Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 63
अश्ववाहनसारः
Aśvavāhana-sāra) — Essentials of Horses as Mounts (and Horse-Treatment
भद्रः सुसाध्यो वाजी स्यान्मन्दो दण्डैकमानसः मृगजङ्घो मृगो वाजी सङ्कीर्णस्तत्समन्वियात्
bhadraḥ susādhyo vājī syānmando daṇḍaikamānasaḥ mṛgajaṅgho mṛgo vājī saṅkīrṇastatsamanviyāt
‘ଭଦ୍ର’ ଅଶ୍ୱ ସହଜରେ ସାଧ୍ୟ। ‘ମନ୍ଦ’ ଅଶ୍ୱର ମନ କେବଳ ଦଣ୍ଡ (ଚାବୁକ) ଉପରେ ନିବିଡ଼, ଅର୍ଥାତ୍ ଶାସନରେ ମାତ୍ର ଚାଲେ। ‘ମୃଗଜଙ୍ଘ’ (ହରିଣ-ଜଂଘା) ‘ମୃଗ’ ପ୍ରକାର ଅଶ୍ୱ; ଏବଂ ‘ସଙ୍କୀର୍ଣ’ ପ୍ରକାରକୁ ଏହି ଗୁଣମିଶ୍ରିତ ବୋଲି ବୁଝିବା ଉଚିତ।
Lord Agni (in narration to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","practical_application":"Veterinary/horse-selection and training: classify temperament and conformation types (bhadra, manda, mṛgajaṅgha, saṅkīrṇa) to choose suitable horses and tailor training methods.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Aśva-prakṛti bheda: Bhadra, Manda, Mṛgajaṅgha/Mṛga, Saṅkīrṇa","lookup_keywords":["bhadra-aśva","manda-aśva","mṛgajaṅgha","saṅkīrṇa","aśva-prakṛti"],"quick_summary":"Gives a practical typology of horses by trainability and traits: bhadra is easily trained, manda responds only to the whip, mṛgajaṅgha aligns with the mṛga type, and saṅkīrṇa is mixed—guiding selection and handling."}
Concept: Yukti (skillful means) and ahiṃsā-in-practice: discipline should be proportionate to nature (svabhāva) of the being trained.
Application: Handle animals with discernment; classify first, then apply the least-harmful effective method to achieve reliability.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda / Ashva-shastra (Horse science; omens and conformation for horses)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A stable-master evaluates four horses: a calm bhadra being gently trained, a stubborn manda reacting to a whip, a slender-legged mṛgajaṅgha shown with deer-like shanks, and a saṅkīrṇa displaying mixed traits.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stable scene with four labeled horses, trainer demonstrating different handling methods, emphasis on leg conformation for mṛgajaṅgha, bold outlines and traditional palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, ornate stable setting with gold highlights on tack, four horses in panels with captions bhadra/manda/mṛgajaṅgha/saṅkīrṇa, trainer and attendants in rich garments.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, instructional chart-like composition: side profiles of four horse types with highlighted legs and posture, minimal background, fine detailing for conformation cues.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, naturalistic horses with distinct temperaments, stable courtyard with groom and trainer, subtle narrative: calm training vs whip response, detailed textiles and architecture."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्यान्मन्दः = स्यात् मन्दः. दण्डैकमानसः = दण्ड-एक-मानसः (बहुव्रीहि). मृगजङ्घः = मृग-जङ्घः (बहुव्रीहि). सङ्कीर्णस्तत्समन्वियात् = सङ्कीर्णः तत् समन्वियात्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana aśva-lakṣaṇa and aśva-roga sections (horse marks and ailments); Agni Purana Dhanurveda cavalry training passages
FAQs
It gives technical equine typology: how to identify horse temperaments and limb-conformation (Bhadra, Manda, Mṛga/Mṛgajaṅgha) and how to recognize a mixed (Saṅkīrṇa) horse by combined traits—useful for selection, training, and purchase.
Beyond theology, it preserves practical applied knowledge—animal science and military/royal logistics (horse procurement and training)—showing the Purana’s wide scope across governance, health, and technical disciplines.
By promoting discernment and non-harmful, skill-based training (favoring the ‘susādhya’ horse over whip-dependent control), it aligns royal conduct with dharma—reducing cruelty and supporting righteous livelihood and kingship.