Chapter 288 — अश्वचिकित्सा
Aśva-cikitsā) | Horse-Medicine (Śālihotra to Suśruta
द्वौ रज्जुबन्धौ दुष्टानां पक्षयोरुभयोरपि पश्चाद्धनुश् च कर्तर्व्यो दूरकीलव्यपाश्रयः
dvau rajjubandhau duṣṭānāṃ pakṣayorubhayorapi paścāddhanuś ca kartarvyo dūrakīlavyapāśrayaḥ
Para los arcos defectuosos o deformados, deben aplicarse dos ataduras de cuerda en ambas palas del arco; y después el arco ha de corregirse apoyándolo y tensándolo contra una estaca colocada a distancia, para restituir su curvatura adecuada.
Lord Agni (in instruction to Sage Vasiṣṭha, Dhanurveda discourse)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Correcting warped/defective bows by controlled binding and re-curving using a distant peg brace to restore symmetry and cast.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Repair of Defective Bow Limbs (Rajjubandha and Dūrākīla Bracing)","lookup_keywords":["dhanus","rajjubandha","dūrākīla","bow repair","pakṣa (limb)"],"quick_summary":"A warped bow is stabilized with two cord-bindings on both limbs, then re-shaped by bracing against a peg set at a distance to recover proper curvature and balance."}
Weapon Type: Bow
Concept: Skillful correction through measured constraint (bandhana) and leverage (āśraya) restores function without excess force.
Application: Use incremental, symmetric adjustments in any craft/discipline to correct defects while preserving structural integrity.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Ancient Indian Military Science and Archery Engineering)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An artisan-warrior repairs a warped bow: two cord-bindings are tied on both limbs, and the bow is braced against a distant peg to re-form its curve.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, bow-maker in a traditional workshop, large curved bow with twin cord-bindings on both limbs, a distant wooden peg used as brace, earthy reds and greens, flat iconic composition, fine linework.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style, artisan-warrior holding a bow with visible cord-bindings, distant peg support shown, rich textiles, gold leaf highlights on bow fittings and tools, temple-like interior framing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, instructional diagram-like scene: bow limbs labeled, two bindings emphasized, peg-at-distance bracing setup, delicate shading, clean outlines, muted palette.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed workshop with tools, craftsman bracing bow against a peg, precise depiction of cords and wood grain, architectural background, naturalistic colors."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पक्षयोरुभयोरपि = पक्षयोः उभयोः अपि; पश्चाद्धनुः = पश्चात् धनुः; कर्तर्व्यो = कर्तव्यः (पाठभेद/लिप्यन्तर-दोष सम्भवः); दूरकीलव्यपाश्रयः = दूर-कील-व्यपाश्रयः (समास)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 288 (Dhanurveda: bow-making/maintenance context)
It teaches a Dhanurveda technique for repairing or re-setting a defective bow: bind both limbs with cords and then correct the bow’s shape by bracing it using a distant peg support (dūrakīla).
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves hands-on military engineering—specific, workshop-level procedures for maintaining weapons—showing its coverage of applied sciences like archery, weapon repair, and field readiness.
In the Purāṇic framework, maintaining weapons correctly supports righteous protection (dharma-rakṣaṇa) and disciplined kingship/warrior duty, emphasizing skill used in service of order rather than harm for its own sake.