Agni Purana — Veda-vidhana & Vamsha, Shloka 26
Somavaṃśa-saṃkṣepaḥ
Conclusion of the Lunar Dynasty Description
यथैव शृणुमो दूरात् गुणांस्तद्वत्समन्तिकात् वभ्रुः श्रेष्ठो मनुष्याणां देवैर् देवावृधःसमः
yathaiva śṛṇumo dūrāt guṇāṃstadvatsamantikāt vabhruḥ śreṣṭho manuṣyāṇāṃ devair devāvṛdhaḥsamaḥ
遠くからその徳を聞くのと同じく、近くにあってもまた聞く。ヴァブリュ（Vabhru）は人間の中で最勝であり、神々の評においてデーヴァーヴリダ（Devāvṛdha）に等しい。
Lord Agni (narrating Purāṇic material to Vasiṣṭha, standard Agni Purāṇa frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Eulogy (praśaṃsā) functions as ethical exemplum: models how fame of virtue remains consistent whether heard from afar or known closely—useful for teaching standards of character in rulers and householders.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Praśaṃsā of Vabhru: Virtue Known Far and Near","lookup_keywords":["Vabhru","Devāvṛdha","praśaṃsā","guṇa","śreṣṭha"],"quick_summary":"Vabhru is praised as foremost among men, his virtues consistent in reputation and direct experience, and esteemed by the gods as equal to Devāvṛdha."}
Alamkara Type: Dṛṣṭānta (illustrative analogy: far vs near hearing)
Concept: Satya of character: true virtue withstands proximity-testing; reputation aligns with lived conduct.
Application: Evaluate leaders/teachers by consistency between public fame and close observation; cultivate guṇas that remain stable under scrutiny.
Khanda Section: Itihasa–Purusha-prashamsa (Eulogies and exemplary human figures)
Primary Rasa: vīra
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Vabhru depicted as an ideal king; two groups—distant bards and close courtiers—both praising him, showing identical acclaim; gods above acknowledging him.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: Vabhru enthroned; bards at left (distant) and courtiers at right (near) both singing; devas in upper register with floral clouds; bold outlines.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: central royal portrait with gold halo; musicians and poets on either side; small divine figures above offering garlands; ornate gold borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: refined court scene with emphasis on facial serenity; inscription panels quoting praise; balanced composition showing ‘far’ and ‘near’ audiences.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: durbar with poets reciting; a second vignette in background showing travelers speaking of his virtues; celestial band above; intricate textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: यथैव = यथा + एव; गुणांस्तद्वत् = गुणान् + तद्वत्; देवैर् = देवैः (रेफ-संधि); देवावृधःसमः = देवावृधः + समः.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 274.23-27 (Vabhru within Yādava genealogical narrative)
FAQs
No ritual procedure is taught here; the verse transmits a dharmic principle: genuine virtue remains consistent—praised both from a distance and upon close acquaintance.
Alongside rituals, polity, medicine, and arts, the Agni Purāṇa also preserves genealogical and exemplary narratives; such eulogies function as ethical instruction by presenting models of ideal human conduct recognized even by the gods.
It implies that sustained guṇa (virtue) yields enduring reputation and divine approval; karmically, consistent righteous conduct bears fruit as honor and esteem in both human and divine spheres.