Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 15
काव्यगुणविवेकः
Examination of the Qualities of Poetry
लक्ष्यते स्थूललक्षत्वप्रवृत्तेर्यत्र लक्षणम् गुणस्य तदुदारत्वमाशयस्यातिसौष्ठवं
lakṣyate sthūlalakṣatvapravṛtteryatra lakṣaṇam guṇasya tadudāratvamāśayasyātisauṣṭhavaṃ
That is called lakṣaṇa (a defining mark) where, in the course of employing broad, general indications, one recognizes the characteristic feature; in such a case it signifies the nobility (udāratva) of the guṇa and the exceptional refinement (ati-sauṣṭhava) of the underlying intention (āśaya).
Lord Agni (traditionally instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Alamkara","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Critical method: distinguish lakṣaṇa (defining mark) from broad indicators; recognize how refined intention (āśaya) manifests as udāratva and ati-sauṣṭhava in poetic quality.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Commentary","entry_title":"Lakṣaṇa, Udāratva, and Āśaya-Ati-sauṣṭhava","lookup_keywords":["lakṣaṇa","sthūla-lakṣa","udāratva","āśaya","ati-sauṣṭhava"],"quick_summary":"A lakṣaṇa is recognized when, even through broad/general indications, the true characteristic becomes evident. This recognition points to udāratva of the guṇa and exceptional refinement of the poet’s underlying intention."}
Concept: The finest artistry is intention-led: even general signs can reveal a precise defining mark when āśaya is exceptionally refined; udāratva is ultimately an elevation of intent.
Application: In critique, ask: can the defining feature be grasped without heavy explanation? If yes, the āśaya is well-formed and the guṇa shows udāratva; if not, refine intention and restructure expression.
Khanda Section: Sahitya-shastra (Alankara and Lakshana: Sanskrit Poetics)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A teacher demonstrates ‘broad indication’ vs ‘defining mark’ using two diagrams: a general outline and a highlighted decisive feature; behind, a subtle glow symbolizes refined āśaya producing udāratva.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, guru with stylus, two palm-leaf diagrams—one general, one with a highlighted lakṣaṇa, luminous aura behind the manuscript to signify āśaya-sauṣṭhava, traditional ornamental borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, scholar seated under an arch, gold-leaf emphasis on the highlighted defining mark, symbolic lotus for udāratva, rich jewel tones.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore, didactic illustration with labeled sections ‘sthūla-lakṣa’ and ‘lakṣaṇa’, calm scholarly setting, fine lines and soft shading.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, library scene with illuminated manuscript, marginalia pointing to a defining feature, refined courtly scholars discussing, intricate geometric background."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: sthūlalakṣatvapravṛtteryatra = sthūla-lakṣatva-pravṛtteḥ + yatra; tadudāratvamāśayasya = tad-udāratvam + āśayasya; āśayasyātisauṣṭhavaṃ = āśayasya + ati-sauṣṭhavam.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 345.11 (guṇa definition); Agni Purana 345.12 (udāratā listed among guṇas); Agni Purana Sahitya-shastra: lakṣaṇa/alaṅkāra definitional passages (same khanda)
FAQs
It imparts Sahitya-shastra (kavya-lakshana) knowledge: how a definition/characteristic (lakṣaṇa) is recognized through general indicators, and how this reflects excellence in poetic qualities (guṇa) and the author’s underlying intent (āśaya).
Beyond theology and ritual, the Agni Purana systematizes literary theory—defining how poetic qualities and intended meaning are identified—showing its coverage of classical arts (alankāra and lakṣaṇa) alongside other sciences.
By training discernment of refined meaning and noble expression, it supports dharmic speech and right understanding (samyag-jñāna), which traditional Indian thought treats as purifying and conducive to merit through truthful, elevated communication.