Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 25
Chapter 244 — चामरादिलक्षणम् / आयुधलक्षणादि
Characteristics of the Fly-whisk and Related Royal Emblems; Weapon Characteristics
खड्गः पद्मपलाशाग्रो मण्डलाग्रश् च शस्यते करवीरदलाग्राभो घृतगन्धो वियत्प्रभः
khaḍgaḥ padmapalāśāgro maṇḍalāgraś ca śasyate karavīradalāgrābho ghṛtagandho viyatprabhaḥ
Gepriesen als vortrefflich ist das Schwert, dessen Spitze dem Ende eines Lotusblattes gleicht und dessen Abschluss rund ist wie eine Scheibe; seine Schneide ähnelt der Spitze eines Karavīra-Blattes, es duftet nach Ghee (ghṛta) und leuchtet mit einem Glanz wie der des Himmels.
Lord Agni (narrating to sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purāṇa’s instructional dialogue)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Recognizing an excellent sword by tip/edge geometry, finish, scent (oil/ghee maintenance), and lustre; guidance for forging and upkeep.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Uttama-khadga-lakṣaṇa (Ideal Sword Tip, Edge, Lustre)","lookup_keywords":["khadga","padmapalasha","mandalagra","karavira","ghrita-gandha"],"quick_summary":"An excellent sword is described through botanical and luminous analogies: lotus-leaf-like tip, rounded end, karavīra-leaf-like edge, ghee-like fragrance (well-oiled), and sky-like radiance (clean, bright polish)."}
Alamkara Type: Upama
Weapon Type: Sword (Khadga/Asi)
Concept: Lakṣaṇa (diagnostic marks) for judging excellence in crafted objects.
Application: Use form + sensory cues (shape, sheen, smell of proper oiling) to assess readiness and quality.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Weapon-science and arms; description/classification of weapons)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Close view of a gleaming sword: lotus-leaf-like point, rounded contour at the end, leaf-like keen edge; a small bowl of ghee/oil used for maintenance; the blade shines like the sky.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, enlarged iconic sword with botanical motifs (lotus leaf, karavīra leaf) painted as comparison panels, artisan applying ghee to blade, deep earthy palette with bright highlights","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf shimmer on the sky-bright blade, lotus and karavīra motifs embossed around, small gilded vessel of ghee, ornate hilt with gemstones","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, technical illustration feel: labeled comparisons of tip and edge to leaves, subtle gradients showing ‘viyat-prabhā’ sheen, neat workshop setting","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed metallic rendering of blade and hilt, botanical studies of lotus and karavīra leaves on the margin, attendant oiling the sword, refined palette"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: padmapalāśāgro → padma-palāśa-agraḥ; maṇḍalāgraś → maṇḍala-agraḥ; dalāgrābho → dala-agra-ābhaḥ; viyatprabhaḥ → viyat-prabhaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 244 (śastra-lakṣaṇa)
FAQs
It gives Dhanurveda-style lakṣaṇas (identifying marks) of an excellent sword—its ideal point/edge shape, rounded finish, distinctive lustre, and even its characteristic scent—used for evaluating weapon quality.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves practical technical knowledge—here, a concise specification list for arms assessment—showing its coverage of real-world crafts like weapon selection and martial standards.
By prescribing “praised” (śasyate) characteristics, the text frames proper, dharmic readiness for protection and kingship: choosing a fit weapon supports righteous defense and orderly governance rather than reckless violence.