Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 14
Chapter 164: नवग्रहहोमः
Navagraha Fire-Offering
ग्रहाधीना नरेन्द्राणा मुछ्रयाः पतनानि च भावभावो च जगतस्तस्मात् पूज्यतमा ग्रहाः
grahādhīnā narendrāṇā muchrayāḥ patanāni ca bhāvabhāvo ca jagatastasmāt pūjyatamā grahāḥ
L’élévation et la chute des rois dépendent des planètes ; et le devenir comme le non-devenir du monde (prospérité et déclin) dépendent aussi d’elles. C’est pourquoi les planètes sont les plus dignes d’être vénérées.
Lord Agni (in discourse to the sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Jyotisha","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Frames political fortune as graha-dependent, motivating navagraha worship/propitiation and timing of royal actions via astrological counsel.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Commentary","entry_title":"Graha-adhīnatā of royal rise and fall","lookup_keywords":["navagraha","rājya","udaya-patana","graha-pūjā","daśā"],"quick_summary":"States that kings’ ascent and decline—and worldly prosperity—are governed by planetary influences; therefore grahas are to be worshiped/propitiated."}
Concept: Cosmic governance: planetary forces condition worldly outcomes, especially political fortune.
Application: Consult jyotiṣa for timing; perform graha-śānti/pujā to mitigate adverse periods and support governance.
Khanda Section: Jyotisha (Graha-vidya) / Rajadharma (Kingship under planetary influence)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A king consults an astrologer before a navagraha altar; nine planetary deities arranged in a mandala above, indicating rise and fall of kingdoms under their gaze.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: navagraha mandala with stylized deities in a grid, king with folded hands, jyotiṣi holding palm-leaf chart, lamp-lit sanctum ambiance.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: navagraha panel with gold-leaf halos, central king offering lamps, rich ornamentation, symmetrical shrine framing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: instructional depiction of navagraha arrangement and worship steps, astrologer pointing to chart, clean composition and fine detailing.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: royal durbar with astrologer presenting a horoscope scroll, night sky with planets symbolically rendered, subtle tension of political fate."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ग्रहाधीना = ग्रह + अधीना; भावभावो = भावाभावः (o = a+ā sandhi); जगतस्तस्मात् = जगतः + तस्मात्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 164 (Navagraha-homa); Agni Purana jyotiṣa/graha-śānti related passages
FAQs
It teaches the Jyotiṣa principle that political fortune (a ruler’s rise and fall) and worldly conditions are governed by grahas, implying the practical use of graha-śānti and Navagraha-pūjā as remedial worship.
By integrating astrology (Jyotiṣa) with governance (rājadharma) and ritual practice (pūjā), it shows how the Agni Purana treats statecraft, fate/karma, and temple/household worship as interconnected domains of applied knowledge.
It frames planetary influences as karmic instruments affecting collective and royal destiny, so honoring the grahas through worship is presented as a dhārmic means to harmonize adverse results and support auspicious outcomes.