Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 22
Chapter 244 — चामरादिलक्षणम् / आयुधलक्षणादि
Characteristics of the Fly-whisk and Related Royal Emblems; Weapon Characteristics
कायच्छिदस्त्वाषिकाः स्युर्दृढाः सूर्पारकोद्भवाः तीक्ष्णाश्छेदसहा वङ्गास्तीक्ष्णाःस्युश्चाङ्गदेशजाः
kāyacchidastvāṣikāḥ syurdṛḍhāḥ sūrpārakodbhavāḥ tīkṣṇāśchedasahā vaṅgāstīkṣṇāḥsyuścāṅgadeśajāḥ
スールパーラカ産の刃（アーシカー）は堅牢で、身を断ち切る力があると言われる。ヴァンガ産は鋭利で、斬撃の負荷に耐える。またアンガ国で作られるものも鋭利であると説かれる。
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purana’s standard dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Regional metallurgy/weapon procurement guidance: selecting blades by place-of-origin and expected performance (firmness, sharpness, durability).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Regional Blade Qualities: Sūrpāraka, Vaṅga, and Aṅga","lookup_keywords":["sūrpāraka āṣikā","vaṅga blade","aṅga sword","sharpness","durability"],"quick_summary":"Lists performance traits of blades by provenance: Sūrpāraka blades are firm and body-cutting; Vaṅga blades are sharp and endure cutting stress; Aṅga blades are also sharp—useful for procurement decisions."}
Weapon Type: Blades/Swords (āṣikā/khadga)
Concept: Guṇa-parīkṣā (assessment of qualities) and deśa-viśeṣa (regional specialization).
Application: Choose tools/materials based on proven provenance and performance metrics; institutionalize sourcing knowledge.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Military science: weapons, metallurgy, blades)
Primary Rasa: Adbhuta
Type: Kingdom/Region
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Three sets of blades displayed with labels: Sūrpāraka (firm, body-cutting), Vaṅga (sharp, durable), Aṅga (sharp). A quartermaster or guru explains procurement to soldiers.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: weapon display with stylized regional labels; instructor pointing; background hints of coast for Sūrpāraka and riverine plains for Vaṅga/Aṅga; traditional ornamentation","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: ceremonial armory tableau with gold detailing on hilts; three groups of swords with placards; dignified instructor; rich textile backdrop","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: didactic chart-like painting—three columns for regions and qualities; clean depiction of blade profiles and edges; subtle color coding","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: bustling armory market; merchants presenting blades from different regions; fine detail on steel patterns; scribe noting qualities"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कायच्छिदस्त्वाषिकाः = काय-च्छिदः तु आषिकाः; स्युर्दृढाः = स्युः दृढाः; सूर्पारकोद्भवाः = सूर्पारक-उद्भवाः; तीक्ष्णाश्छेदसहा = तीक्ष्णाः छेद-सहाः; वङ्गास्तीक्ष्णाःस्युश्चाङ्गदेशजाः = वङ्गाः तीक्ष्णाः स्युः च अङ्ग-देश-जाः.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda material on blade defects/qualities and testing; Agni Purana lists of weapons and their classifications
FAQs
It gives Dhanurveda-grade evaluation criteria for swords/blades by provenance—identifying regions whose blades are reputed for sharpness, firmness, and resistance to damage under cutting impact (cheda-sahā).
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves practical military-technical knowledge—here, a catalog-like note on regional weapon manufacture and performance standards.
Indirectly, it supports dharma-protection (rakṣaṇa) by guiding kings/warriors toward reliable arms; in Purāṇic framing, competent defense of the realm is part of rājadharma and thus a meritorious duty.