Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 13
Chapter 164: नवग्रहहोमः
Navagraha Fire-Offering
यश् च यस्य यदा दूष्यः स तं यत्नेन पूजयेत् ब्रह्मणैषां वरो दत्तः पूजिताः पूजितस्य च
yaś ca yasya yadā dūṣyaḥ sa taṃ yatnena pūjayet brahmaṇaiṣāṃ varo dattaḥ pūjitāḥ pūjitasya ca
Whoever, at any time, becomes able to harm another should, with deliberate effort, honor that person. For Brahmā has granted this boon concerning such persons: when they are honored, the one who honors them is honored in return.
Lord Agni (traditional Agni Purana narration to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Teaches pragmatic etiquette: honor potentially harmful or influential persons to neutralize hostility and secure social protection.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Upacāra-nīti (policy of honoring the potentially harmful)","lookup_keywords":["pūjā","nīti","śatru-śamana","upacāra","brahmā-vara"],"quick_summary":"A rule of conduct: deliberately honor those who can harm you; honoring them results in reciprocal honor and reduced risk."}
Concept: Reciprocity and prudence: honoring others—especially the powerful—returns honor and safety.
Application: Practice respectful upacāra toward superiors, rivals, and those with capacity to harm; use honor as conflict-prevention.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Ritual Etiquette and Propitiation of Influential Persons)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A cautious householder or minister offers respectful pūjā—water, flowers, seat—to a stern influential figure, transforming tension into mutual honor.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: two figures facing—one offering flowers and arghya with folded hands, the other initially severe then softened; minimal background, strong outlines, ritual objects emphasized.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: dignitary seated on ornate throne, donor performing pūjā with gold-highlighted vessels, halo-like arch framing the honored person to signify social power.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: didactic scene with clear gestures of namaskāra and offering, calm palette, emphasis on etiquette items (pādya, arghya, puṣpa).","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: courtly audience where a courtier presents nazr/pūjā to a powerful noble; detailed carpets, attendants, subtle facial expressions showing appeasement."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: यश् = यः (visarga before c); ब्रह्मणैषां = ब्रह्मणा + एषाम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana nīti/ācāra passages in dharma sections (various dharmas)
FAQs
It teaches a practical niti-vidya principle: avert hostility and secure harmony by formally honoring (pūjā/satkāra) even a potential adversary or someone capable of causing harm.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves statecraft and social strategy (nīti/ācāra): conduct rules that function as applied dharma for governance and daily life.
The verse frames honor as merit-generating reciprocity: by reverencing others, one gains esteem and auspicious outcomes—presented as a boon sanctioned by Brahmā.