Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 13
Chapter 237 — Rāma’s Teaching on Nīti (रामोक्तनीतिः)
को हि राजा शरीराय धर्मापेतं समाचरेत् न हि स्वमुखमन्विच्छन् पीडयेत् कृपणं जनं
ko hi rājā śarīrāya dharmāpetaṃ samācaret na hi svamukhamanvicchan pīḍayet kṛpaṇaṃ janaṃ
いかなる王が、ただ己が身のためにアダルマ（不義）を行うであろうか。まことに、自らの口を満たすことのみを求めて、哀れで無力な民を苦しめてはならない。
Lord Agni (in instruction on rājadharma, traditionally narrated to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Ethical constraint on rulers: reject self-serving unrighteous acts; avoid exploiting subjects for personal consumption; supports anti-corruption and just taxation norms.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Rājadharma: Non-exploitation and Self-restraint of the King","lookup_keywords":["rājadharma","adharma","prajā-pīḍā","svārtha","anugraha"],"quick_summary":"Defines the moral boundary for kingship: no adharma for personal bodily gain, and no oppression of helpless people for one’s own appetite. Practical takeaway: the ruler’s self-restraint is the first protection of the realm."}
Alamkara Type: Rhetorical question (praśna) as niti device
Concept: Primacy of dharma over deha (bodily self-interest); condemnation of exploitation as adharma.
Application: Governance ethic: avoid predatory revenue extraction; institute grievance redressal; measure policy by impact on the helpless (kṛpaṇa).
Khanda Section: Rājadharma (Governance and Ethics of Kingship)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A king restrains himself from taking excessive tribute; he turns away from a lavish plate and instead orders relief for poor villagers, symbolizing refusal to ‘fill his own mouth’ at others’ expense.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, king in council, a platter of food and tribute presented, the king gestures refusal and points toward distribution to the poor; expressive faces, temple-pillared background, earthy tones.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, king with gold-ornamented throne, rejecting overflowing tribute, giving instead to a kneeling poor person; gold leaf highlights on crown and ornaments, moral inscription panel.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, didactic composition: left side shows temptation of wealth/food, right side shows protection of kṛpaṇa; the king in the center with decisive gesture; fine linework and soft colors.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, court scene with accountants and petitioners; the king orders fair measures, a poor family protected by guards; detailed textiles, architectural depth, calligraphic moral maxim."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: धर्मापेतम् = धर्म + अपेतम्; स्वमुखमन्विच्छन् = स्वमुखम् + अन्विच्छन् (m → m a- sandhi).
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Rājadharma/Daṇḍanīti sections on just punishment and protection; Agni Purana: Dāna and dayā passages as royal virtues
FAQs
This verse imparts rājadharma-vidyā: the practical ethic that a ruler must not abandon dharma for personal gain or appetite, and must refrain from oppressing vulnerable subjects.
Alongside rituals, cosmology, and arts, the Agni Purana also preserves statecraft and legal-moral instruction; this verse exemplifies its governance layer by defining the king’s duty as protection rather than exploitation.
Oppressing the helpless for selfish ends is framed as dharma-apeta (outside dharma), implying demerit for the ruler; restraint and protection of subjects support righteous kingship and favorable karmic outcomes.