Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 11
Chapter 238 — राजधर्माः (Rājadharmāḥ) | Duties of Kings
गुणानुरागस्थितिमानात्मसम्पद्गुणाः स्मृताः कुलीनाः शुचयः शूराः श्रुतवन्तो ऽनुरागिणः
guṇānurāgasthitimānātmasampadguṇāḥ smṛtāḥ kulīnāḥ śucayaḥ śūrāḥ śrutavanto 'nurāgiṇaḥ
Ceux qui demeurent fermes dans leur attachement à la vertu, pourvus de richesse intérieure et de bonnes qualités, sont tenus pour véritablement nobles : purs de conduite, courageux, instruits et affectueux (bienveillants).
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Character assessment for nobility and public trust: identify the truly ‘kulīna’ by steadiness in virtue, inner wealth, purity, courage, learning, and affectionate disposition.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Kulīna-lakṣaṇa (Marks of true nobility)","lookup_keywords":["kulīna","śuci","śūra","śrutavat","guṇānurāga"],"quick_summary":"True nobility is defined by steadfast love of virtue and inner excellence, expressed as purity, courage, learning, and benevolent affection—not merely by birth."}
Concept: Guṇa-based nobility: inner wealth (ātma-sampad) and steadfast virtue are the true criteria of excellence.
Application: Use virtue-based criteria for selecting officials/associates: integrity, cleanliness of conduct, courage under pressure, learning, and goodwill toward others.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma & Sadachara (Ethics of the Noble / Marks of Good Conduct)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A group of exemplary nobles/officials portrayed with clean conduct, brave bearing, learned demeanor (texts in hand), and affectionate interaction with the community.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, noble figures with serene faces, scholars holding palm-leaf manuscripts, warriors standing protectively, citizens receiving kind attention, strong outlines and saturated colors.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, dignified noble assembly with gold ornamentation, central figure symbolizing guṇa, attendants with scriptures and weapons as symbols of learning and courage, devotional aura of virtue.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional portrait series of virtues: śauca, śaurya, śruta, anurāga; fine detailing, calm palette, clear iconographic labels via objects (water pot, book, sword, offering).","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, refined gathering of courtiers and scholars, subtle gestures of affection and respect, detailed costumes, manuscripts and arms as symbolic attributes, balanced composition."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Madhyamavati","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गुणानुरागस्थितिमानात्मसम्पद्गुणाः = गुण-अनुराग-स्थितिमान् + आत्म-सम्पद्-गुणाः (न् + आ → न्ना; सम्पद् + गुणाः = सम्पद्गुणाः); 'अनुरागिणः = ऽनुरागिणः (अवग्रह)।
Related Themes: Agni Purana sections defining guṇa, sadācāra, and rājasevaka qualifications (within 238 and adjacent)
FAQs
It imparts sadācāra-vidyā (practical ethics): the operational markers of a “kulīna” person—steadfastness in virtue, inner excellence, purity, courage, learning, and benevolent affection.
Alongside rituals, polity, and other sciences, the Agni Purana codifies social-ethical standards; this verse functions like a compact definition-list for character assessment within rajadharma and community life.
Cultivating these traits is presented as dharmic refinement: purity, learning, courage, and virtue-oriented affection generate merit (puṇya) and stabilize one’s conduct, supporting righteous living and favorable karmic outcomes.