Agni Purana — Veda-vidhana & Vamsha, Shloka 15
Mantras for the Parasol and Other Royal/Worship Emblems (छत्रादिमन्त्रादयः)
तेषां पुत्राश् च पौत्राश् च बलान्यष्टौ समाश्रिताः भद्रो मन्दो मृगश् चैव गजः संकीर्ण एव च
teṣāṃ putrāś ca pautrāś ca balānyaṣṭau samāśritāḥ bhadro mando mṛgaś caiva gajaḥ saṃkīrṇa eva ca
From them arise, as it were, their “sons” and “grandsons”—eight classes of military formations are derived: the Bhadra, the Manda, the Mṛga, the Gaja, and likewise the Saṅkīrṇa (the mixed formation) as well.
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition of the Agni Purana, instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Classifying and selecting battlefield formations (vyuha/bala-bheda) for deployment according to terrain, troop-mix, and objective.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Aṣṭa-bala (Eight classes of army formations)","lookup_keywords":["bala-bheda","vyuha","bhadra","manda","gaja"],"quick_summary":"Enumerates derived classes of military formations; used as a taxonomy for arranging troops and choosing an appropriate vyūha for battle conditions."}
Concept: Systematization of practical knowledge (bala-vyavasthā) as a means to victory and protection of polity.
Application: Use structured classifications to reduce confusion in high-stakes action (battlefield command and logistics).
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Military Science) — Bala (Army Divisions) Classification
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A battlefield overview showing commanders arranging troops into named formations—compact ‘Bhadra’, slow/steady ‘Manda’, swift ‘Mṛga’, elephant-centered ‘Gaja’, and a mixed ‘Saṅkīrṇa’.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, flat vibrant colors, stylized warriors and elephants, commander pointing to ground-marked grids of vyūhas labeled bhadra, manda, mṛga, gaja, saṅkīrṇa; temple-mural composition, ornamental borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf accents on armor and standards, central commander with halo-like aura of authority, elephants richly caparisoned, formations arranged symmetrically with gilded banners naming vyūhas.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, fine linework and soft shading, instructional diagram-like battlefield with clear troop blocks and captions for each formation, emphasis on clarity and pedagogy.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed camp and battlefield panorama, labeled troop formations, elephants and cavalry in precise ranks, commanders in jeweled attire consulting a plan."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पुत्राश्→पुत्राः; पौत्राश्→पौत्राः; बलान्यष्टौ→बलानि अष्टौ; मृगश्→मृगः; चैव→च एव.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 268 (Dhanurveda: bala/vyūha-prakaraṇa)
FAQs
This verse imparts Dhanurveda knowledge: the taxonomy of bala (army) formations (vyūhas), naming key arrays such as Bhadra, Manda, Mṛga, Gaja, and Saṅkīrṇa (mixed), indicating a systematic military doctrine.
By cataloging formal battlefield formations as a structured set (with derived ‘sons’ and ‘grandsons’), it demonstrates the Agni Purana’s coverage beyond theology—preserving technical statecraft and warfare science alongside ritual and dharma.
Within Rajadharma, disciplined and dharma-aligned governance includes protecting society; knowing proper military organization supports righteous defense and order, which is treated as a king’s meritorious duty when exercised without adharma.