Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 26
Yātrā-Maṇḍala-Cintā and Rājya-Rakṣaṇa: Auspicious Travel Rules and the Twelve-King Mandala
जिगीषुर्धर्मविजयी तथा लोकं वशन्नयेत्
jigīṣurdharmavijayī tathā lokaṃ vaśannayet
Стремящийся к завоеванию, побеждающий посредством дхармы, должен тем же путем привести народ к своей верности и подданству.
Lord Agni (in instruction to Vasiṣṭha, within the Agni Purana’s didactic narration)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Conquest ethics and integration: win through dharma and then govern in a way that secures willing allegiance rather than mere subjugation.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Dharma-vijaya (righteous conquest) and people’s allegiance","lookup_keywords":["jigīṣu","dharma-vijaya","loka","vaśa","naya"],"quick_summary":"A conqueror should prevail by righteous means and, by that same righteousness, bring the people into stable allegiance. Legitimation is part of victory."}
Concept: Ends and means are linked: durable sovereignty arises from dharmic victory and dharmic governance.
Application: In any takeover/merger or regime change, prioritize fair treatment, continuity of local welfare, and rule-of-law to secure consent.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma (Governance, statecraft, conquest ethics)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: Kingdom
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A victorious king enters a newly won city without plunder; he offers protection, confirms local customs, and receives voluntary homage from citizens.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, city gate scene with king under parasol, soldiers restrained, citizens offering garlands, emphasis on dharmic calm, bold outlines and warm palette","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, king with gold halo-arch, right hand in abhaya (protection) gesture, citizens kneeling with offerings, rich gold ornamentation","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, didactic integration scene: proclamation being read, tax remission scroll, officials recording, citizens reassured, fine detailing","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, triumphal entry with controlled troops, citizens presenting keys of the city, nuanced faces showing relief and respect, architectural detail"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वशम्+नयेत्→वशन्नयेत् (अनुस्वार/नकारादेश)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 232 (rājadharma and conquest conduct); Agni Purana 233 (foreign policy measures that include peace and war)
FAQs
It imparts rajadharma as practical statecraft: conquest and governance should be achieved through dharma—ethical conduct that wins voluntary allegiance rather than mere coercion.
Alongside ritual, cosmology, and other sciences, the Agni Purana also teaches political ethics; this verse is a compact rule on legitimate rule-building—how a king consolidates power by righteousness and public consent.
Dharma-based victory reduces adharma (harmful action) and its karmic burden, aligning kingship with moral order; winning people through righteousness is presented as a purer, merit-bearing mode of rule.