Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 35
Raṇadīkṣā (War-Consecration) — Agni Purāṇa Adhyāya 235
न संहतान्न विरलान्योधान् व्यूहे प्रकल्पयेत् आयुधानान्तु सम्मर्दो यथा न स्यात् परस्परं
na saṃhatānna viralānyodhān vyūhe prakalpayet āyudhānāntu sammardo yathā na syāt parasparaṃ
ବ୍ୟୂହ ଗଠନ କରିବାବେଳେ ଯୋଦ୍ଧାମାନଙ୍କୁ ନ ଅତି ଘନ ନ ଅତି ବିରଳ ଭାବେ ରଖିବା ଉଚିତ, ଯେପରି ତାଙ୍କ ଅସ୍ତ୍ରଗୁଡ଼ିକ ପରସ୍ପର ଧକ୍କା ଖାଇ ଗୁଞ୍ଜି ନଯାଉ।
Lord Agni (narrating Dhanurveda material to Vasiṣṭha, per the common Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Battle-array spacing doctrine: maintain optimal intervals so weapons and movement do not interfere; improves cohesion, maneuver, and reduces friendly collisions.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Vyūha—Optimal Spacing (Neither Dense nor Sparse)","lookup_keywords":["vyuha","sainika-vinyasa","samhata","virala","ayudha-sammarda"],"quick_summary":"In forming a vyūha, avoid over-compression and over-dispersion; keep spacing that prevents weapon entanglement while preserving mutual support."}
Weapon Type: Mixed arms (general: āyudha)
Concept: Madhyama-mārga (optimal mean) in tactical deployment—efficiency arises from balanced density.
Application: Commanders set standard intervals (frontage/depth) to match weapon reach and terrain, reducing chaos and increasing striking power.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Military Science: Battle Arrays and Troop Formations)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A battlefield commander arranges infantry lines with measured gaps; soldiers hold spears/bows without overlapping, showing clear lanes for movement.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, flat vibrant colors, commander gesturing with staff, infantry ranks with controlled spacing, weapons not touching, stylized battlefield ground, traditional ornaments, clear rhythmic repetition of figures.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf accents on armor and standards, symmetrical formation with visible intervals, shield-bearers and archers in ordered rows, ornate borders, rich reds and greens.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, fine linework showing measured distances between soldiers, instructional diagram-like battlefield with labeled lanes, subtle shading, calm authoritative commander.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed troop array with precise spacing, banners and officers, horses and footmen in ordered ranks, naturalistic ground, delicate palette and intricate detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: संहतान्न = संहतान् + न; विरलान्योधान् = विरलान् + योधान्; आयुधानान्तु = आयुधानाम् + तु.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 235 (Dhanurveda: vyūha-vidhi and sainya-vinyāsa)
FAQs
This verse teaches a Dhanurveda tactic: maintain optimal troop spacing in a vyūha so weapons do not collide or get entangled, preserving fighting efficiency and formation integrity.
Beyond theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves practical knowledge such as battlefield organization and command principles—showing it as a compendium that includes statecraft and military science alongside spiritual teachings.
By minimizing chaotic violence and preventing needless harm to one’s own side, the instruction aligns warfare with restraint and disciplined duty (dharma), reducing avoidable wrongdoing even in conflict.