Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 39
अश्ववाहनसारः
Aśvavāhana-sāra) — Essentials of Horses as Mounts (and Horse-Treatment
विश्वस्तं हयमालोक्य गाढमापीड्य चासनं रोकयित्वा मुखे पादं ग्राह्यतो लोकनं हितं
viśvastaṃ hayamālokya gāḍhamāpīḍya cāsanaṃ rokayitvā mukhe pādaṃ grāhyato lokanaṃ hitaṃ
ਘੋੜੇ ਨੂੰ ਭਰੋਸੇ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੋਇਆ ਵੇਖ ਕੇ ਆਸਨ (ਕਾਠੀ) ਨੂੰ ਮਜ਼ਬੂਤੀ ਨਾਲ ਦਬਾਓ; ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਰੋਕ ਕੇ ਮੂੰਹ ਦੇ ਨੇੜੇ ਅੱਗਲਾ ਪੈਰ ਫੜ ਕੇ ਜਾਂਚ ਕਰੋ—ਇਹ ਨਿਰੀਖਣ ਹਿਤਕਾਰੀ ਹੈ।
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Ayurveda","practical_application":"Cavalry handling protocol: first ensure the horse is trusting, secure the saddle, restrain appropriately, then lift/hold the forefoot near the head for inspection—improves safety and detects hoof/limb issues.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Aśva-parīkṣā: trust-building, saddle check, and forefoot inspection","lookup_keywords":["aśva-parīkṣā","viśvasta","āsana-āpīḍana","pāda-grahaṇa","cavalry"],"quick_summary":"A stepwise method for safe examination: confirm the horse’s calm trust, tighten/press the saddle-seat, restrain, then lift the forefoot forward near the head to inspect; this is beneficial for handler and mount."}
Concept: Discipline and method (krama) convert strength into safe, beneficial practice.
Application: Standardize pre-ride inspection routines; train grooms/warriors in calm, sequential handling.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Aśva-śikṣā / Horse-handling and cavalry technique)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A groom/warrior calmly approaches a trusting horse, tightens the saddle, restrains gently, and lifts the foreleg near the horse’s head to inspect the hoof.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, dynamic yet controlled stable scene: horse calm, handler pressing saddle and lifting foreleg, attendants in background, warm tones and stylized musculature.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, regal horse with ornate saddle, gold-leaf detailing on tack, handler lifting foreleg with composed posture, temple-like decorative framing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, step-by-step instructional composition: (1) calming/observing trust, (2) tightening saddle, (3) lifting forefoot for inspection; fine linework and clear gestures.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, royal stable courtyard with detailed textiles and harness, groom lifting foreleg near the head, other attendants watching, meticulous naturalism in horse anatomy."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kedar","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: हयमालोक्य = हयम् + आलोक्य; गाढमापीड्य = गाढम् + आपीड्य; चासनम् = च + आसनम्; ग्राह्यतो (पाठ) = ग्राह्यः (or ग्राह्यतः as avyaya ‘properly’), here taken as gerundive grāhyaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 287 (Dhanurveda: Aśva-śikṣā)
FAQs
It gives practical aśva-śikṣā (horsemanship) technique: confirm the horse is calm and trusting, secure the saddle/seat firmly, restrain the animal, and lift/hold the foreleg near the head for a safe, useful inspection/handling step.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied knowledge used in warfare and governance—here, cavalry management and safety procedures—showing its broad coverage of Dhanurveda and allied practical sciences.
Though technical, it supports dharmic conduct by promoting non-harmful, disciplined handling of animals and preventing injury—aligning martial practice with restraint, responsibility, and welfare.