Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 8
Chapter 106 — नगरादिवास्तुः
Vāstu Concerning Towns and Related Settlements
रथानामायुधानाञ्च कृपाणाञ्च वारुणे शौण्डिकाः कर्माधिकृता वायव्ये परिकर्मणः
rathānāmāyudhānāñca kṛpāṇāñca vāruṇe śauṇḍikāḥ karmādhikṛtā vāyavye parikarmaṇaḥ
Dalam bahagian Vāruṇa hendaklah dilantik pegawai yang mengawasi kereta perang, senjata dan pedang; dan dalam bahagian Vāyavya hendaklah dilantik para pembantu (parikarmaṇaḥ) untuk khidmat sokongan serta kerja-kerja penyelenggaraan.
Lord Agni (narrating to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","practical_application":"Assign state officials by departmental/directional jurisdiction for military logistics (chariots, weapons, swords) and for maintenance/auxiliary services.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Vāruṇa and Vāyavya Departments: Appointments for Arms and Service Staff","lookup_keywords":["vāruṇa","vāyavya","āyudha","kṛpāṇa","parikarmaṇa"],"quick_summary":"Appoint officers over chariots and armaments in the Vāruṇa division; appoint attendants for upkeep and auxiliary works in the Vāyavya division to ensure readiness and smooth operations."}
Weapon Type: Chariot; weapons (general); sword (kṛpāṇa)
Concept: Specialization of offices (adhikāra-vibhāga) for efficient governance and military preparedness.
Application: Create clear chains of responsibility for arms inventory, chariot corps, and maintenance staff to prevent failure in mobilization.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma / Administrative Appointments (Statecraft and occupational duties)
Primary Rasa: samanya
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A royal administrative yard: chariots lined up, racks of weapons and swords; an officer supervising inventory in one quarter, and attendants performing maintenance in another quarter marked by directional banners.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, palace courtyard with chariots and weapon racks, a stern official counting swords, attendants oiling wheels and polishing blades, directional emblems for Vāruṇa and Vāyavya, bold outlines and traditional color blocks.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style with gold work, ceremonial display of chariots and swords, officer with ledger and seal, attendants with tools and oil flasks, ornate pillars, gold-highlighted weaponry and harnesses.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style instructional scene, neatly arranged chariot parts, labeled weapon categories, officials assigning duties, attendants repairing and cleaning, soft pastel tones and precise linework.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed armoury scene with patterned textiles, chariots with intricate carvings, officer with scroll, attendants sharpening swords and greasing axles, realistic spatial depth and fine brushwork."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: rathānāmāyudhānāñca → rathānām āyudhānām ca; karmādhikṛtā → karmādhikṛtāḥ (visarga in pausa).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 106 (state functionaries by direction)
FAQs
It gives a technical administrative allocation: appointing task-officers over chariots, weapons, and swords, and assigning maintenance/auxiliary staff in another departmental division.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana also preserves practical statecraft—cataloging offices, departments, and logistical responsibilities for managing military equipment and royal services.
By prescribing orderly appointment of duties, the text frames governance as dharma: disciplined administration prevents disorder and harm, supporting righteous rule and the king’s merit through proper conduct.