Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 27
Ṣāḍguṇya — The Six Measures of Foreign Policy
with Rāja-maṇḍala Theory
उपेक्षया च निपुणैर् यानं पञ्चविधं स्मृतं परस्परस्य सामर्थ्यविघातादासनं स्मृतं
upekṣayā ca nipuṇair yānaṃ pañcavidhaṃ smṛtaṃ parasparasya sāmarthyavighātādāsanaṃ smṛtaṃ
ଉପେକ୍ଷା-ନୀତି ଦ୍ୱାରା ନିପୁଣମାନେ ‘ଯାନ’କୁ ପାଞ୍ଚ ପ୍ରକାର ବୋଲି କହିଛନ୍ତି; ଏବଂ ପରସ୍ପର ଶକ୍ତିର ବିଘାତ ହେଲେ ‘ଆସନ’ (ସ୍ଥିର ରହିବା) ହୁଏ ବୋଲି କୁହାଯାଇଛି।
Lord Agni (instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Classify ‘yāna’ (expedition/march) into five types and understand ‘āsana’ (remaining stationed) as arising when both sides mutually obstruct each other’s power; use upekṣā (strategic indifference) as a policy tool.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Pañcavidha Yāna and Āsana from Mutual Power-Obstruction","lookup_keywords":["yāna pañcavidha","āsana","upekṣā","mutual obstruction","rāja-nīti"],"quick_summary":"Marching policy has five operational modes; when neither side can effectively advance due to mutual checks, the correct posture is āsana—holding position—often supported by calculated indifference (upekṣā)."}
Concept: Upekṣā is not apathy but controlled non-engagement; āsana is rational when power is mutually obstructed.
Application: In conflict management: identify stalemates early; shift to holding patterns and resource conservation rather than escalation.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma & Niti-shastra (Statecraft, Ethics, Social Conduct)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A fortified encampment facing an enemy camp across a river/plain; both sides’ scouts and fortifications prevent advance, while the king practices upekṣā—calmly holding council and maintaining readiness.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, symmetrical depiction of two opposing camps with banners, a river or open field between, king seated calmly in council embodying upekṣā, stylized forts and troops, muted yet strong colors.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, king in a pavilion with gold detailing, two distant camps shown as balanced motifs, emphasis on ‘āsana’ (stationed posture), ornate borders and rich textiles.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, technical scene: camp layout, supply lines, sentries; king and ministers pointing to a map explaining five yāna types and why āsana is chosen, clean instructional composition.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, panoramic view of two armies in stalemate, detailed tents, horses, and watchtowers; king in foreground receiving reports, calm demeanor amid tension."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"calm","suggested_raga":"Shree","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: nipuṇair = nipuṇaiḥ (visarga sandhi); sāmarthyavighātādāsanam = sāmarthya-vighātāt + āsanam.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Rajadharma on ṣāḍguṇya and yāna/āsana definitions; Agni Purana discussions of upāyas (sāma etc.) as complements to military movement
FAQs
It imparts niti-vidya (political-military doctrine): defining strategic indifference (upekṣā), classifying military advance (yāna) as fivefold, and defining encampment (āsana) as the posture adopted when both sides mutually check each other’s strength.
Beyond myth and worship, it preserves applied knowledge of governance—diplomatic stances and military decision-logic—showing the Agni Purana’s wide scope across rajadharma, policy, and strategy.
By urging restraint and context-based action (including non-intervention and avoiding futile escalation), it supports dharmic rulership: minimizing harm while maintaining order, which is treated as merit-bearing conduct for a ruler.