Agni Purana — Vyavahara, Shloka 24
वाक्पारुष्यादिप्रकरणम्
The Topic of Verbal Abuse and Related Offences
लिङ्गस्य च्छेदने मृत्तौ मध्यमो मूल्यमेव च महापशूनामेतेषु स्थानेषु द्विगुणा दमाः
liṅgasya cchedane mṛttau madhyamo mūlyameva ca mahāpaśūnāmeteṣu sthāneṣu dviguṇā damāḥ
Pour la section de l’organe génital et en cas de mort, la peine est l’amende de degré moyen, et il faut en outre verser la valeur entière à titre de compensation. En ces cas, pour le gros bétail, les amendes sont doublées.
Lord Agni (instructional narration to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Penalty schedule for grievous injury (genital mutilation) and death of animals, including compensation of full value; higher deterrence for major livestock by doubling fines.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Penalties for Genital Mutilation and Death of Animals; Doubling for Major Livestock","lookup_keywords":["linga-ccheda","mrityu","madhyama-danda","mूल्य","mahapashu"],"quick_summary":"Genital cutting and killing incur a middle-grade fine plus compensation of full value; for major cattle/livestock, the fines are doubled."}
Concept: Restitution (mūlya) alongside punitive fine; enhanced protection for economically vital animals.
Application: In adjudication, combine state fine with victim compensation; scale penalties by the animal’s economic/social value.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma & Vyavahara (Legal Penalties and Fines)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A dispute over a slain or grievously injured bull/cow in a village-court; the judge orders a middle fine and full market value compensation; doubled fine noted for major livestock.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, village-court before the king’s officer, large cow/bull central, coin scales and palm-leaf valuation list, strong outlines, traditional warm palette","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, prominent sacred cow motif with gold embellishment, king/judge decreeing compensation, attendants holding coin plates, ornate arch and gilded halo-like decor","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, didactic layout: judge, scribe writing ‘madhyama’ and ‘mūlya’, merchant indicating cattle price, careful detailing of coins and measures","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, market valuation scene with qazi-like judge, cattle trader presenting price, doubled fine annotated by scribe, refined textiles and architectural backdrop"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: महापशूनामेतेषु = महापशूनाम् एतेषु; च्छेदने = छेदने (orthographic doubling after preceding consonant in Devanagari).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 257 (graded fines for injury, death, and compensation)
FAQs
It gives a technical rule of vyavahāra (jurisprudence): the applicable fine grade (madhyama-dama), compensation by assessed value (mūlya), and a doubling of fines when the harmed property is major livestock (mahāpaśu).
Beyond theology, it preserves practical statecraft—codifying punishments, compensation standards, and property valuation—showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of governance and legal administration alongside ritual and spiritual topics.
By prescribing proportional penalties and restitution, it upholds dharma through deterrence and repair of harm, emphasizing accountability for violence and protection of life and valuable property.