Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 22
Chapter 233 — Ṣāḍguṇya (The Six Measures of Royal Policy) and Foreign Daṇḍa
आसीनः कर्मविच्छेदं शक्तः कर्तुं रिपोर्यदा अशुद्धपार्ष्णिश्चासीत विगृह्य वसुधाधिपः
āsīnaḥ karmavicchedaṃ śaktaḥ kartuṃ riporyadā aśuddhapārṣṇiścāsīta vigṛhya vasudhādhipaḥ
Quando o rei, estando sentado, é capaz de romper ou interromper as operações do inimigo, então o senhor da terra deve sentar-se em postura de confronto, com os calcanhares instáveis ou mal assentados.
Lord Agni (in instruction to Vasiṣṭha, in the Agni Purana’s didactic frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","practical_application":"Royal posture and readiness doctrine: when the king can disrupt enemy activity even while seated (i.e., from a secure command position), he should adopt a confrontational readiness posture to signal vigilance and enable rapid response.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Āsīna-vigraha: Seated posture for interrupting enemy operations","lookup_keywords":["āsīna","karmaviccheda","vigraha","aśuddha-pārṣṇi","rājadharma"],"quick_summary":"If the king can obstruct the enemy’s operations from a seated command, he should assume a confrontational seated posture with unstable/ready heels, indicating immediate preparedness for action."}
Concept: Ruler’s dharma includes constant vigilance and the capacity to check hostile action even from a position of rest.
Application: Cultivate disciplined alertness in governance; posture and visible readiness function as policy instruments.
Khanda Section: Rājadharma & Nīti (Kingship, statecraft, warfare conduct)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A king seated on a low throne in council, body angled forward, heels set in a tense, ready position, facing a symbolic enemy camp map or messenger; ministers nearby, atmosphere of imminent confrontation.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, earthy reds and greens, seated king in royal court, forward-leaning confrontational posture with tense heels, ministers and palm-leaf documents, stylized enemy banner in background, flat perspective, ornate borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, king on jeweled throne with gold leaf highlights, poised seated stance with ready heels, attendants holding flywhisks, a war-map scroll, rich textiles, halo-like arch behind the king.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, fine linework, instructional emphasis on the seated posture and heel placement, labeled court objects (throne, footrest), calm palette, minimal background.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed court scene with the king seated in a tense readiness posture, ministers in discussion, a messenger pointing to enemy movements on a map, delicate architecture and textiles, naturalistic faces."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: riporyadā = ripoḥ + yadā; pārṣṇiścāsīt = pārṣṇiḥ + ca + āsīt; vasudhādhipaḥ = vasudhā + adhipaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 233 (Ṣaḍguṇa/Upāya context); Agni Purana 234 (daily royal routine: vigilance)
FAQs
It teaches a tactical principle of rāja-nīti: even from a seated position, a king should adopt a readiness posture and aim to disrupt the enemy’s actions (karmaviccheda), i.e., break their momentum and plans.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana compiles applied disciplines like governance and military strategy; this verse preserves a concrete, operational instruction on posture, readiness, and counter-action against an enemy.
In rājadharma, disciplined conduct in conflict is part of rightful duty; acting with controlled readiness and strategic restraint supports dharmic rule and reduces reckless violence, aligning kingship with moral order.