Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 19
Chapter 238 — राजधर्माः (Rājadharmāḥ) | Duties of Kings
परिकर्मसु दक्षञ्च विज्ञानं धारयिष्णुतां गुणत्रयं परीक्षेत प्रागलभ्यं प्रीतितां तथा
parikarmasu dakṣañca vijñānaṃ dhārayiṣṇutāṃ guṇatrayaṃ parīkṣeta prāgalabhyaṃ prītitāṃ tathā
నియామకానికి ముందు గుణత్రయం—కార్యాలలో దక్షత, యథార్థ జ్ఞానం, మరియు స్థిరమైన పట్టుదల—పరీక్షించాలి; అలాగే అతని పూర్వ ప్రవర్తనను, సంతోషపూర్వక నిబద్ధత/సదభావాన్ని కూడా పరిశీలించాలి।
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Competency-and-character framework for appointments: test task-skill, knowledge, perseverance, plus prior conduct and loyal goodwill.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Triad of Qualities for Appointment + Conduct and Loyalty Tests","lookup_keywords":["parikarma-dakṣa","vijñāna","dhārayiṣṇutā","prāgalbhya","prīti"],"quick_summary":"Before appointment, verify operational competence, real knowledge, and sustained perseverance, and additionally assess past behavior and the candidate’s loyal, agreeable disposition."}
Concept: Sevā-dharma requires both śakti (capacity) and śīla (character); endurance and goodwill prevent corruption and instability.
Application: Design probation tasks to test execution; verify domain knowledge; observe long-term follow-through; check prior record; evaluate loyalty through stress/temptation scenarios.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma / Niti-shastra (Qualities and examination of an official/servant)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A candidate performs assigned tasks under supervision; a teacher tests knowledge; a long-duration duty scene shows perseverance; officials review past records and observe loyalty.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, sequential vignettes: task execution, learning test, endurance under heat/rain, and respectful loyalty to king; bold outlines, narrative clarity","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold work; central probation scene—candidate serving diligently before king; side panels show knowledge test and record review; ornate court setting","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style instructional storyboard: three labeled qualities (dakṣatā, vijñāna, dhārayiṣṇutā) plus prāgalbhya and prīti; clean composition, readable gestures","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature of bureaucratic evaluation; candidate demonstrating skills, scholars questioning, clerks examining documents; fine architectural background"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दक्षञ्च = दक्षम् + च
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Rajadharma—ministerial qualities and tests; Agni Purana: Nīti—traits of trustworthy servants
FAQs
It imparts administrative nīti: a practical method to evaluate a candidate by testing competence in work, real knowledge, perseverance, and their prior record and goodwill before entrusting responsibilities.
Alongside rituals and theology, the Agni Purana preserves statecraft and ethics; this verse functions like a governance manual on recruitment and character assessment, showing its multi-disciplinary, encyclopedic scope.
Choosing competent and well-disposed people for duties reduces harm, prevents injustice, and supports dharma in public life—thus aligning governance with righteous action and better karmic outcomes for ruler and society.