Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 8
Prātyahika-Rāja-Karma
Daily Duties of a King
तत्रस्थो ब्राह्मणान् पश्येदमात्यान्मन्त्रिणस् तथा प्रकृतीश् च महाभाग प्रतीहारनिवेदिताः
tatrastho brāhmaṇān paśyedamātyānmantriṇas tathā prakṛtīś ca mahābhāga pratīhāraniveditāḥ
Standing there, O illustrious one, he should look upon the brāhmaṇas, the ministers and counsellors, and also the leading representatives of the realm, as they are announced by the chamberlain (door-keeper).
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Court protocol: orderly audience—recognize and review key stakeholders (brahmins, ministers, counsellors, and representatives of the realm) as formally announced by the pratihāra.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Sabha-darshana: Order of persons presented by the Pratihara","lookup_keywords":["pratīhāra","sabhā","brāhmaṇa-darśana","amātya","prakṛti"],"quick_summary":"In the assembly, the ruler/official should formally observe the brahmins, ministers, counsellors, and leading constituents as introduced by the chamberlain—ensuring protocol and hierarchy."}
Concept: Respectful recognition of varṇa- and office-based roles sustains institutional harmony and legitimate governance.
Application: Maintain protocol: let gatekeepers/chamberlains regulate access; give due audience to religious, executive, advisory, and constituent bodies.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma (Governance and Court Protocol)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A royal assembly hall where the chamberlain announces entrants; brahmins, ministers, counsellors, and representatives stand in ordered rows as the ruler observes.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized sabhā with pillared hall, pratīhāra at doorway gesturing announcements, groups distinguished by attire (brahmins in white, ministers with ornaments), ruler seated attentive","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, gold-ornamented throne and arch, chamberlain presenting the assembly, neatly arranged dignitaries with rich textiles and jewelry, symmetrical composition","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear labeling feel: chamberlain at threshold, sequentially presented groups, refined faces and costumes, architectural detailing of the hall","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature durbar scene, meticulous court architecture, chamberlain announcing, nobles and scholars in distinct garments, ruler observing with composed posture"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kedar","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तत्रस्थो = तत्र-स्थः; पश्येदमात्यान्मन्त्रिणस् = पश्येत् + अमात्यान् + मन्त्रिणः; प्रकृतीश् = प्रकृतीः; प्रतीहारनिवेदिताः = प्रतीहार-निवेदिताः
Related Themes: Agni Purana rajadharma sections on sabhā-vidhi, amātya-lakṣaṇa, and court officers (pratīhāra/dvārika)
FAQs
It imparts practical rajadharma—how an audience is formally conducted: the visitor is to acknowledge brāhmaṇas, ministers, counsellors, and key state representatives as they are officially introduced by the pratīhāra.
Beyond theology, it preserves administrative science: court hierarchy (brāhmaṇas, amātyas, mantrins, prakṛtis) and institutional roles (pratīhāra), showing the Purana’s coverage of governance and civic order.
By honoring brāhmaṇas and respecting lawful court procedure, one aligns with dharma, avoids misconduct in a royal setting, and supports righteous governance—considered merit-bearing in dharma literature.