Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 21
Chapter 244 — चामरादिलक्षणम् / आयुधलक्षणादि
Characteristics of the Fly-whisk and Related Royal Emblems; Weapon Characteristics
पूजयामास यज्ञेन वक्ष्ये ऽथो खड्गलक्षणं खटीखट्टरजाता ये दशनीयास्तुते स्मृताः
pūjayāmāsa yajñena vakṣye 'tho khaḍgalakṣaṇaṃ khaṭīkhaṭṭarajātā ye daśanīyāstute smṛtāḥ
ସେ ଯଜ୍ଞଦ୍ୱାରା ତାହାକୁ/ତାଙ୍କୁ ପୂଜା କଲେ। ଏବେ ମୁଁ ଖଡ୍ଗର ଲକ୍ଷଣ କହିବି; ଖଟୀ ଓ ଖଟ୍ଟର ଧାତୁରୁ ଜନ୍ମିତ ଯେ ଖଡ୍ଗ, ହେ ସ୍ତୁତ୍ୟ, ସେଗୁଡ଼ିକ ‘ଦଶନୀୟ’ ଅର୍ଥାତ୍ ପରୀକ୍ଷଣଯୋଗ୍ୟ ବୋଲି ସ୍ମୃତିରେ କୁହାଯାଇଛି।
Lord Agni (instructor-narrator of Agni Purana’s technical sections)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Weapon evaluation and classification—guidance for selecting, testing, and standardizing swords for warriors and state armories.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Khadga-lakṣaṇa and ‘Daśanīya’ Swords (khaṭī/khaṭṭara origin)","lookup_keywords":["khadga-lakṣaṇa","daśanīya","khaṭī","khaṭṭara","sword testing"],"quick_summary":"Introduces sword-characteristics and notes certain metal-origin swords as ‘to be inspected/tested’—implying formal quality control before battlefield use."}
Weapon Type: Sword (khadga)
Concept: Yukti (practical reasoning) and saṃskāra (proper rite/standard) applied to arms.
Application: Adopt standards and testing protocols for tools before critical use—an ethic of preparedness.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Arms and Weapon-Science)
Primary Rasa: Adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: Vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A teacher explains sword characteristics; several swords are laid out, with two marked as ‘daśanīya’ for inspection; a small sacrificial rite honors the weapons.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: guru instructing warriors, swords displayed on cloth; small yajña fire at side; stylized inscriptions indicating ‘daśanīya’; traditional palette and ornamented borders","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: weapons on a ceremonial platform with gold accents; guru in dignified posture pointing to sword features; yajña elements with lamps; rich gold work","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: technical illustration feel—sword parts clearly drawn (hilt, blade, edge), inspection gestures; minimal background, fine lines and labels","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: armory workshop scene; artisans and a master examiner inspecting blades; detailed metal textures; small ritual fire in corner"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वक्ष्ये ऽथो = वक्ष्ये अथो; खड्गलक्षणं = खड्ग-लक्षणम्; दशनियास्तुते = दशनीयाः तु उते; खटीखट्टरजाता = खटी-खट्टर-जाता.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda chapters detailing khadga types, defects (doṣa), and tests (parīkṣā); Agni Purana passages on āyudha-pūjā (weapon consecration) preceding use
FAQs
It introduces Dhanurveda’s sword-science by transitioning from ritual honouring (yajña) to the technical lakṣaṇas (diagnostic features) and the need to test/inspect (daśanīya) swords made from specific named metals/alloys (khaṭī, khaṭṭara).
The verse juxtaposes yajña (ritual practice) with detailed arms-technology, showing how the Agni Purana integrates dharma-oriented rites with practical sciences like metallurgy and weapon evaluation within a single textual corpus.
By framing weapon-knowledge after ritual honouring, the text implies that martial tools should be approached under dharmic discipline—purified intent and proper rites—so that power (weaponry) is governed by merit and right conduct rather than mere violence.