Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 24
Chapter 244 — चामरादिलक्षणम् / आयुधलक्षणादि
Characteristics of the Fly-whisk and Related Royal Emblems; Weapon Characteristics
दीर्घं सुमधुरं शब्दं युस्य खड्गस्य सत्तम किङ्किणीसदृशन्तस्य धारणं श्रेष्ठमुच्यते
dīrghaṃ sumadhuraṃ śabdaṃ yusya khaḍgasya sattama kiṅkiṇīsadṛśantasya dhāraṇaṃ śreṣṭhamucyate
โอ้บุรุษผู้ประเสริฐ ดาบที่มีเสียงยาวกังวานและไพเราะยิ่ง ดุจเสียงกระดิ่งเล็ก (กิงกิณี) นั้น กล่าวกันว่าเป็นดาบที่เลิศที่สุดสำหรับการพกและถือใช้
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, the usual Agni Purāṇa dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Field-test for blade quality by listening to resonance; selecting a sword with clear, pleasant ring indicating good metal, temper, and balance.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Khadga-śabda-parīkṣā (Sound Test of a Sword)","lookup_keywords":["khadga","shabda","kinkini","pariksha","temper"],"quick_summary":"A superior sword is identified by a long, sweet, bell-like ring. Resonant clarity is treated as a sign of excellence in wielding and wearing the weapon."}
Alamkara Type: Upama
Weapon Type: Sword (Khadga/Asi)
Concept: Guṇa-parīkṣā (testing qualities) through reliable signs.
Application: Use observable indicators (sound) to infer hidden properties (metal integrity, temper).
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Shastra-vidya / Weaponology: sword characteristics and handling)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A warrior gently taps or draws a sword to hear its ringing; the blade emits a long, sweet tone like a small bell; onlookers compare dull vs resonant swords.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, warrior testing a khadga’s ring, stylized sound waves, a small kiṅkiṇī bell painted nearby as comparison, warm temple-workshop palette","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold on the blade and bell, the sword held diagonally, ornate hilt, the ‘sweet long sound’ suggested by decorative gold arcs, rich jewel tones","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional composition: two swords side-by-side (dull vs sweet ring), a small bell icon, fine detailing of hilt and scabbard, calm background","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, armoury scene with connoisseurs listening to the sword’s resonance, detailed metal reflections, delicate depiction of a small bell, courtly setting"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: śreṣṭhamucyate → śreṣṭham + ucyate. ‘yusya’ in input normalized to yasya (common scribal/typing error). ‘sadṛśantasya’ interpreted as sadṛśāntasya.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 244 (khadga-lakṣaṇa)
FAQs
It gives a practical Dhanurveda criterion for evaluating a sword: a superior blade is identified by a prolonged, pleasant, bell-like ringing sound, indicating desirable material/forging quality and suitability for bearing and use.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied knowledge—here, weapon selection standards—showing it functions as a compendium that includes martial science (Dhanurveda) alongside ritual, ethics, and other disciplines.
In Purāṇic framing, choosing a ‘proper’ weapon aligns action (especially royal or protective duty) with dharma; using well-characterized, rightly selected arms supports righteous protection and reduces harm arising from faulty or inauspicious implements.