Duties of Kings
अकार्ये प्रतिषेधश् च कार्ये चापि प्रवर्तनं सङ्क्षेपादिति सद्वृत्तं बन्धुमित्रानुजीविनां
akārye pratiṣedhaś ca kārye cāpi pravartanaṃ saṅkṣepāditi sadvṛttaṃ bandhumitrānujīvināṃ
Sich selbst (und andere) von dem zurückzuhalten, was nicht getan werden soll, und zu dem anzutreiben, was getan werden soll—dies ist, kurz gesagt, die Regel rechten Wandels für jene, die im Vertrauen auf Verwandte und Freunde leben.
Lord Agni (in instruction/narration, as typical for Agni Purana’s didactic sections)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Householder/social ethics: actively prevent prohibited acts (akarya) and promote obligatory/beneficial acts (karya) within kinship- and friendship-based dependence networks (bāndhava–mitra āśraya).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Sadvr̥tta for those dependent on kinsmen and friends","lookup_keywords":["sadvr̥tta","akārya-pratiṣedha","kārya-pravartana","bāndhava","mitra"],"quick_summary":"Good conduct is summarized as two duties: restrain wrongdoing and encourage right action. It is especially framed for persons whose livelihood and standing depend on kin and friends."}
Concept: Dharma as proactive regulation of conduct: niṣedha (prohibition) and pravartana (enjoining) as the minimal definition of sadācāra.
Application: Use as a household rule: stop harmful actions in one’s circle and actively facilitate duties—charity, truthfulness, non-violence, and social obligations.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma / Sadachara (Ethics of conduct for householders and social relations)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: dharmavira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A respected elder or counselor instructs a household circle: one hand raised to forbid a wrongful act, the other gesturing to encourage a righteous deed; kin and friends listen attentively.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, warm earthy palette, a dharma-upadeśa scene: elder in white mundu and angavastra, palm-leaf manuscript, gestures of niṣedha and pravartana, attentive family group, stylized architecture backdrop","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf highlights, seated guru-like counselor with halo, two symbolic panels: ‘akārya’ crossed out and ‘kārya’ affirmed, richly ornamented household setting","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, fine linework, instructional tableau: counselor pointing to two inscriptions ‘akārya-pratiṣedha’ and ‘kārya-pravartana’, calm domestic interior, muted colors","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly domestic assembly, counselor addressing kinsmen and friends, subtle gestures of prohibition and encouragement, detailed textiles and carpets"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: प्रतिषेधश् च = प्रतिषेधः + च; चापि = च + अपि; सङ्क्षेपादिति = सङ्क्षेपात् + इति; बन्धुमित्रानुजीविनां = बन्धु + मित्र + अनुजीविनाम् (समास/सन्धि)
Related Themes: Agni Purana Rajadharma/Sadachara section on sadācāra and social duties (near 238.40–238.50)
FAQs
It imparts sadācāra-vidyā (practical ethics): prohibit improper actions (akārya) and actively promote proper duties (kārya), especially in relationships sustained by kin and friends.
Alongside ritual, mantra, polity, and other sciences, the Agni Purana also codifies social ethics and dharma; this verse is a compact definition of right conduct used in governance and household life.
Restraint from adharma and encouragement of dharma purify conduct, protect social harmony, and generate merit (puṇya) through responsible speech and action within one’s community.