Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 30
Rāja-dharma (राजधर्माः) — Protection of the Heir, Discipline, Counsel, and the Seven Limbs of the State
काकशङ्की भवेन्नित्यमज्ञातां वसतिं वसेत् नापरीक्षितपूर्वञ्च भोजनं शयनं स्पृशेत्
kākaśaṅkī bhavennityamajñātāṃ vasatiṃ vaset nāparīkṣitapūrvañca bhojanaṃ śayanaṃ spṛśet
Hendaklah sentiasa berjaga-jaga seperti gagak, tinggal di tempat yang diketahui keadaannya, dan jangan menyentuh makanan atau tempat tidur yang belum diperiksa terlebih dahulu.
Lord Agni (in instruction to the sage Vasiṣṭha, within the Agni Purana’s didactic discourse)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Personal security protocol: situational awareness, safe lodging selection, and inspection of food and bedding to prevent poisoning/ambush.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Nīti: Crow-like vigilance; examine lodging, food, and bed","lookup_keywords":["kāka-śaṅkī","viṣa-bhaya","aparīkṣita-bhojana","śayana-parīkṣā","rakṣā-nīti"],"quick_summary":"Maintain constant vigilance, stay only where conditions are known, and never consume food or use bedding without prior inspection to avoid hidden dangers."}
Alamkara Type: Upama
Concept: Prudence (apramāda) is protective; negligence invites harm.
Application: Adopt checklists and verification habits in travel and daily life; do not rely on trust without examination in high-risk contexts.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma-Niti (Ethics, personal security, and prudent conduct)
Primary Rasa: Bhayānaka
Secondary Rasa: Śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A vigilant traveler/king’s agent inspects a lodging, tests food, and examines a bed while a crow watches from a beam—symbolizing constant suspicion and alertness.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: interior of a rest-house with attendant examining bedding and covered dishes; crow perched above; stylized architecture, warm earthy palette, bold outlines.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: richly dressed royal traveler with attendants; gold-highlighted dishes and bed; crow motif in corner; ornate patterns and embossed gold accents.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting: clear step-by-step inspection scene—lifting mattress, checking under pillows, inspecting food vessels; fine lines, soft colors, instructional clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: caravanserai room with detailed textiles; servant testing food, another checking bed; crow in rafters; naturalistic shading and perspective."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: भवेत्+नित्यम्→भवेन्नित्यम् (त् + न → न्न); न+अपरीक्षितपूर्वम्+च→नापरीक्षितपूर्वञ्च (न + अ → ना; च + अं → चं).
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Rajadharma passages on protection of the king, spies, and prevention of poisoning/assassination
FAQs
It teaches practical niti (prudential conduct): stay constantly alert, live only where conditions are known, and avoid unexamined food or bedding to prevent danger such as contamination, traps, or poisoning.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied knowledge for daily life—ethics, safety, and governance-minded prudence—showing its broad scope as a compendium of practical instruction (niti) alongside ritual and spiritual topics.
By cultivating vigilance, restraint, and discernment, one avoids harmful actions and circumstances that lead to suffering and negative karmic outcomes, supporting a disciplined life conducive to dharma.