Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 15
Chapter 237 — Rāma’s Teaching on Nīti (रामोक्तनीतिः)
ततः साधुतरः कार्यो दुर्जनाय शिवर्थिना प्रियमेवाभिधातव्यं सत्सु नित्यं द्विषत्सु च
tataḥ sādhutaraḥ kāryo durjanāya śivarthinā priyamevābhidhātavyaṃ satsu nityaṃ dviṣatsu ca
ଏହେତୁ ଯେ ମଙ୍ଗଳ ଚାହେ, ସେ ଦୁର୍ଜନ ପ୍ରତି ମଧ୍ୟ ଅଧିକ ସଦାଚାର କରିବା ଉଚିତ; ସଜ୍ଜନମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ସଦା ଏବଂ ଶତ୍ରୁମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ମଧ୍ୟ ପ୍ରିୟବଚନ ମାତ୍ର କହିବା ଉଚିତ।
Lord Agni (in instruction on rajadharma/niti, narrated within the Agni Purana’s discourse framework)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Guidelines for speech-ethics and conflict conduct: maintain pleasing, non-inflammatory speech even with adversaries to preserve social harmony and personal auspiciousness.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Priyavacana and Sādhutā toward the Wicked","lookup_keywords":["priyavacana","durjana-vyavahara","sadachara","niti","shiva-artha"],"quick_summary":"Auspiciousness is secured by heightened virtue toward the wicked and by speaking only pleasing words among the good and even among enemies."}
Alamkara Type: Antithesis (vyatireka/contrast)
Concept: Auspiciousness (śiva-artha) arises from self-restraint in speech and unwavering virtue irrespective of the other’s character.
Application: Use pleasant, truthful, non-provocative speech in councils, family disputes, and political negotiations; do not mirror hostility.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma / Niti-shastra (Ethics of conduct and speech)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Secondary Rasa: Karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A calm noble person addressing both a group of virtuous elders and a hostile rival with the same gentle, pleasing speech; the wicked person appears agitated but is met with composure.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat vibrant colors, a serene dharmic figure with right hand in teaching gesture speaking sweetly to sages on one side and a scowling adversary on the other, ornate borders, traditional jewelry and textiles","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold leaf highlights, central dignified householder/minister figure, two groups flanking—satpurusha and enemy—depicting priyavacana, rich brocade, gold halo-like ornamentation","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, delicate linework, instructional moral scene: a counselor demonstrating pleasing speech in a court setting, subtle expressions, soft palette","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly negotiation scene, refined faces, the speaker calm and courteous addressing an adversary, detailed textiles and architecture, balanced composition"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: priyam+eva→priyam eva; eva+abhidhātavyam→evābhidhātavyam; śiva+arthinā→śivarthinā.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 237 (Sadācāra/Rājadharma section); Agni Purana Nīti passages on dāna, kṣamā, satya (nearby verses)
FAQs
Niti-vidya (ethical discipline): cultivate heightened virtue and restrained, pleasing speech even when facing wicked people or enemies.
It exemplifies the text’s rajadharma/niti layer—practical social ethics and diplomatic self-control—alongside its many other domains (ritual, architecture, medicine, poetics).
By choosing virtue and non-harmful speech in hostile contexts, one preserves inner purity and accrues auspicious merit (śiva), avoiding karmic bondage created by harsh words and reactive conduct.