Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 29
Chapter 342: शब्दालङ्काराः
Verbal/Sound-based Ornaments
दत्तेपि यत्र वाक्याङ्गे द्वितीयोर्थः प्रतीयते दत्तन्तदाहुस्तद्भेदाः स्वराद्यैः पूर्ववन्मताः
dattepi yatra vākyāṅge dvitīyorthaḥ pratīyate dattantadāhustadbhedāḥ svarādyaiḥ pūrvavanmatāḥ
वाक्य-अवयवात शब्दरूप ‘दत्त’ (स्थापित) असतानाही जिथे दुसरा अर्थ प्रतीत होतो, त्याला ‘दत्त’ म्हणतात. त्याचे भेद—स्वर (उच्चार-स्वराघात) इत्यादींवर आधारित—पूर्वी सांगितल्याप्रमाणेच मानले आहेत.
Lord Agni (instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha in an encyclopedic exposition of śāstra)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Alamkara","secondary_vidya":"Vyakarana","practical_application":"Identifying ‘datta’—where an established word-form yields a second meaning—useful for poetic double-entendre analysis and controlled semantic layering via accent/intonation etc.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Datta (given word yielding a second meaning) and its bhedas (svara-ādi)","lookup_keywords":["datta","dvitīyārtha","svara","śabda-bheda","arthāntara"],"quick_summary":"Datta occurs when, despite a word being already present/settled in the sentence, a second meaning is understood; its subtypes include those arising from accent/intonation and related phonetic features."}
Alamkara Type: Śleṣa/Datta-type dvitīyārtha (contextual double meaning; phonetic/intonational triggers)
Concept: A single linguistic form can support multiple meanings; phonetic realization (svara etc.) can cue alternate interpretation.
Application: In recitation and performance: modulate intonation to signal intended layer; in criticism: justify dvitīyārtha by phonetic/semantic constraints rather than forcing literalism.
Khanda Section: Sahitya-shastra (Vyakarana & Kavya/Alankara: semantics and phonetic/intonational distinctions)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: hasya
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A reciter speaks the same word with two different intonations; listeners perceive a second meaning while the written word remains unchanged.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, reciter with raised hand indicating svara, a single word written on a palm-leaf, two speech-scrolls showing alternate meanings, audience reacting with wonder, traditional flat composition","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, singer-reciter in a sabhā, gold-highlighted manuscript, subtle depiction of two interpretive layers via paired inscriptions, ornate pillars and lamps","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, pedagogic scene: teacher demonstrates svara-variation over the same word, students note two meanings in a notebook, clean lines and soft shading","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, refined gathering, poet-reciter emphasizing a syllable, listeners exchanging glances as a second meaning dawns, detailed calligraphy panel"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दत्तेपि = दत्ते अपि; वाक्याङ्गे = वाक्य-अङ्गे; द्वितीयोर्थः = द्वितीयः अर्थः; दत्तन्तदाहुः = दत्तम् तत् आहुः; तद्भेदाः = तत्-भेदाः; स्वराद्यैः = स्वर-आद्यैः; पूर्ववन्मताः = पूर्ववत् मताः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 342.27 (arthāntara-nirbhāsa mechanisms); Agni Purana 342.30 (cyuta-datta as a faulted variant of meaning-shift)
FAQs
It teaches a technical semantic category—when an additional (secondary) meaning is apprehended in a sentence-part despite the primary form being ‘given’, and notes that its subtypes are classified (including by accent/intonation, svara).
Beyond ritual and mythology, the Agni Purana systematizes śāstric knowledge such as Sanskrit semantics and interpretive rules, showing it functions as a compendium that includes grammar/poetics alongside religious instruction.
Accurate understanding of meaning supports correct recitation, teaching, and transmission of dharma-texts; precision in interpretation is treated as a form of śāstric discipline that safeguards right knowledge (samyag-jñāna).