Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 13
Rāja-dharma (राजधर्माः) — Protection of the Heir, Discipline, Counsel, and the Seven Limbs of the State
एवं लोकद्वयं राज्ञो भृत्यैर् हासं विवर्जयेत् भृत्याः परिभवन्तीह नृपं हर्षणसत्कथं
evaṃ lokadvayaṃ rājño bhṛtyair hāsaṃ vivarjayet bhṛtyāḥ paribhavantīha nṛpaṃ harṣaṇasatkathaṃ
Therefore, the king’s servants should refrain from jesting at the king, for it imperils the king’s welfare in both worlds. Indeed, servants in this world come to slight the ruler when there is flattering talk intended to amuse him.
Lord Agni (instructional narration to Vasiṣṭha, in the Agni Purana’s rājadharma sections)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Court etiquette: restrain courtiers/attendants from joking at the ruler; prevent a culture of flattery that breeds contempt and undermines authority.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Bhṛtya-vyavahāra: Prohibition of jesting and flattering talk toward the king","lookup_keywords":["bhṛtya","hāsa-vivarjana","stuti/harṣaṇa-satkathā","nṛpa-paribhava","rājadharma"],"quick_summary":"Servants should not indulge in joking or entertainment that targets the king; habitual flattering banter leads to disrespect and harms the king’s welfare and stability."}
Concept: Maryādā (decorum) and satya-hita (truthful benefit) over harṣaṇa (mere amusement) in governance.
Application: Institute norms: no derisive humor toward leadership; reward frank, respectful speech; audit court culture for sycophancy.
Khanda Section: Rājadharma (Governance and Court Etiquette)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A royal court where attendants restrain themselves from joking; a flatterer is subtly checked by a senior minister while the king maintains dignified composure.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style palace sabhā scene, dignified king on throne, ministers in white mundu and ornaments, one attendant gesturing to stop mocking laughter, rich flat colors, temple-mural composition","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting of a king in jeweled crown seated on ornate throne with gold leaf, minister raising a palm in admonition to a laughing courtier, embossed gold detailing, symmetrical court setting","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting instructional court tableau: king, chief minister, attendants; emphasis on facial expressions showing flattery vs restraint; delicate lines, muted palette, explanatory feel","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature durbar: emperor-like king, courtiers in profile, one sycophant whispering, another elder courtier signaling silence; fine detailing, architectural backdrop, patterned textiles"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shri","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: भृत्यैर् → भृत्यैः; भवन्तीह → भवन्ति + इह; हर्षणसत्कथं → हर्षण-सत्कथम् (समास)
Related Themes: Agni Purana Rājadharma/Nīti sections on amātya-bhṛtya conduct and sabhā-vyavahāra; Agni Purana counsel on avoiding upahāsa and paribhava in royal court
FAQs
It imparts rājasevaka-nīti: a practical rule of court conduct—royal attendants must avoid joking that targets the king, because familiarity and entertainment-driven flattery can breed disrespect and weaken authority.
Beyond theology and ritual, the Agni Purana includes statecraft and social discipline. This verse is a concise administrative guideline on maintaining royal dignity, showing the text’s breadth across governance and ethics.
By restraining speech that leads to contempt of authority, one avoids adharma rooted in disrespect and harmful speech; such restraint is presented as beneficial to the king’s welfare in both this life and the next.