Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 48
अश्ववाहनसारः
Aśvavāhana-sāra) — Essentials of Horses as Mounts (and Horse-Treatment
खलीकृत्य चतुष्केण तुरङ्गो वल्गयान्यया उच्छास्य ग्राह्यते ऽन्यत्र तत्स्यादुच्छासनं पुनः
khalīkṛtya catuṣkeṇa turaṅgo valgayānyayā ucchāsya grāhyate 'nyatra tatsyāducchāsanaṃ punaḥ
நான்கு வகை உபகரணங்களால் ‘களீ’ அணிவித்து, குதிரையை வேறு கடிவாள்/கயிறால் கட்டுப்படுத்த வேண்டும். மேலும் அதைச் சுவாசம் வெளியேற்றச் (உச்சாசம்/சினோர்ட்) செய்து வேறு பிடிப்பில் பிடித்தால், அதுவே மீண்டும் ‘உச்சாசனம்’ எனப்படும்.
Lord Agni (narrating instructional Dhanurveda material to a sage, traditionally Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Step-by-step restraint method in horse training: fitting the halter/curb with fourfold tackle and using an alternate rein/strap to induce controlled snorting/exhalation and regain handling control (ucchāsana).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Ucchāsana: fourfold tackle haltering and alternate rein restraint","lookup_keywords":["ucchāsana","khalī-kṛtya","catuṣka (fourfold tackle)","valgā (rein)","aśva-grahaṇa (restraint)"],"quick_summary":"After fitting the horse with the halter/curb using a four-part tackle, restrain it with an alternate leading strap; the controlled snort/exhalation and seizure at an alternate hold constitutes the ‘ucchāsana’ method."}
Concept: Technique uses timing and proper equipment rather than brute force; control is achieved by understanding the animal’s breath and response.
Application: Humane training: use correct tack and timing cues to reduce stress and improve reliability of cavalry mounts.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Ashva-shiksha / Horse-training and cavalry handling)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A trainer fits a horse with a four-part halter/tackle; an assistant holds an alternate leading strap; the horse snorts/exhales as the trainer seizes control at a different hold point, calming it.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, horse with ornate tack, trainer and assistant in coordinated poses, visible fourfold straps, stylized snort cloud, bold outlines, minimal stable-yard background.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, richly decorated horse tack with gold accents, central calm trainer, assistant holding alternate rein, decorative border, emphasis on equipment geometry.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore, diagram-like clarity of fourfold tackle and alternate rein, fine lines, gentle colors, instructional stable setting with posts and ropes.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed stable scene with grooms, precise depiction of straps and knots, horse exhaling, subtle expressions, architectural stable backdrop."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ग्राह्यते ऽन्यत्र = ग्राह्यते + अन्यत्र; तत्स्यादुच्छासनम् = तत् + स्यात् + उच्छासनम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda: aśva-śikṣā terminology for khalī/valgā and restraint methods; related grahaṇa techniques
FAQs
It teaches a practical ashva-śikṣā (horse-handling) technique: using a halter and an alternate rein/strap to restrain and regain control of a horse through an “ucchāsana” method associated with making it exhale/snort and then seizing it by an alternate hold.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied war-science: cavalry management, tack usage, and control procedures—showing it functions as a compendium of technical disciplines (Dhanurveda) alongside religious and literary topics.
Its emphasis is primarily pragmatic (safe, controlled handling in service of dharmic governance and protection); indirectly, disciplined use of power—avoiding harm through proper technique—is aligned with righteous conduct (dharma) in royal and military duties.