Agni Purana — Kosha, Shloka 17
Chapter 365 — क्षत्रविट्शूद्रवर्गाः
The Classes of Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas, and Śūdras
सरुः खड्गस्य सुष्टौ स्यादीली तु करपालिका द्वयोः कुठारः सुधितिः छुरिका चासिपुत्रिका
saruḥ khaḍgasya suṣṭau syādīlī tu karapālikā dvayoḥ kuṭhāraḥ sudhitiḥ churikā cāsiputrikā
« Saru » est un terme pour l’épée. « Suṣṭi » est aussi (un nom de) l’épée. « Īlī » désigne un récipient de type coupe-crâne (kapāla) tenu à la main. Pour la paire de termes : « kuṭhāra » signifie hache ; « sudhiti » signifie couteau/poignard ; et « churikā » est également appelée « āsiputrikā » (petit couteau, « fille de l’épée »).
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, in the Agni Purana’s Dhanurveda discourse)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Vyakarana","practical_application":"Clarify specialized terms for sword, axe, dagger/knife, and a ritual vessel term (skull-cup) to prevent misinterpretation in manuals and discourse.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Saru/Suṣṭi (Sword), Kuṭhāra (Axe), Sudhiti/Churikā (Knife) Terms","lookup_keywords":["saru","suṣṭi","kuṭhāra","sudhiti","churikā"],"quick_summary":"Gives synonym/definition mappings for several weapon terms and notes īlī as a kapāla-vessel, supporting both martial and ritual lexicons."}
Weapon Type: Sword (khadga: saru, suṣṭi); axe (kuṭhāra); dagger/knife (sudhiti, churikā/āsiputrikā).
Concept: Prayoga-yogyatā (fitness of terms for correct application).
Application: Correct naming supports correct handling—especially where similar blades imply different techniques and legal/ritual contexts.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Weaponology and Military Terminology)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A training yard and armory table: a long sword labeled saru/suṣṭi, an axe labeled kuṭhāra, a small dagger labeled churikā/āsiputrikā; a skull-cup vessel (kapāla) shown separately as īlī; instructor explaining distinctions.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized instructor with students, weapons laid in a row with Sanskrit labels, kapāla-cup depicted as ritual object, bold outlines, earthy palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold detailing on weapon fittings and ritual cup rim, central display of sword and axe, decorative borders, inscription panels with terms saru, kuṭhāra, churikā.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, diagrammatic weapon board with fine calligraphy labels, instructor pointing with a staff, calm instructional ambience.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, court armory scene with meticulous depiction of steel textures, axe head engravings, small knife at belt, attendant holding kapāla-cup, marginal notes in Nastaliq-like ornament (but Sanskrit labels)."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्यादीली → स्यात् + ईली. चासिपुत्रिका → च + असिपुत्रिका.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda khanda: lists of weapons and synonyms (around 365.10–365.30)
FAQs
It imparts Dhanurvedic lexical knowledge: precise synonym-terms for weapons and implements—sword (saru/suṣṭi), axe (kuṭhāra), knife/dagger (sudhiti, churikā/āsiputrikā), and the skull-cup vessel (karapālikā).
By cataloging technical vocabulary for arms and tools, it functions like a compact glossary within the Purana, demonstrating its coverage beyond theology—into practical military science, material culture, and specialized nomenclature.
Its primary purpose is practical classification rather than a merit-rite; spiritually, it supports dharmic governance and protection by ensuring correct identification and discourse on weapons within a regulated (dharma-aligned) framework.