Agni Purana — Kosha, Shloka 26
Chapter 363: नृब्रह्मक्षत्रविट्शूद्रवर्गाः
Groups of terms for Men, Brahmins, Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas, and Śūdras
आकाल्पवेशौ नेपथ्यं प्रत्यक्षं खेलयोगजम् चूडामणिः शिरोरत्नं तरलो हारमध्यगः
ākālpaveśau nepathyaṃ pratyakṣaṃ khelayogajam cūḍāmaṇiḥ śiroratnaṃ taralo hāramadhyagaḥ
आकल्पवेशौ नेपथ्यं प्रत्यक्षं खेलयोगजम्। चूडामणिः शिरोरत्नं तरलो हारमध्यगः॥
Lord Agni (in instruction to the sage Vasiṣṭha, as the dominant Agni Purana discourse frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Natya","secondary_vidya":"Alamkara","practical_application":"Stagecraft and dramaturgy: correct identification and use of costume/wardrobe items and jewelry terms for performance description, direction, and critique.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Nepathya and Abharaṇa terminology (ākalpa, veśa, cūḍāmaṇi, tarala)","lookup_keywords":["nepathya","ākalpa","veśa","cūḍāmaṇi","tarala"],"quick_summary":"Defines key stage-wardrobe terms and two jewelry items: cūḍāmaṇi as the head-crest gem and tarala as the central pendant of a necklace; useful for precise theatrical and descriptive vocabulary."}
Concept: Precision of technical terminology (saṃjñā) as a tool for correct practice in performance and description.
Application: Use standardized terms when directing actors, cataloging ornaments, or composing vivid descriptions in kāvya/nāṭya.
Khanda Section: Sahitya-shastra (Alankara & Natya-related descriptive terminology)
Primary Rasa: shringara
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A performer being dressed for stage: attendants arrange costume (ākalpa/veśa), place a crest-jewel on the head and a necklace with a central pendant resting at mid-chest.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat vivid colors, ornate jewelry; a nāṭya performer in elaborate nepathya, attendants placing cūḍāmaṇi on the crown and tarala pendant centered on the hāra; stylized eyes and lotus motifs, warm ochres and greens.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold leaf highlights; frontal figure richly adorned, prominent cūḍāmaṇi on headgear and a heavy hāra with central tarala pendant; decorative arch frame, jewel embossing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, delicate linework and soft shading; instructional composition showing labeled placement of cūḍāmaṇi (head) and tarala (mid-necklace) on a costumed actor; minimal background.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, fine detailing; backstage dressing scene with textiles and jewelry laid out, attendants fastening necklace so the tarala sits at center, crest-jewel set on turban; architectural interior with patterned carpets."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Vachaspati","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: खेलयोगजम् = खेल-योग-जम् (समास). अन्यत्र स्पष्ट-सन्धिः न दृश्यते।
Related Themes: Agni Purana 363 (Sahitya-shastra: nāṭya/alaṅkāra terminology sections); Agni Purana 362-363 (lexical/technical definitions in sahitya context)
FAQs
It gives technical vocabulary from dramaturgy—defining nepathya (stage-costume/wardrobe) and naming specific ornaments (cūḍāmaṇi as head-jewel; tarala as the central pendant of a necklace) used in performance presentation.
Beyond ritual and theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied arts terminology—here, stagecraft and ornamentation—functioning like a compact lexicon that supports performance, aesthetics, and cultural practice.
By systematizing correct forms of representation and adornment in cultured performance, it supports dharmic refinement (saṃskāra) and the orderly transmission of traditional arts, viewed as meritorious when aligned with right conduct.