Agni Purana — Vyavahara, Shloka 44
Divya-pramāṇa-kathana
Explanation of Divine Proofs / Ordeals and Evidentiary Procedure
नाभिदघ्नोदकस्थस्य गृहीत्वोरू जलं विशेत् समकालमिषुं मुक्तमानीयान्यो जवो नरः
nābhidaghnodakasthasya gṛhītvorū jalaṃ viśet samakālamiṣuṃ muktamānīyānyo javo naraḥ
नाभिदघ्नोदकस्थस्य गृहीत्वोरू जलं विशेत्। समकालमिषुं मुक्तमानीयान्यो जवो नरः॥
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Aquatic agility and archery timing drill: synchronized dive/immersion and rapid arrow release-and-retrieval to measure speed, breath-control, and coordination.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Water-immersion speed drill with arrow release and retrieval","lookup_keywords":["dhanurveda","jalasthita","iṣu-mokṣa","javatā","abhyāsa"],"quick_summary":"A training test: one trainee submerges after gripping the thighs while standing navel-deep; another must, within the same time window, shoot an arrow and retrieve it—benchmarking quickness and control."}
Weapon Type: Bow and arrow (iṣu)
Concept: Skill is validated by measurable performance under constraint (kāla-parīkṣā).
Application: Use timed drills to convert technique into reliable reflex under stress and difficult terrain.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Ancient Indian Archery & Military Science)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: River/Tank
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Two trainees in a river: one stands navel-deep, grips thighs and plunges underwater; the other rapidly shoots an arrow and retrieves it within the same time span.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized river with lotus motifs, two warriors in training, one diving, one drawing bow, dynamic but flat decorative composition, earthy reds and greens","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, heroic archer with gold accents on bow and ornaments, shimmering water rendered with patterned highlights, assistant diver mid-plunge, ornate frame","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear instructional scene: navel-depth marker, correct posture gripping thighs, archer’s stance and arrow trajectory, calm background, fine lines","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed riverscape with ripples, archer on bank or shallow water, diver submerged, attendants with quiver, precise depiction of motion and timing"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"energetic","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"fast","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नाभिदघ्नोदकस्थस्य = नाभि-दघ्न-उदक-स्थस्य; गृहीत्वोरू = गृहीत्वा + ऊरू; समकालमिषुम् = समकालम् + इषुम्; मुक्तमानीयान्यः = मुक्तम् + आनीय + अन्यः
Related Themes: Agni Purana: dhanurveda chapters on abhyāsa (practice), lakṣya (targets), and guṇa-doṣa of archers
FAQs
A Dhanurveda speed-and-coordination drill: timing a warrior’s underwater plunge/mobility against the rapid shooting and retrieval of an arrow, as a measurable test of quickness (java) and responsiveness.
It preserves practical military training protocols—quantifiable skill tests (timed actions in water and archery handling)—showing the Agni Purana’s scope beyond theology into applied martial science.
Primarily pragmatic rather than expiatory: it emphasizes disciplined training and mastery of the senses/body, which Puranic ethics often frame as supportive of righteous protection (dharma-rakṣaṇa) when used responsibly.