Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 44
Mantra-śakti, Dūta-Carā (Envoys & Spies), Vyasana (Calamities), and the Sapta-Upāya of Nīti
सैन्यैकदेशः सन्नद्धः सेनापतिपुरःसरः परिभ्रमेच्चत्वरांश् च मण्डलेन वहिर् निशि
sainyaikadeśaḥ sannaddhaḥ senāpatipuraḥsaraḥ paribhrameccatvarāṃś ca maṇḍalena vahir niśi
Pada waktu malam, satu detasmen tentera yang lengkap bersenjata, dengan panglima di hadapan, hendaklah meronda di luar dengan gerakan melingkar serta meliputi persimpangan dan dataran juga.
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition of the Agni Purana, instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Night security protocol: armed patrols led by the commander to deter infiltration, monitor crossroads, and maintain perimeter integrity.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Night circular patrol (maṇḍala-paribhramaṇa) and crossroads coverage","lookup_keywords":["nishi-patrol","mandala","paribhramet","senapati","chatvara"],"quick_summary":"A fully armed detachment, led by the commander, should patrol outside the camp at night in a circular route, also checking squares/crossroads to prevent surprise attacks and infiltration."}
Concept: Security is maintained by continuous vigilance and leadership presence (senāpati-puraḥsara).
Application: Implement commander-led night patrols with circular routes and intersection checks; reduce blind spots and response time.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma & Dhanurveda (Military science, camp security, and tactical patrol duty)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A night scene outside the camp: an armed detachment led by the commander patrols in a circular route, lanterns low, stopping at crossroads to inspect and listen for movement.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style night palette, stylized torches and crescent moon, circular marching line of soldiers, senapati at front, crossroads marked by four paths, bold contours and decorative foliage","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, dramatic night with gold accents on armor and torch flames, commander leading, circular patrol path suggested by composition, ornate camp boundary and watch posts","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, instructional clarity: map-like circular patrol route around camp, soldiers with spears/bows, highlighted crossroads checkpoints, soft shading and fine outlines","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed nocturnal encampment outskirts, patrol line curving around, guards pausing at a chauraha (crossroads), delicate starry sky, realistic faces and textiles"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Khamaj","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: परिभ्रमेच्चत्वरांश् च→परिभ्रमेत् चत्वरान् च; वहिर्→बहिः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 240.42; Agni Purana 240.43; Agni Purana 240.45
FAQs
Practical military protocol: a fully armed detachment under the commander should conduct a night patrol outside the perimeter, moving in a circular circuit and checking key junctions (catvaras) to prevent infiltration and disorder.
It shows the Purana’s coverage beyond theology—codifying actionable statecraft and security procedures (rājanīti/rajadharma) that align with classical Indian military organization and urban/camp policing.
By protecting subjects and preventing nighttime harm, the ruler’s forces uphold dharma; safeguarding the community is treated as a righteous duty that supports social order and accrues merit through responsible governance.