Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 16
Chapter 13 — कुरुपाण्डवोत्पत्त्यादिकथनं
Narration of the Origin of the Kurus and the Pāṇḍavas, and Related Matters
सारथिञ्चार्जुनः सङ्ख्ये कृष्णमक्षय्यशायकान् ब्रह्मास्त्रादींस् तथा द्रोणात्सर्वे शस्त्रविशारदाः
sārathiñcārjunaḥ saṅkhye kṛṣṇamakṣayyaśāyakān brahmāstrādīṃs tathā droṇātsarve śastraviśāradāḥ
ในสนามรบ อรชุนตั้งพระกฤษณะเป็นสารถีของตน; เขาได้รับแล่งลูกศรที่ไม่สิ้นสุดและพรหมาศตราเป็นต้น รวมทั้งศัสตราทิพย์อื่น ๆ และได้เรียนศิลปะแห่งอาวุธทั้งปวงจากโทรณะ จนเป็นผู้ชำนาญศัสตรา
Lord Agni (Agni Purana’s narrator) speaking to Vasiṣṭha (frame dialogue attribution)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Catalogs core components of elite ratha-archery: charioteer selection, inexhaustible ammunition logistics, acquisition/handling of astras, and systematic weapons training under a master (Droṇa).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Ratha-yuddha requisites: sārathi, akṣayya-śayaka, Brahmāstra, and Droṇa-śastra-vidyā","lookup_keywords":["sārathi","akṣayya-śayaka","Brahmāstra","Droṇa","śastra-vidyā"],"quick_summary":"A complete warrior profile combines platform (chariot + expert driver), supply (inexhaustible quivers), divine missiles (astra), and formal training—yielding śastra-viśārada mastery."}
Weapon Type: Bow and astras (Brahmāstra etc.)
Concept: Skill is multi-factor: tools, logistics, mentorship, and right collaboration (sārathi) together produce excellence.
Application: Training programs should integrate equipment, supply-chain, role-specialization, and supervised practice rather than isolated technique.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Military science and archery; astras and battlefield technique)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Arjuna in a battlefield setting appoints Kṛṣṇa as charioteer; beside them are inexhaustible quivers and the aura of Brahmāstra knowledge, with Droṇa depicted as the martial preceptor.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, Arjuna and Krishna on a decorated chariot, stacked quivers glowing, Droṇa as guru figure blessing with weapon-knowledge, stylized battlefield backdrop","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, Krishna as sārathi with gold halo, Arjuna holding bow, gold-embossed quivers, symbolic Brahmāstra radiance as a mandala, rich ornamentation","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, didactic layout: chariot, reins, quivers, bow; Droṇa instructing posture and release; clean lines and labeled-feel composition","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, training-cum-battle vignette: Droṇa teaching in foreground, Arjuna and Krishna on chariot in midground, attendants carrying quivers, fine detail on weapons and textiles"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सारथिञ्चार्जुनः = सारथिम् + च + अर्जुनः; कृष्णमक्षय्यशायकान् = कृष्णम् + अक्षय्यशायकान्; ब्रह्मास्त्रादींस् = ब्रह्मास्त्रादीन्; द्रोणात्सर्वे = द्रोणात् + सर्वे.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 13.15; Agni Purana 13.17
FAQs
Dhanurveda knowledge: the acquisition and deployment framework of śastra (handheld weapons) and astra (invoked/projectile missiles) is illustrated through Arjuna’s training under Droṇa and his possession of high-order astras such as the Brahmāstra.
It exemplifies the Purana’s coverage of applied sciences by embedding a concise dossier of martial credentials—teacher-lineage (Droṇa), command-and-control (Kṛṣṇa as sārathi), logistics (akṣayya-śāyaka), and strategic weapon systems (Brahmāstra)—within a broader compendium text.
By foregrounding disciplined training, rightful guidance (a qualified charioteer/mentor), and responsible mastery of powerful astras, the verse implies that extraordinary force must be governed by dharma and proper tutelage to avoid adharma and destructive karmic consequence.