Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 16
Chapter 13 — कुरुपाण्डवोत्पत्त्यादिकथनं
Narration of the Origin of the Kurus and the Pāṇḍavas, and Related Matters
सारथिञ्चार्जुनः सङ्ख्ये कृष्णमक्षय्यशायकान् ब्रह्मास्त्रादींस् तथा द्रोणात्सर्वे शस्त्रविशारदाः
sārathiñcārjunaḥ saṅkhye kṛṣṇamakṣayyaśāyakān brahmāstrādīṃs tathā droṇātsarve śastraviśāradāḥ
Na batalha, Arjuna tomou Kṛṣṇa como seu cocheiro; (obteve) as aljavas inesgotáveis, o Brahmāstra e outros mísseis divinos; e de Droṇa (aprendeu) todas as artes das armas, tornando-se plenamente perito.
Lord Agni (Agni Purana’s narrator) speaking to Vasiṣṭha (frame dialogue attribution)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Catalogs core components of elite ratha-archery: charioteer selection, inexhaustible ammunition logistics, acquisition/handling of astras, and systematic weapons training under a master (Droṇa).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Ratha-yuddha requisites: sārathi, akṣayya-śayaka, Brahmāstra, and Droṇa-śastra-vidyā","lookup_keywords":["sārathi","akṣayya-śayaka","Brahmāstra","Droṇa","śastra-vidyā"],"quick_summary":"A complete warrior profile combines platform (chariot + expert driver), supply (inexhaustible quivers), divine missiles (astra), and formal training—yielding śastra-viśārada mastery."}
Weapon Type: Bow and astras (Brahmāstra etc.)
Concept: Skill is multi-factor: tools, logistics, mentorship, and right collaboration (sārathi) together produce excellence.
Application: Training programs should integrate equipment, supply-chain, role-specialization, and supervised practice rather than isolated technique.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Military science and archery; astras and battlefield technique)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Arjuna in a battlefield setting appoints Kṛṣṇa as charioteer; beside them are inexhaustible quivers and the aura of Brahmāstra knowledge, with Droṇa depicted as the martial preceptor.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, Arjuna and Krishna on a decorated chariot, stacked quivers glowing, Droṇa as guru figure blessing with weapon-knowledge, stylized battlefield backdrop","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, Krishna as sārathi with gold halo, Arjuna holding bow, gold-embossed quivers, symbolic Brahmāstra radiance as a mandala, rich ornamentation","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, didactic layout: chariot, reins, quivers, bow; Droṇa instructing posture and release; clean lines and labeled-feel composition","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, training-cum-battle vignette: Droṇa teaching in foreground, Arjuna and Krishna on chariot in midground, attendants carrying quivers, fine detail on weapons and textiles"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सारथिञ्चार्जुनः = सारथिम् + च + अर्जुनः; कृष्णमक्षय्यशायकान् = कृष्णम् + अक्षय्यशायकान्; ब्रह्मास्त्रादींस् = ब्रह्मास्त्रादीन्; द्रोणात्सर्वे = द्रोणात् + सर्वे.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 13.15; Agni Purana 13.17
FAQs
Dhanurveda knowledge: the acquisition and deployment framework of śastra (handheld weapons) and astra (invoked/projectile missiles) is illustrated through Arjuna’s training under Droṇa and his possession of high-order astras such as the Brahmāstra.
It exemplifies the Purana’s coverage of applied sciences by embedding a concise dossier of martial credentials—teacher-lineage (Droṇa), command-and-control (Kṛṣṇa as sārathi), logistics (akṣayya-śāyaka), and strategic weapon systems (Brahmāstra)—within a broader compendium text.
By foregrounding disciplined training, rightful guidance (a qualified charioteer/mentor), and responsible mastery of powerful astras, the verse implies that extraordinary force must be governed by dharma and proper tutelage to avoid adharma and destructive karmic consequence.