Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 24
Chapter 244 — चामरादिलक्षणम् / आयुधलक्षणादि
Characteristics of the Fly-whisk and Related Royal Emblems; Weapon Characteristics
दीर्घं सुमधुरं शब्दं युस्य खड्गस्य सत्तम किङ्किणीसदृशन्तस्य धारणं श्रेष्ठमुच्यते
dīrghaṃ sumadhuraṃ śabdaṃ yusya khaḍgasya sattama kiṅkiṇīsadṛśantasya dhāraṇaṃ śreṣṭhamucyate
ಹೇ ಸತ್ತಮ! ಯಾವ ಖಡ್ಗದ ಧ್ವನಿ ದೀರ್ಘವಾಗಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಮಧುರವಾಗಿ, ಕಿಂಕಿಣಿ (ಚಿಕ್ಕ ಗಂಟೆ) ನಾದದಂತೆ ಕೇಳಿಬರುತ್ತದೋ—ಅದನ್ನು ಧರಿಸುವುದೇ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠವೆಂದು ಹೇಳಲಾಗಿದೆ।
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, the usual Agni Purāṇa dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Field-test for blade quality by listening to resonance; selecting a sword with clear, pleasant ring indicating good metal, temper, and balance.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Khadga-śabda-parīkṣā (Sound Test of a Sword)","lookup_keywords":["khadga","shabda","kinkini","pariksha","temper"],"quick_summary":"A superior sword is identified by a long, sweet, bell-like ring. Resonant clarity is treated as a sign of excellence in wielding and wearing the weapon."}
Alamkara Type: Upama
Weapon Type: Sword (Khadga/Asi)
Concept: Guṇa-parīkṣā (testing qualities) through reliable signs.
Application: Use observable indicators (sound) to infer hidden properties (metal integrity, temper).
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Shastra-vidya / Weaponology: sword characteristics and handling)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A warrior gently taps or draws a sword to hear its ringing; the blade emits a long, sweet tone like a small bell; onlookers compare dull vs resonant swords.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, warrior testing a khadga’s ring, stylized sound waves, a small kiṅkiṇī bell painted nearby as comparison, warm temple-workshop palette","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold on the blade and bell, the sword held diagonally, ornate hilt, the ‘sweet long sound’ suggested by decorative gold arcs, rich jewel tones","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional composition: two swords side-by-side (dull vs sweet ring), a small bell icon, fine detailing of hilt and scabbard, calm background","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, armoury scene with connoisseurs listening to the sword’s resonance, detailed metal reflections, delicate depiction of a small bell, courtly setting"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: śreṣṭhamucyate → śreṣṭham + ucyate. ‘yusya’ in input normalized to yasya (common scribal/typing error). ‘sadṛśantasya’ interpreted as sadṛśāntasya.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 244 (khadga-lakṣaṇa)
FAQs
It gives a practical Dhanurveda criterion for evaluating a sword: a superior blade is identified by a prolonged, pleasant, bell-like ringing sound, indicating desirable material/forging quality and suitability for bearing and use.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied knowledge—here, weapon selection standards—showing it functions as a compendium that includes martial science (Dhanurveda) alongside ritual, ethics, and other disciplines.
In Purāṇic framing, choosing a ‘proper’ weapon aligns action (especially royal or protective duty) with dharma; using well-characterized, rightly selected arms supports righteous protection and reduces harm arising from faulty or inauspicious implements.