Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 8
Rājanīti (Statecraft): Ṣaḍvidha-bala, Vyūha-vidhāna, and Strategic Warfare
पश्चाद्भये तु शकटं पार्श्वयोर्वज्रसञ्ज्ञितं सर्वतः सर्वतोभद्रं भये व्यूहं प्रकल्पयेत्
paścādbhaye tu śakaṭaṃ pārśvayorvajrasañjñitaṃ sarvataḥ sarvatobhadraṃ bhaye vyūhaṃ prakalpayet
Cuando se espera peligro por la retaguardia, debe disponerse la formación en forma de carro (śakaṭa); en los flancos, la formación llamada “Vajra”; y cuando el peligro amenaza por todas partes, debe desplegarse el orden de batalla conocido como “Sarvatobhadra”.
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purana’s primary dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Contingency-based deployment: choose formations according to threat direction—rear threat (Śakaṭa), flank threat (Vajra), all-around threat (Sarvatobhadra).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Threat-Oriented Arrays: Śakaṭa, Vajra, Sarvatobhadra","lookup_keywords":["paścād-bhaya (rear threat)","śakaṭa-vyūha","vajra-vyūha","sarvatobhadra-vyūha","all-around defense"],"quick_summary":"Match the vyuha to the danger: cart-shaped for rear attacks, vajra on the flanks for side pressure, and sarvatobhadra for 360-degree defense when surrounded."}
Alamkara Type: Rupaka
Concept: Anukūla-vyavasthā (adaptive arrangement) according to changing risk.
Application: In crisis management, reconfigure resources based on where the threat emerges—rear, flank, or all directions—prioritizing containment and continuity.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Military Arrays and Battlefield Formations)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Three defensive arrays shown in response to threats: a cart-like formation guarding the rear, vajra-like hardened flanks, and a sarvatobhadra all-round ring with troops facing outward in every direction.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, three-panel composition: śakaṭa rear-guard with carts, vajra flanks as diamond-like wedges, sarvatobhadra as a circular outward-facing ring, bold colors and ornamental borders","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold detailing on carts and standards, strong geometric depiction of vajra and sarvatobhadra, rich reds and greens, iconic symmetry","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, didactic layout with clear threat arrows (rear/flank/all sides), neat troop blocks forming śakaṭa, vajra, sarvatobhadra, fine linework and soft shading","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, bird’s-eye tactical scene with surrounding enemies implied, carts protected in rear, flanks reinforced, and a tight all-round defensive ring, intricate detail and landscape depth"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पश्चाद्भये = पश्चात् भये; पार्श्वयोर्वज्रसञ्ज्ञितं = पार्श्वयोः वज्र-सञ्ज्ञितम्; सर्वतोभद्रं = सर्वतः-भद्रम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda khanda: vyuha-bheda and defensive arrays contiguous with 241.7
FAQs
It teaches Dhanurveda-based tactical deployment: choose Śakaṭa formation for rear threats, Vajra formation to secure flanks, and Sarvatobhadra for all-direction threats.
Beyond theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves practical statecraft and battlefield science (vyūha-vidyā), showing it functions as a compendium of applied knowledge, including military strategy.
By emphasizing disciplined, protective order (vyūha) in moments of fear, the verse aligns action with dharma—minimizing harm, safeguarding dependents, and supporting righteous governance.