Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 46
Raṇadīkṣā (War-Consecration) — Agni Purāṇa Adhyāya 235
भेदनं संहतानाञ्च चर्मिणां कर्म कीर्तितं विमुखीकरणं युद्धे धन्विनां च तथोच्यते
bhedanaṃ saṃhatānāñca carmiṇāṃ karma kīrtitaṃ vimukhīkaraṇaṃ yuddhe dhanvināṃ ca tathocyate
ಸಂಹತವಾಗಿ ಗುಂಪಾದವರಿಗೂ ಕವಚ/ಢಾಲಧಾರಿಗಳಿಗೂ ‘ಭೇದನ’ (ಶತ್ರುವ್ಯೂಹವನ್ನು ಒಡೆಯುವುದು) ಕರ್ಮವೆಂದು ಕೀರ್ತಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಯುದ್ಧದಲ್ಲಿ ಧನುರ್ಧಾರಿಗಳ ಕರ್ಮ ‘ವಿಮುಖೀಕರಣ’ (ಶತ್ರುವನ್ನು ಹಿಂದಕ್ಕೆ ತಿರುಗಿಸುವುದು) ಎಂದೂ ಹೇಳಲಾಗಿದೆ।
Lord Agni (in dialogue with Sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purana narration style)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Role-based tactics: shield-bearers and compact troops execute ‘breaking’ actions; archers specialize in forcing the enemy to turn back/retreat.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Karma-vibhāga: Bhedana for saṃhatāḥ/carmīṇaḥ; Vimukhīkaraṇa for dhanvinaḥ","lookup_keywords":["bhedana","carmī","saṃhata","dhanvin","vimukhīkaraṇa"],"quick_summary":"The verse assigns battlefield functions by troop-type: close, shielded bodies break formations, while archers drive the enemy to turn away and lose initiative."}
Weapon Type: Shields (carma) and bows (dhanus)
Concept: Svadharma of each military arm (aṅga) within a coordinated whole
Application: Design drills and command signals so each troop-type performs its proper operation without overlap or confusion.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Ancient Indian Military Science and Archery)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Two coordinated actions: shield-bearers in tight formation break into an enemy mass, while archers behind them release volleys that make the enemy line turn away.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: layered ranks—front shield-wall pushing into a clustered foe; behind, archers with drawn bows; rhythmic composition, bold outlines, saturated colors.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: heroic shield-bearers with gold-highlighted shields; archers poised in symmetrical arrangement; ornate framing, jewel-like palette.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clear depiction of troop roles—front ‘bhedana’ action and rear ‘vimukhīkaraṇa’ volley; refined faces, soft shading, instructional clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: dense melee at front with shields; archers in the mid-ground; detailed armor, banners, and expressions showing the enemy turning back."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Khamaj","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: Resolved: saṃhatānāñca → saṃhatānām + ca; tathocyate → tathā + ucyate.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 235 (classification of troop-operations by arm)
FAQs
It imparts Dhanurveda tactical roles: shield-bearers and compact troops should execute bhedana (break enemy formations), while archers specialize in vimukhīkaraṇa (repulsing/turning the enemy back).
Beyond theology, it preserves practical war-science—unit roles, battlefield objectives, and tactical vocabulary—showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of governance and military disciplines alongside ritual and doctrine.
In a dharmic frame, it supports righteous protection of society by prescribing disciplined, role-based conduct in warfare—minimizing chaos and aligning combat action with duty (svadharma) rather than indiscriminate violence.