Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 19
Ācāra
Right Conduct
नाद्वारेण विशेद्वेश्म न च वक्त्रं विरागयेत् कथाभङ्गं न कुर्वीत न च वासोविपर्ययं
nādvāreṇa viśedveśma na ca vaktraṃ virāgayet kathābhaṅgaṃ na kurvīta na ca vāsoviparyayaṃ
ਘਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਾਸੇ/ਪਿੱਛੇ ਦੇ ਦਰਵਾਜ਼ੇ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਦਾਖ਼ਲ ਨਾ ਹੋਵੋ ਅਤੇ ਚਿਹਰੇ ਤੇ ਨਾਰਾਜ਼ਗੀ ਨਾ ਦਿਖਾਓ। ਗੱਲਬਾਤ ਦੀ ਧਾਰ ਨਾ ਤੋੜੋ ਅਤੇ ਕੱਪੜੇ ਉਲਟੇ ਜਾਂ ਗਲਤ ਢੰਗ ਨਾਲ ਨਾ ਪਹਿਨੋ।
Lord Agni (in instruction to the sage Vasiṣṭha, as the usual Agni Purāṇa dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Household etiquette: enter properly, maintain pleasant facial expression, preserve conversational flow, and dress correctly to avoid social offense.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Sadācāra: Proper Entry, Pleasant Countenance, Conversational Courtesy, and Correct Dress","lookup_keywords":["dvāra-praveśa","vaktra-vairāgya","kathā-bhaṅga","vāsa-viparyaya","sadācāra"],"quick_summary":"Do not enter by improper entrances, do not display a contemptuous face, do not interrupt conversation, and do not wear garments reversed or improperly—these preserve harmony and respect."}
Alamkara Type: Yamaka/Anuprasa (sound-patterning in prohibitive cadence)
Concept: Aucitya (context-appropriate behavior) sustains trust and auspiciousness in domestic/social life.
Application: Use the main entrance, keep a composed face, listen without cutting others off, and dress neatly and correctly in public and at home.
Khanda Section: Sadācāra (Etiquette and Proper Conduct)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A guest approaches a house and chooses the main doorway; inside, people converse respectfully without interruption; a figure adjusts garments correctly; another softens a displeased expression into a courteous smile.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, traditional house façade with prominent main doorway, guest with folded hands entering properly, interior scene of seated conversation, bold lines and warm palette, emphasis on facial expressions and gesture etiquette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, domestic courtly interior with gold ornamentation, central doorway motif, figures in elegant attire demonstrating correct drape, calm faces, symmetrical composition.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional domestic scene: arrows indicating main entrance vs side entrance, small vignettes showing ‘do not interrupt’ and ‘do not wear reversed garments’, delicate linework and clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed haveli entrance with attendants, refined gathering in a room with conversational etiquette, textiles and garments rendered meticulously, subtle facial expressions."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bihag","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: nādvāreṇa = na + advāreṇa; viśedveśma = viśet + veśma; vāsoviparyayaṃ = vāsaḥ + viparyayam.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 155 (sadācāra rules)
FAQs
It teaches sadācāra (practical etiquette): enter through the proper door, maintain a pleasant countenance, do not break another’s discourse, and keep dress properly arranged.
Alongside ritual, theology, and statecraft, the Agni Purāṇa also codifies everyday civil conduct—small behavioral rules that sustain social order and dharmic living.
Observing such decorum reduces offense and discord, supports sattvic behavior, and aligns one’s daily actions with dharma—thereby fostering merit through restraint and respect.