Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 40
अश्ववाहनसारः
Aśvavāhana-sāra) — Essentials of Horses as Mounts (and Horse-Treatment
गाढमापीड्य रागाभ्यां वल्गामाकृष्य गृह्यते तद्वन्धनाद् युग्मपादं तद्वद्वक्वनमुच्यते
gāḍhamāpīḍya rāgābhyāṃ valgāmākṛṣya gṛhyate tadvandhanād yugmapādaṃ tadvadvakvanamucyate
இரு ராகங்களையும் உறுதியாக அழுத்தி, வல்காவை பின்னே இழுத்தால் குதிரை தடுக்கப்பட்டு கட்டுப்பாட்டில் வரும். இவ்வாறு கட்டுவதால் அதன் இரு முன்கால்கள் அடக்கப்படுகின்றன; அதுபோன்ற கட்டுப்படுத்தும் கட்டளையே ‘வக்வனம்’ எனப்படும்.
Lord Agni (in discourse to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Equestrian control: checking speed, halting, and restraining forelegs through rein pressure and a named vocal/command cue (vakvana) during chariot/horse handling.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Vakvana—rein-check and restraining command in horse control","lookup_keywords":["vakvana","valgā (reins)","bridle check","yugmapāda restraint","aśva-niyantraṇa"],"quick_summary":"Firm bilateral rein pressure with a backward draw checks the horse; the same action is paired with a technical restraining call termed vakvana, used to steady and restrain the forelegs."}
Weapon Type: Chariot/Equestrian equipment (reins/bridle)
Concept: Mastery through regulated technique and consistent signaling (action + command).
Application: Standardize cues in training so the animal associates a specific tactile action with a specific command, improving reliability under stress.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Equestrian and chariot-handling techniques)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A trainer/charioteer firmly draws back both reins, the horse’s forelegs steadying as a restraining command is issued.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, charioteer in traditional attire holding twin reins taut, horse in controlled stance, minimal background, earthy reds and ochres, crisp linework, instructional equestrian moment","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf highlights on bridle and ornaments, charioteer checking the horse with both reins, stylized horse posture showing restraint, rich jewel tones, decorative border","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, clear didactic composition: hands on reins, bridle drawn back, labeled gesture-like clarity, soft shading, muted palette, training arena setting","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed tack and reins, courtly rider/trainer halting a horse, fine textile patterns, naturalistic horse anatomy, sparse landscape with training ring"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: gāḍham + āpīḍya → gāḍhamāpīḍya; valgām + ākṛṣya → valgāmākṛṣya; tat + vandhanāt → tadvandhanāt; tat + vat → tadvad; vakvanam + ucyate → vakvanamucyate
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda sections on aśva-śikṣā and ratha-prayoga (near 287.xx)
FAQs
It teaches a practical Dhanurveda/horsemanship method: controlling a horse by firm rein-pressure and a backward pull of the bridle, along with a named technical command/signal (“vakvana”) associated with restraining movement.
Beyond theology, it preserves specialized military and training knowledge—here, precise equestrian handling terminology and technique—showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of applied sciences alongside religious instruction.
Its significance is primarily practical (discipline and controlled action in warfare and transport); indirectly, it supports dharmic governance by promoting orderly, restrained conduct and minimizing harm through skilled control.