Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 25
Chapter 244 — चामरादिलक्षणम् / आयुधलक्षणादि
Characteristics of the Fly-whisk and Related Royal Emblems; Weapon Characteristics
खड्गः पद्मपलाशाग्रो मण्डलाग्रश् च शस्यते करवीरदलाग्राभो घृतगन्धो वियत्प्रभः
khaḍgaḥ padmapalāśāgro maṇḍalāgraś ca śasyate karavīradalāgrābho ghṛtagandho viyatprabhaḥ
Pedang yang hujungnya seperti pucuk daun teratai, dan bahagian akhirnya membulat seperti cakera, dipuji sebagai unggul; mata pedangnya seakan pucuk daun karavīra, berharum seperti ghee (ghṛta), dan bersinar laksana cahaya langit.
Lord Agni (narrating to sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purāṇa’s instructional dialogue)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Recognizing an excellent sword by tip/edge geometry, finish, scent (oil/ghee maintenance), and lustre; guidance for forging and upkeep.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Uttama-khadga-lakṣaṇa (Ideal Sword Tip, Edge, Lustre)","lookup_keywords":["khadga","padmapalasha","mandalagra","karavira","ghrita-gandha"],"quick_summary":"An excellent sword is described through botanical and luminous analogies: lotus-leaf-like tip, rounded end, karavīra-leaf-like edge, ghee-like fragrance (well-oiled), and sky-like radiance (clean, bright polish)."}
Alamkara Type: Upama
Weapon Type: Sword (Khadga/Asi)
Concept: Lakṣaṇa (diagnostic marks) for judging excellence in crafted objects.
Application: Use form + sensory cues (shape, sheen, smell of proper oiling) to assess readiness and quality.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Weapon-science and arms; description/classification of weapons)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Close view of a gleaming sword: lotus-leaf-like point, rounded contour at the end, leaf-like keen edge; a small bowl of ghee/oil used for maintenance; the blade shines like the sky.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, enlarged iconic sword with botanical motifs (lotus leaf, karavīra leaf) painted as comparison panels, artisan applying ghee to blade, deep earthy palette with bright highlights","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf shimmer on the sky-bright blade, lotus and karavīra motifs embossed around, small gilded vessel of ghee, ornate hilt with gemstones","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, technical illustration feel: labeled comparisons of tip and edge to leaves, subtle gradients showing ‘viyat-prabhā’ sheen, neat workshop setting","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed metallic rendering of blade and hilt, botanical studies of lotus and karavīra leaves on the margin, attendant oiling the sword, refined palette"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: padmapalāśāgro → padma-palāśa-agraḥ; maṇḍalāgraś → maṇḍala-agraḥ; dalāgrābho → dala-agra-ābhaḥ; viyatprabhaḥ → viyat-prabhaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 244 (śastra-lakṣaṇa)
FAQs
It gives Dhanurveda-style lakṣaṇas (identifying marks) of an excellent sword—its ideal point/edge shape, rounded finish, distinctive lustre, and even its characteristic scent—used for evaluating weapon quality.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves practical technical knowledge—here, a concise specification list for arms assessment—showing its coverage of real-world crafts like weapon selection and martial standards.
By prescribing “praised” (śasyate) characteristics, the text frames proper, dharmic readiness for protection and kingship: choosing a fit weapon supports righteous defense and orderly governance rather than reckless violence.