Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 27
Rājanīti (Statecraft): Ṣaḍvidha-bala, Vyūha-vidhāna, and Strategic Warfare
अश्वकर्माथ पत्तेश् च सर्वदा शस्त्रधारणं शिविरस्य च मार्गादेः शोधनं वस्तिकर्म च
aśvakarmātha patteś ca sarvadā śastradhāraṇaṃ śivirasya ca mārgādeḥ śodhanaṃ vastikarma ca
अश्वकर्म, पत्तेः सर्वदा शस्त्रधारणं; शिविरस्य मार्गादेः शोधनं; वस्तिकर्म चापि निरूप्यते।
Lord Agni (in discourse to sage Vasiṣṭha, as per the Agni Purana’s standard narration frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Camp discipline and logistics: horse management, infantry readiness via constant arms-bearing, sanitation of camp and roads, and trench/earthwork maintenance for defense.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Śivira-śuddhi and Sena-vyavasthā: Aśva-karma, Pādāti-śastra-dhāraṇa, Mārga-śodhana, and Vasti-karma","lookup_keywords":["śivira","aśvakarma","pādāti","mārgaśodhana","vasti-karma"],"quick_summary":"An army’s effectiveness depends on horse-care, constant weapon-readiness of infantry, systematic cleaning of camp and routes, and maintaining trenches/earthworks as part of defensive preparedness."}
Weapon Type: Infantry arms (general śastra), defensive earthworks
Concept: Victory is sustained by niyama (regimen): preparedness, cleanliness, and engineered defenses are as crucial as valor.
Application: Implement camp SOPs: weapon-carry mandate, horse lines management, sanitation routes, and scheduled trench works integrated with sentry duty.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda / Sena-vyavastha (Military science and camp discipline)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: Encampment
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A disciplined camp: soldiers carrying weapons at all times, grooms tending horses, work parties sweeping roads and camp lanes, and teams digging and reinforcing trenches around the perimeter.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, panoramic camp scene with rhythmic rows of tents, soldiers with spears/bows, horse-grooms with stylized horses, workers cleaning paths, a trench line encircling the camp, bold outlines and earthy colors","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold accents on weapons and horse ornaments, central infantry figure with constant arms-bearing, side scenes of horse-care and trench work, ornate border and temple-like symmetry","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, instructional clarity: labeled zones—horse lines, armory check, sanitation lane, trench perimeter—figures performing each duty, soft shading and precise detailing","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed encampment with tents and banners, grooms currying horses, soldiers on inspection with weapons, laborers digging trenches, realistic tools and textiles, lively yet orderly composition"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अश्वकर्माथ → अश्वकर्म + अथ; पत्तेश् → पत्तेः (visarga sandhi before च); मार्गादेः = मार्ग + आदेः (आदि-शब्देन समाहारः).
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda: camp arrangement, marching order, and fortification practices; Agni Purana Rajadharma: army administration and logistics
FAQs
It imparts practical Dhanurveda-oriented military procedure: cavalry-related duties, infantry weapon-readiness, camp and route sanitation, and defensive trench/earthwork maintenance.
Beyond theology, it preserves applied statecraft and war-science: operational discipline, logistics, infrastructure upkeep, and fortification-like works—showing the text’s wide coverage of governance and military administration.
By emphasizing cleanliness, preparedness, and orderly duty, it aligns warfare conduct with dharmic discipline—reducing negligence and harm, and supporting righteous protection (rakṣaṇa) through regulated action.