Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 12
Chapter 244 — चामरादिलक्षणम् / आयुधलक्षणादि
Characteristics of the Fly-whisk and Related Royal Emblems; Weapon Characteristics
अयसश्चाथ वंशस्य शरस्याप्यशरस्य च ऋत्विजो हेमवार्णाभाः स्नायुश्लिष्टाः सुपत्रकाः
ayasaścātha vaṃśasya śarasyāpyaśarasya ca ṛtvijo hemavārṇābhāḥ snāyuśliṣṭāḥ supatrakāḥ
ഘടകങ്ങൾ ഇരുമ്പിലും വംശം/മുളയിലും നിർമ്മിക്കാം; അമ്പിനും അമ്പല്ലാത്ത (ബോൾട്ട്/ഡാർട്ട്) ആയുധത്തിനും വിധാനമുണ്ട്. സ്നായുബന്ധങ്ങൾ ഉറച്ചുപിടിച്ച് ചേർന്നതും, സ്വർണ്ണവർണ്ണാഭവും, നല്ല ഇല/പക്ഷപ്പിറകുകളോടുകൂടിയതുമായിരിക്കണം.
Lord Agni (in instruction to Sage Vasiṣṭha, Dhanurveda section)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Specification of bow/arrow components (iron/bamboo), arrow vs. bolt/dart differentiation, and quality markers for sinew bindings and fletching.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Śara/āśara components and sinew-binding standards","lookup_keywords":["ayas","vaṃśa","śara","aśara","snāyu-śliṣṭa"],"quick_summary":"Weapon components may be of iron or bamboo; standards extend to arrows and non-arrow projectiles, emphasizing firmly adhered sinew bindings, a golden hue (well-prepared/finished), and proper fletching for stable flight."}
Weapon Type: Arrow and bolt/dart (śara and aśara)
Concept: Saṃyojana (proper joining/binding) is as crucial as raw material; integrity of connections determines performance.
Application: In manufacturing, prioritize binding/adhesive quality control and aerodynamic finishing (fletching) to prevent failure and improve accuracy.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Archery and Weapon-Materials)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Close-up workshop scene: arrows and bolts laid out; iron and bamboo shafts; sinew being wrapped and glued; finished projectiles show golden-hued bindings and neat fletching.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, artisan binding sinew onto arrow shafts, bundles of bamboo and iron tips, finished arrows with golden bindings and clear fletching, bold lines and ritual-craft ambience","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, decorative still-life of arrows and bolts with gold-highlighted bindings, ornate border, emphasis on hema-varṇa finish and symmetry","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, technical diagram-like scene: parts of arrow labeled (shaft, tip, sinew binding, fletching), artisan demonstrating tight wrapping and alignment","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed armory bench with craftsmen fletching arrows, applying sinew bindings, iron tips and bamboo shafts arranged neatly, meticulous realism"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ayasaścātha = ayasaḥ + ca + atha; śarasyāpyaśarasya = śarasya + api + aśarasya; hemavārṇābhāḥ = hema-vārṇa-ābhāḥ; snāyuśliṣṭāḥ = snāyu-śliṣṭāḥ; supatrakāḥ = su-patrakāḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda passages on arrow-making, feathering, and binding materials (around 244)
FAQs
It gives Dhanurveda-grade specifications for projectile construction: permissible materials (iron and bamboo), types of projectiles (arrow and non-arrow/bolt), and workmanship standards such as firm sinew-binding and proper fletching.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves practical engineering know-how—here, weapons technology—showing its role as a compendium that includes military science, materials, and craftsmanship.
In Purāṇic framing, disciplined adherence to prescribed standards (vidhi) supports dharmic conduct in protection and warfare, emphasizing responsible, regulated use of martial skills rather than reckless violence.