Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 14
Chapter 164: नवग्रहहोमः
Navagraha Fire-Offering
ग्रहाधीना नरेन्द्राणा मुछ्रयाः पतनानि च भावभावो च जगतस्तस्मात् पूज्यतमा ग्रहाः
grahādhīnā narendrāṇā muchrayāḥ patanāni ca bhāvabhāvo ca jagatastasmāt pūjyatamā grahāḥ
The rise and the fall of kings depend upon the planets; and the world’s very becoming and non-becoming (prosperity and decline) also depend upon them. Therefore, the planets are most worthy of worship.
Lord Agni (in discourse to the sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Jyotisha","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Frames political fortune as graha-dependent, motivating navagraha worship/propitiation and timing of royal actions via astrological counsel.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Commentary","entry_title":"Graha-adhīnatā of royal rise and fall","lookup_keywords":["navagraha","rājya","udaya-patana","graha-pūjā","daśā"],"quick_summary":"States that kings’ ascent and decline—and worldly prosperity—are governed by planetary influences; therefore grahas are to be worshiped/propitiated."}
Concept: Cosmic governance: planetary forces condition worldly outcomes, especially political fortune.
Application: Consult jyotiṣa for timing; perform graha-śānti/pujā to mitigate adverse periods and support governance.
Khanda Section: Jyotisha (Graha-vidya) / Rajadharma (Kingship under planetary influence)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A king consults an astrologer before a navagraha altar; nine planetary deities arranged in a mandala above, indicating rise and fall of kingdoms under their gaze.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: navagraha mandala with stylized deities in a grid, king with folded hands, jyotiṣi holding palm-leaf chart, lamp-lit sanctum ambiance.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: navagraha panel with gold-leaf halos, central king offering lamps, rich ornamentation, symmetrical shrine framing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: instructional depiction of navagraha arrangement and worship steps, astrologer pointing to chart, clean composition and fine detailing.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: royal durbar with astrologer presenting a horoscope scroll, night sky with planets symbolically rendered, subtle tension of political fate."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ग्रहाधीना = ग्रह + अधीना; भावभावो = भावाभावः (o = a+ā sandhi); जगतस्तस्मात् = जगतः + तस्मात्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 164 (Navagraha-homa); Agni Purana jyotiṣa/graha-śānti related passages
FAQs
It teaches the Jyotiṣa principle that political fortune (a ruler’s rise and fall) and worldly conditions are governed by grahas, implying the practical use of graha-śānti and Navagraha-pūjā as remedial worship.
By integrating astrology (Jyotiṣa) with governance (rājadharma) and ritual practice (pūjā), it shows how the Agni Purana treats statecraft, fate/karma, and temple/household worship as interconnected domains of applied knowledge.
It frames planetary influences as karmic instruments affecting collective and royal destiny, so honoring the grahas through worship is presented as a dhārmic means to harmonize adverse results and support auspicious outcomes.