Agni Purana — Vyavahara, Shloka 22
Divya-pramāṇa-kathana
Explanation of Divine Proofs / Ordeals and Evidentiary Procedure
विनापि साक्षिभिर् लेख्यं स्वहस्तलिखितञ्च यत् तत् प्रमाणं स्मृतं सर्वं बलोपधिकृतादृते
vināpi sākṣibhir lekhyaṃ svahastalikhitañca yat tat pramāṇaṃ smṛtaṃ sarvaṃ balopadhikṛtādṛte
A written document—even without witnesses—and whatever is written in one’s own hand are all regarded as valid proof, except when produced through force or fraud.
Lord Agni (instructing sage Vasiṣṭha in dharma and legal procedure)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Establishing admissibility and validity of documentary evidence in disputes; distinguishing genuine instruments from those procured by coercion or deceit.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Prāmāṇya of Lekhya (Written Instrument) and Svahasta (Autograph)","lookup_keywords":["lekhya pramana","svahastalikhita","sakshi-abhava","bala upadhi","documentary evidence"],"quick_summary":"A document or autograph writing can serve as proof even without witnesses, but it is invalid if obtained through force or fraud. This guides courts and parties on when writing alone suffices."}
Concept: Pramāṇa must be free from duress and deceit; ethical validity underlies legal validity.
Application: In adjudication, scrutinize voluntariness and absence of fraud before accepting documentary proof.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma & Vyavahara (Dharmaśāstra / Legal Procedure and Evidence)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A royal court where a scribe presents a written deed; the judge examines it while a party alleges coercion or fraud, emphasizing scrutiny of voluntariness.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, royal sabhā scene with dharmāsana, palm-leaf manuscript and stylus, restrained earth pigments, expressive faces showing dispute over forced document, traditional ornaments and architecture.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, court of justice with ornate throne, gold-leaf highlights on crown and jewelry, a deed held up as evidence, symbolic depiction of 'bala' and 'upadhi' as shadowy figures behind the coerced party.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional courtroom tableau, clear linework, labeled objects (lekhya, svahasta), judge pointing to the deed while rejecting a coerced instrument, soft colors and delicate detailing.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed durbar with patterned carpets, calligraphed deed, subtle gestures indicating fraud/force, naturalistic faces, fine borders and architectural depth."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: साक्षिभिर् → साक्षिभिः; स्वहस्तलिखितञ्च → स्वहस्तलिखितम् + च; बलोपधिकृतादृते → बलोपधिकृत + ऋते (आदृते as sandhi form).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 254 (Vyavahāra: lekhya, sākṣya, ṛṇa-vyavahāra context)
FAQs
It teaches vyavahāra-vidyā (legal procedure): documents and handwritten acknowledgements can serve as pramāṇa (evidence) even without witnesses, but not if obtained by coercion (bala) or fraud (upadhi).
Beyond ritual and theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical governance knowledge—rules of proof and document-validity—showing its coverage of dharma, administration, and courtroom standards alongside religious teachings.
It upholds dharma by discouraging dishonest gain: evidence tainted by force or deceit is rejected, reinforcing ethical conduct and reducing the karmic harm of coercion and fraud in worldly dealings.