Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 4
Jīrṇoddhāra-vidhāna
Procedure for Renovation / Replacement of Dilapidated Installations
धातुजां रत्नजां वापि अगाधे वा जले ऽम्बुधौ यानमारोप्य जीर्णाङ्गं छाद्य वस्त्रादिना नयेत्
dhātujāṃ ratnajāṃ vāpi agādhe vā jale 'mbudhau yānamāropya jīrṇāṅgaṃ chādya vastrādinā nayet
Qu’il soit produit de métaux ou de gemmes, ou même (s’il est retrouvé) dans les eaux insondables de l’océan : ayant placé le corps usé sur un véhicule et l’ayant couvert de tissu et autres, on doit l’emporter.
Lord Agni (traditionally instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s dialogic frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Governance/administrative handling of recovered valuables (metals/gems) and transport protocol for a worn-out body—covering, conveyance, and removal, including recovery from deep ocean contexts.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Transport and custody protocol for recovered metal/gem property and a worn-out body","lookup_keywords":["dhātuja","ratnaja","agādha-jala","ambudhi","yāna-āropa"],"quick_summary":"Recovered valuables—even from deep ocean waters—are to be secured and transported properly; a worn-out body is placed on a conveyance, covered with cloth, and carried away in an orderly manner."}
Concept: Even in exceptional circumstances (deep waters), proper procedure and dignity in handling bodies/property must be maintained.
Application: Codify respectful transport (covering, conveyance) and secure chain-of-custody for recovered assets in state or temple administration.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma / Danda-niti (statecraft, policing, and practical governance procedures)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: River
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Officials and attendants recover metal/gem items from a shoreline context; a worn-out body is respectfully placed on a palanquin/cart, covered with cloth, and carried away under supervision.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, coastal scene with stylized waves, attendants lifting a covered body onto a simple conveyance, officials holding sealed containers for gems/metals, muted solemn palette with traditional borders","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, procession-like transport with gold accents on the conveyance fittings, cloth covering emphasized, recovered treasure vessels shown, architectural backdrop of a port/temple storehouse","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear administrative tableau: inventory keeper, sealed bundles, conveyance with covered body, calm documentary feel, fine detailing of textiles and containers","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed seashore with boats, divers/collectors bringing a casket of gems, attendants carrying a covered body on a bier, officials recording, intricate textiles and water rendering"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: जले 'म्बुधौ → जले + अम्बुधौ (avagraha).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 67 (jīrṇoddhāra and removal logistics)
FAQs
It gives a practical protocol: when dealing with metal- or gem-derived valuables (even recovered from deep/ocean waters) and a worn-out body, one should place the body on a conveyance, cover it with cloth, and transport it properly.
Beyond theology, it records procedural, governance-adjacent instructions—how to handle exceptional situations involving recovered valuables and the transport of debilitated/deceased bodies—reflecting the Purana’s wide-ranging, quasi-manual character.
Proper handling and dignified covering/transport of a worn-out body aligns with dharma (orderly, non-negligent conduct), minimizing harm and impurity while supporting socially sanctioned, merit-bearing care in difficult circumstances.