Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 27
अश्ववाहनसारः
Aśvavāhana-sāra) — Essentials of Horses as Mounts (and Horse-Treatment
तथासुरनिति ज , ञ , ट च सह जाताः शरीरेणेति ञ आरुह्य सहसा नैव ताड्नीयो हयोत्तमः ताडनादुभयमाप्नोति भयान्मोहश् च जायते
tathāsuraniti ja , ña , ṭa ca saha jātāḥ śarīreṇeti ña āruhya sahasā naiva tāḍnīyo hayottamaḥ tāḍanādubhayamāpnoti bhayānmohaś ca jāyate
Thus the rider should note these signals: when the horse’s bodily disposition shows the indicated signs, having mounted, one should not suddenly strike the excellent horse. From striking, a twofold harm results; from fear, confusion (loss of control) also arises.
Lord Agni (traditional narrator of Agni Purana) instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Humane and effective horse-handling: recognize bodily signals; avoid sudden striking after mounting to prevent fear-induced loss of control and mutual harm.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Commentary","entry_title":"Avoid sudden striking; fear causes confusion (aśva-bhaya-moha)","lookup_keywords":["aśva-śikṣā","tāḍana-niṣedha","bhaya","moha","hayoत्तama"],"quick_summary":"Do not abruptly whip/strike a horse immediately after mounting; it produces twofold harm and fear-driven confusion, degrading control and safety."}
Weapon Type: Whip (kaśā) implied
Concept: Force without understanding produces disorder; fear destabilizes cognition (moha) and control.
Application: Adopt ‘calm start’ protocol: mount, settle seat, breathe, then cue forward; reserve whip for measured correction, not surprise.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Ashva-shiksha / Horse-training and cavalry discipline)
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A rider newly mounted restrains from striking; the horse shows alertness; a trainer gestures to calm and observe signs; contrast between calm cueing and harmful whipping.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, expressive horse eyes showing fear vs calm, trainer’s hand raised in warning, flat color fields, rhythmic linework emphasizing restraint","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, moral-instruction scene: rider holding whip lowered, gold highlights on bridle, horse poised, divine-like aura of discipline and control","mysore_prompt":"Mysore, didactic panel with two vignettes: ‘do not strike suddenly’ vs ‘fear and confusion’, fine annotations, soft palette and precise outlines","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, stable-yard realism, groom calming horse, rider’s whip kept aside, subtle facial expressions showing caution and instruction"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"cautionary","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नैव = न + एव; ताडनादुभयम् = ताडनात् + उभयम् (त् + उ → दु); भयान्मोहः = भयात् + मोहः (त् + म → न्म्); पाठे 'असुरनिति ज, ञ, ट' इत्यादि वर्ण-निर्देश/दुर्बोध-अंशः।
Related Themes: Agni Purana: adjacent aśva-śikṣā verses on handling, pacing, and correction (contextual)
FAQs
It teaches a Dhanurvedic horsemanship rule: after mounting, do not strike the horse suddenly; harsh striking produces fear and loss of control, harming both rider and horse.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical military and training knowledge—here, cavalry handling and behavioral psychology of horses—showing its wide coverage of applied sciences.
Non-cruel, disciplined conduct reduces harm and agitation; it aligns action with dharma (restraint and care), avoiding needless violence and its negative karmic consequences.