Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 6
Discrimination of the Qualities of Poetry (Kāvya-guṇa-viveka) — Closing Verse/Colophon Transition
तदसामयिकत्वञ्च ग्राम्यत्वञ्चेति पञ्चधा छान्दसत्वं न भाषायामविस्पष्टमबोधतः
tadasāmayikatvañca grāmyatvañceti pañcadhā chāndasatvaṃ na bhāṣāyāmavispaṣṭamabodhataḥ
इस प्रकार वैदिक (छान्दस) प्रयोग पाँच प्रकार का है; उनमें ‘असमयिकता’ और ‘ग्राम्य/लोकप्रचलितता’ भी हैं। साधारण (लौकिक) भाषा में उसका प्रयोग नहीं करना चाहिए, क्योंकि वह अस्पष्ट और अबोधगम्य हो जाता है।
Lord Agni (instructing Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s didactic frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vyakarana","secondary_vidya":"Alamkara","practical_application":"Guides poets and scholars to distinguish Vedic (chāndasa) forms from classical usage, avoiding unintelligibility in laukika Sanskrit composition and teaching.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Chāndasa-śabda: fivefold Vedic usage and its non-use in classical speech","lookup_keywords":["chāndasa","asāmayikatva","grāmyatva","laukika-bhāṣā","avyakta-artha"],"quick_summary":"Vedic linguistic features are classified (fivefold), including non-contemporaneity and rusticity; importing them into classical language risks obscurity and incomprehension."}
Concept: Aucitya in language: register-appropriate usage preserves intelligibility.
Application: In teaching/poetry, keep Vedic archaisms confined to Vedic citation or deliberate stylistic effect with explanation; otherwise prefer standard classical forms.
Khanda Section: Sahitya-shastra (Chandas & Vyakarana—Vedic vs Classical usage)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A traditional Sanskrit teacher distinguishes Vedic chāndasa forms from classical speech on palm-leaf manuscripts, warning students that archaisms in ordinary poetry cause obscurity.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, gurukula scene with ācārya holding palm-leaf, students seated, subtle inscriptions of Vedic accents, warm earthy palette, emphasis on didactic gesture","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, ornate gurukula interior with gold-leaf highlights on manuscripts and writing tools, teacher pointing to two labeled sections: 'chāndasa' and 'laukika', rich reds and greens","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clean instructional composition: two columns of Sanskrit examples (Vedic vs classical), teacher explaining clarity, delicate linework and soft shading","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly scholar’s study with manuscripts and inkpot, precise calligraphy panels showing archaic vs standard forms, attentive pupils, fine architectural detailing"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तदसामयिकत्वञ्च = तत् + असामयिकत्वम् + च; ग्राम्यत्वञ्चेति = ग्राम्यत्वम् + च + इति; भाषायामविस्पष्टमबोधतः = भाषायाम् + अविस्पष्टम् + अबोधतः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 346 (Sahitya-shastra: chandas/vyakarana and doṣa-nirūpaṇa sections)
FAQs
It teaches a technical rule of Sanskrit linguistic science: Vedic/Chāndasa forms (including archaic and rustic usages) are classified and should not be inserted into classical Bhāṣā compositions because they reduce clarity and comprehension.
Beyond rituals and theology, the Agni Purana also preserves śāstric guidance on language—here, a meta-literary/grammatical principle about appropriate diction, showing the text’s coverage of Sahitya-shastra alongside other sciences.
By insisting on intelligible, appropriate language, the verse supports correct transmission of śāstra and mantra-related knowledge; clarity in teaching and recitation is treated as a form of dharmic discipline that prevents error and misunderstanding.