Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 46
Raṇadīkṣā (War-Consecration) — Agni Purāṇa Adhyāya 235
भेदनं संहतानाञ्च चर्मिणां कर्म कीर्तितं विमुखीकरणं युद्धे धन्विनां च तथोच्यते
bhedanaṃ saṃhatānāñca carmiṇāṃ karma kīrtitaṃ vimukhīkaraṇaṃ yuddhe dhanvināṃ ca tathocyate
Le «bris (de la formation ennemie)» est déclaré être l’opération appropriée pour ceux qui sont rassemblés en masse compacte et pour les porteurs de bouclier; et, de même, au combat, «faire tourner l’ennemi» (le refouler, le contraindre à la retraite) est dit être l’opération des archers.
Lord Agni (in dialogue with Sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purana narration style)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Role-based tactics: shield-bearers and compact troops execute ‘breaking’ actions; archers specialize in forcing the enemy to turn back/retreat.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Karma-vibhāga: Bhedana for saṃhatāḥ/carmīṇaḥ; Vimukhīkaraṇa for dhanvinaḥ","lookup_keywords":["bhedana","carmī","saṃhata","dhanvin","vimukhīkaraṇa"],"quick_summary":"The verse assigns battlefield functions by troop-type: close, shielded bodies break formations, while archers drive the enemy to turn away and lose initiative."}
Weapon Type: Shields (carma) and bows (dhanus)
Concept: Svadharma of each military arm (aṅga) within a coordinated whole
Application: Design drills and command signals so each troop-type performs its proper operation without overlap or confusion.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Ancient Indian Military Science and Archery)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Two coordinated actions: shield-bearers in tight formation break into an enemy mass, while archers behind them release volleys that make the enemy line turn away.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: layered ranks—front shield-wall pushing into a clustered foe; behind, archers with drawn bows; rhythmic composition, bold outlines, saturated colors.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: heroic shield-bearers with gold-highlighted shields; archers poised in symmetrical arrangement; ornate framing, jewel-like palette.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clear depiction of troop roles—front ‘bhedana’ action and rear ‘vimukhīkaraṇa’ volley; refined faces, soft shading, instructional clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: dense melee at front with shields; archers in the mid-ground; detailed armor, banners, and expressions showing the enemy turning back."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Khamaj","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: Resolved: saṃhatānāñca → saṃhatānām + ca; tathocyate → tathā + ucyate.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 235 (classification of troop-operations by arm)
FAQs
It imparts Dhanurveda tactical roles: shield-bearers and compact troops should execute bhedana (break enemy formations), while archers specialize in vimukhīkaraṇa (repulsing/turning the enemy back).
Beyond theology, it preserves practical war-science—unit roles, battlefield objectives, and tactical vocabulary—showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of governance and military disciplines alongside ritual and doctrine.
In a dharmic frame, it supports righteous protection of society by prescribing disciplined, role-based conduct in warfare—minimizing chaos and aligning combat action with duty (svadharma) rather than indiscriminate violence.