Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 8
Sahāya-sampattiḥ (Securing Support/Allies): Royal Appointments, Court Offices, Spies, and Personnel Ethics
यन्त्रमुक्ते पाणिमुक्ते अमुक्ते मुक्तधारिते अस्त्राचार्यो नियुद्धे च कुशलो नृपतेर्हितः
yantramukte pāṇimukte amukte muktadhārite astrācāryo niyuddhe ca kuśalo nṛpaterhitaḥ
யந்திரத்தால் விடப்படும், கையால் விடப்படும், விடாமல் தயார் நிலையில் வைத்திருக்கும், விடப்பட்ட ஆயுதத்தைத் தாங்கி‑கட்டுப்படுத்தும் திறன் ஆகியவற்றிலும், நெருக்குப் போரிலும் தேர்ந்த அஸ்திராசாரியன் அரசனுக்கு நன்மை தருவான்.
Lord Agni (traditional narrator of Agni Purana) addressing sage Vasiṣṭha
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Military training doctrine: appoint a weapons-master proficient in mechanically launched missiles, hand-thrown/projectile weapons, retained/ready weapons, post-release control/maintenance, and close combat to strengthen the king’s forces.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Astra-Ācārya Qualifications: Yantramukta, Pāṇimukta, Amukta, Mukta-dhārita, and Niyuddha","lookup_keywords":["astracharya","yantramukta","panimukta","amukta","niyuddha"],"quick_summary":"Defines the ideal weapons instructor: skilled across device-launched and hand-launched missiles, readiness/retained weapons, sustaining/controlling launched weapons, and close-quarters fighting—making him a strategic asset to the king."}
Weapon Type: Missiles (mechanical and hand-discharged); retained/ready weapons; close-combat arms (unspecified)
Concept: Martial excellence is systematic: mastery spans launch methods, readiness states, and hand-to-hand engagement under a qualified teacher.
Application: Design a training curriculum with modules for mechanical launch, hand-thrown weapons, ready-weapon drills, post-shot recovery/reload/continuity, and sparring/grappling.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Ancient Indian Military Science: missiles, weapons-handling, and combat training)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A weapons academy: the astra-ācārya demonstrates a mechanical launcher, hand-thrown weapons, ready-held arms, post-release follow-through/reload discipline, and close-combat sparring before the king’s trainees.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: martial training courtyard; teacher with authoritative stance; trainees practicing yantra-launched missiles and hand-thrown spears; a sparring pair in niyuddha; bold outlines, rhythmic composition.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: regal military school with gold accents; astra-ācārya presenting weapons to the king; ornate weaponry and shields; gold leaf on borders and armor details.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clear instructional panels—mechanical discharge, hand discharge, ready-weapon stance, post-shot recovery/reload, and close-combat; fine linework and readable weapon forms.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: detailed training ground with varied weapons; instructor correcting posture; dynamic niyuddha bout; realistic textiles, weapon craftsmanship, and architectural backdrop."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Arabhi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नृपतेः+हितः→नृपतेर्हितः (रेफ-संधि)।
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda sections classifying weapons and training methods; Agni Purana Rajadharma passages on appointing military instructors and officers
FAQs
Dhanurveda knowledge: the qualifications of an astrācārya, including mastery over device-released missiles (yantramukta), hand-released missiles (pāṇimukta), readiness/retention (amukta), and effective management of launched weapons (muktadhārita), plus skill in close combat (niyuddha).
It shows the Agni Purana’s practical coverage of statecraft and military training by defining professional competencies for weapons instructors—alongside its many other domains (ritual, polity, arts, and sciences).
By emphasizing disciplined expertise and rightful protection of the realm, the verse frames martial skill as dharmic service to the king and society—supporting order (dharma) when used under legitimate authority.