Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 11
Chapter 238 — राजधर्माः (Rājadharmāḥ) | Duties of Kings
गुणानुरागस्थितिमानात्मसम्पद्गुणाः स्मृताः कुलीनाः शुचयः शूराः श्रुतवन्तो ऽनुरागिणः
guṇānurāgasthitimānātmasampadguṇāḥ smṛtāḥ kulīnāḥ śucayaḥ śūrāḥ śrutavanto 'nurāgiṇaḥ
ਜੋ ਗੁਣਾਂ ਪ੍ਰਤੀ ਅਨੁਰਾਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਡੋਲ, ਅੰਦਰੂਨੀ ਸੰਪਦਾ ਅਤੇ ਸਦਗੁਣਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਯੁਕਤ ਹਨ, ਉਹੀ ਸੱਚੇ ਕੁਲੀਨ ਮੰਨੇ ਗਏ ਹਨ—ਆਚਰਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ੁੱਧ, ਸ਼ੂਰਵੀਰ, ਸ਼੍ਰੁਤਵਾਨ (ਵਿਦਵਾਨ) ਅਤੇ ਸਨੇਹੀ।
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Character assessment for nobility and public trust: identify the truly ‘kulīna’ by steadiness in virtue, inner wealth, purity, courage, learning, and affectionate disposition.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Kulīna-lakṣaṇa (Marks of true nobility)","lookup_keywords":["kulīna","śuci","śūra","śrutavat","guṇānurāga"],"quick_summary":"True nobility is defined by steadfast love of virtue and inner excellence, expressed as purity, courage, learning, and benevolent affection—not merely by birth."}
Concept: Guṇa-based nobility: inner wealth (ātma-sampad) and steadfast virtue are the true criteria of excellence.
Application: Use virtue-based criteria for selecting officials/associates: integrity, cleanliness of conduct, courage under pressure, learning, and goodwill toward others.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma & Sadachara (Ethics of the Noble / Marks of Good Conduct)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A group of exemplary nobles/officials portrayed with clean conduct, brave bearing, learned demeanor (texts in hand), and affectionate interaction with the community.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, noble figures with serene faces, scholars holding palm-leaf manuscripts, warriors standing protectively, citizens receiving kind attention, strong outlines and saturated colors.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, dignified noble assembly with gold ornamentation, central figure symbolizing guṇa, attendants with scriptures and weapons as symbols of learning and courage, devotional aura of virtue.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional portrait series of virtues: śauca, śaurya, śruta, anurāga; fine detailing, calm palette, clear iconographic labels via objects (water pot, book, sword, offering).","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, refined gathering of courtiers and scholars, subtle gestures of affection and respect, detailed costumes, manuscripts and arms as symbolic attributes, balanced composition."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Madhyamavati","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गुणानुरागस्थितिमानात्मसम्पद्गुणाः = गुण-अनुराग-स्थितिमान् + आत्म-सम्पद्-गुणाः (न् + आ → न्ना; सम्पद् + गुणाः = सम्पद्गुणाः); 'अनुरागिणः = ऽनुरागिणः (अवग्रह)।
Related Themes: Agni Purana sections defining guṇa, sadācāra, and rājasevaka qualifications (within 238 and adjacent)
FAQs
It imparts sadācāra-vidyā (practical ethics): the operational markers of a “kulīna” person—steadfastness in virtue, inner excellence, purity, courage, learning, and benevolent affection.
Alongside rituals, polity, and other sciences, the Agni Purana codifies social-ethical standards; this verse functions like a compact definition-list for character assessment within rajadharma and community life.
Cultivating these traits is presented as dharmic refinement: purity, learning, courage, and virtue-oriented affection generate merit (puṇya) and stabilize one’s conduct, supporting righteous living and favorable karmic outcomes.