Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 17
Chapter 238 — राजधर्माः (Rājadharmāḥ) | Duties of Kings
अथर्वदेवविहितं कुर्याच्छान्तिकपौष्टिकं साधुतैषाममात्यानां तद्विद्यैः सह बुद्धिमान्
atharvadevavihitaṃ kuryācchāntikapauṣṭikaṃ sādhutaiṣāmamātyānāṃ tadvidyaiḥ saha buddhimān
ବୁଦ୍ଧିମାନ ରାଜା ଅଥର୍ବବେଦବିହିତ ଶାନ୍ତିକ ଓ ପୌଷ୍ଟିକ (ସମୃଦ୍ଧିଦାୟକ) କର୍ମ, ସେହି ବିଦ୍ୟାରେ ନିପୁଣମାନଙ୍କ ସହ, ନିଜ ଅମାତ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କ କଲ୍ୟାଣ ଓ ସଦାଚାର ପାଇଁ କରିବା ଉଚିତ।
Lord Agni (in the Agni Purana’s primary narration to Vashistha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"State-sponsored Atharvavedic śānti (pacification) and pauṣṭika (prosperity) rites to stabilize administration, avert calamities, and ensure ministerial harmony.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Atharvavedic Śāntika–Pauṣṭika Prayoga for Ministers","lookup_keywords":["Atharvaveda","śāntika","pauṣṭika","amātya","rājadharma"],"quick_summary":"The king should commission Atharvavedic pacificatory and prosperity rites, performed with competent specialists, aiming at the welfare and disciplined conduct of ministers."}
Concept: Rājā as guardian of collective well-being uses Vedic ritual (śānti/pauṣṭi) through qualified knowers; competence (tadvid) is integral to efficacy.
Application: Engage vetted ritual experts; perform preventive rites during omens, unrest, disease-fear, or administrative discord; align ministerial ethics with auspicious observances.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma & Shanti-Paushtika Prayoga (Atharvaveda-based pacificatory and prosperity rites; statecraft/ministerial counsel)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A king in court commissions Atharvavedic priests to perform a śānti–pauṣṭika rite for ministers; fire-altar, offerings, and ministers seated respectfully.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat vibrant colors, stylized royal court; king with crown and ornaments, Atharvavedic priest near homa-kuṇḍa, ministers in orderly rows, auspicious symbols, serene śānta mood","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold leaf highlights; central king and priest by a glowing fire-altar, ornate jewelry, rich textiles, gold detailing on vessels and halo-like aureoles, prosperity motifs (śrī symbols)","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, refined linework; instructional depiction of śānti homa setup—altar, ladles, offerings—king observing with ministers; calm palette, clear ritual implements","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed court scene with patterned carpets and architecture; priest conducting homa, king conferring, ministers attentive; fine brushwork, subdued dignified tones"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Shri","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कुर्याच्छान्तिकपौष्टिकम् = कुर्यात् + शान्तिकपौष्टिकम्; तैषाममात्यानाम् = ता(म्) + एषाम् + अमात्यानाम् (पाठानुसार संधि-विच्छेद: साधुता + एषाम् + अमात्यानाम्); तद्विद्यैः = तद् + विद्यैः (समास/संधि); बुद्धिमान् (पदान्त न्)
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Rajadharma/Nīti sections on amātya-parīkṣā and śānti-karmāṇi; Agni Purana: Atharvaveda-based prayoga/śānti descriptions (where listed)
FAQs
It instructs the performance of Atharvavedic śāntika (pacificatory) and pauṣṭika (prosperity-enhancing) rites, carried out with qualified experts (tadvidyāḥ) to secure stability and auspiciousness in the ministerial sphere.
It integrates Atharvavedic ritual science with Rajadharma (governance), showing how the Purana links practical state administration—especially the welfare and integrity of ministers—with specialized Vedic ritual procedures.
Śānti and puṣṭi rites are framed as dharmic means to remove inauspicious influences and cultivate prosperity; performed correctly with competent ritualists, they support collective well-being and reduce harmful karmic or omenic disturbances affecting governance.