Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 9
Chapter 336 — काव्यादिलक्षणम्
Definitions of Poetry and Related Arts
अपदः पदसन्तानो गद्यन्तदपि गद्यते चूर्णकोत्कलिकागन्धिवृत्तभेदात् त्रिरूपकम्
apadaḥ padasantāno gadyantadapi gadyate cūrṇakotkalikāgandhivṛttabhedāt trirūpakam
Rangkaian kata yang berterusan tanpa kaki metrum (apada) disebut prosa; dan bahkan yang mempunyai kadens penutup seperti bait pun tetap dinamakan prosa. Oleh perbezaan gaya—cūrṇaka, utkalikā dan gandhī—maka wujud pengelasan tiga bentuk (bagi prosa ini).
Lord Agni (teaching sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Alamkara","secondary_vidya":"Vyakarana","practical_application":"Identify prose by absence of metrical feet and classify prose-style into curnaka/utkalika/gandhi for editing and stylistic choice.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Gadya-lakshana and its three stylistic modes (Curnaka–Utkalika–Gandhi)","lookup_keywords":["gadya-lakshana","apada","padasantana","curnaka","utkalika"],"quick_summary":"Prose is defined as a continuous word-sequence without metrical feet; even cadence-like endings do not make it verse. Prose is further grouped into three modes based on stylistic texture."}
Concept: Form is determined by structural criteria (pada/foot), not by superficial cadence; style admits subtypes.
Application: When composing or critiquing, test for metrical feet to distinguish verse from prose; then select/diagnose the prose-mode.
Khanda Section: Sahitya-shastra (Chandas & Kavya-lakshana / Prosody and Poetics)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A scribe compares two manuscripts: one laid out in metrical feet (pada divisions) and another as continuous prose; three jars or textures symbolize curnaka, utkalika, and gandhi styles.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, scribe and acharya examining manuscripts, visible pada markers on one scroll and continuous text on another, three stylized motifs labeled cūrṇaka/utkalikā/gandhī, bold outlines and flat color fields.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf on manuscript borders, teacher pointing to absence of pada divisions, three ornate emblems for the three prose modes, rich reds and greens.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, diagrammatic clarity: one scroll segmented into feet, one unsegmented, side panel listing curnaka-utkalika-gandhi, delicate lines and pastel palette.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, library scene with scholars, one page showing metrical segmentation, another continuous prose, three small labeled cartouches for the prose modes, intricate detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गद्यन्तदपि = gadyam + tat + api; चूर्णकोत्कलिकागन्धिवृत्तभेदात् = cūrṇaka-utkalikā-gandhi-vṛtta-bhedāt; त्रिरूपकम् = tri-rūpakam.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 336.10-336.12 (definitions of curnaka/kalika and prose genres)
FAQs
It imparts Sahitya-shastra/Chandas knowledge: how to define prose (gadya) and classify it into three stylistic types—cūrṇaka, utkalikā, and gandhī—based on the texture of expression.
By treating formal literary theory (definitions and subtypes of prose) alongside other sciences, the Agni Purana functions as a compendium that includes Sanskrit poetics and rhetoric as a distinct branch of knowledge.
Mastery of correct and refined expression supports accurate transmission of dharma and scripture; disciplined speech and learning are traditionally held to generate merit (puṇya) and reduce error in teaching and recitation.