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
സ്വന്തം ശരീരലാഭത്തിനായി മാത്രം ഏതു രാജാവാണ് ധർമ്മം വിട്ട് അധർമ്മം ആചരിക്കുക? സ്വന്തം വായ നിറയ്ക്കാനുള്ള മോഹത്തിൽ അവൻ ദീനജനത്തെ പീഡിപ്പിക്കരുത്।
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.