Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 12
Prātyahika-Rāja-Karma
Daily Duties of a King
आकारैर् इङ्गितैः प्रज्ञा मन्त्रं गृह्णन्ति पण्डिताः सांवत्सराणां वैद्यानां मन्त्रिणां वचने रतः
ākārair iṅgitaiḥ prajñā mantraṃ gṛhṇanti paṇḍitāḥ sāṃvatsarāṇāṃ vaidyānāṃ mantriṇāṃ vacane rataḥ
Melalui rupa zahir dan isyarat halus, orang bijaksana menyingkap maksud nasihat; seorang yang berilmu hendaklah sentiasa menumpukan perhatian kepada kata-kata tabib berpengalaman dan para menteri penasihat.
Lord Agni (traditional Agni Purana narration to Vasiṣṭha; chapter-level attribution)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Ayurveda","practical_application":"Training ministers/royal attendants to read nonverbal cues, preserve confidentiality, and prioritize expert advice from physicians and counselors in decision-making.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Ākāra–iṅgita-jñāna (Reading forms and gestures for counsel)","lookup_keywords":["ākāra","iṅgita","mantra (counsel)","vaidya","mantrin"],"quick_summary":"Wise advisors infer intended counsel from outward appearance and subtle gestures. A prudent person should heed the tested speech of experienced physicians and ministers."}
Concept: Pramāṇa of expertise and lakṣaṇa-reading: knowledge is applied through observation (ākāra/iṅgita) and reliance on vetted authorities (vaidya/mantrin).
Application: Use observational intelligence and consult domain experts before acting; maintain attentiveness to subtle indicators in governance and health.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Vaidya-vidya) / Rajaniti (Mantri-dharma) — Signs, gestures, and expert counsel
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A royal court where a minister and physician quietly observe the king’s facial expressions and hand gestures, interpreting unspoken counsel while maintaining secrecy.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat rich colors, stylized court interior; king seated on a low throne, minister and vaidya with palm-leaf manuscripts, subtle hand gestures and attentive gazes, ornate lamps, calm shanta mood.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold leaf highlights on throne and jewelry; central king, flanking minister and physician, emphasized eyes and mudra-like gestures, decorative arch, jewel tones, sacred-court aura.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, fine linework; instructional tableau showing minister reading ākāra-iṅgita, physician holding diagnostic notes, discreet whispering posture, labeled objects like manuscript and seal-box.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed court scene with patterned carpets; close observation of facial expressions, minister and physician in profile, subtle gesture language, restrained palette with fine borders."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: आकारैर् इङ्गितैः → आकारैः इङ्गितैः (रेफ-सन्धि); अन्यत्र स्पष्ट-सन्धि न्यूनम्।
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Rajadharma/Mantri-dharma sections on counsel (mantra) and secrecy; Agni Purana: Ayurveda (Vaidya-vidyā) sections on diagnosis by signs (liṅga/lakṣaṇa)
FAQs
It teaches practical discernment: experts infer intended advice from observable signs (ākāra) and subtle indications (iṅgita), and it recommends relying on the tested counsel of physicians (Ayurveda) and ministers (statecraft).
It blends domains—medical authority (vaidya) and political counsel (mantrin)—showing that the Agni Purana preserves applied knowledge for health and governance alongside religious instruction.
Honoring competent guidance and acting with discernment supports dharmic decision-making, reducing harm caused by ignorance and thereby aligning conduct with righteous outcomes.