Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 54
Prāyaścitta — Definitions of Killing, Brahmahatyā, and Graded Expiations
चाण्डालीं पुक्कसीं वापि स्नुषाञ्च भगिनीं सखीं मातुः पितुः स्वसारञ्च निक्षिप्तां शरणागतां
cāṇḍālīṃ pukkasīṃ vāpi snuṣāñca bhaginīṃ sakhīṃ mātuḥ pituḥ svasārañca nikṣiptāṃ śaraṇāgatāṃ
Maging siya man ay babaeng Caṇḍāla o Pukkasī, o manugang na babae, kapatid na babae, kaibigang babae, o kapatid na babae ng ina o ng ama—sinumang babaeng itinakwil at dumating bilang humihingi ng kanlungan (śaraṇāgata) ay dapat tanggapin at pangalagaan.
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition of the Agni Purana, instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Guides śaraṇāgata-rakṣaṇa (protection of refugees/abandoned women) as a duty overriding social stigma, relevant to householders and rulers for welfare and protection policies.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Śaraṇāgata-rakṣaṇa for abandoned women irrespective of jāti or relation","lookup_keywords":["śaraṇāgata","rakṣaṇa","nīkṣiptā","caṇḍālī","pukkasī"],"quick_summary":"Any woman who has been cast off and seeks refuge—whether socially marginalized or a relative—should be received and protected; the duty is framed as unconditional shelter-giving."}
Concept: Śaraṇāgata-rakṣaṇa is a binding ethical duty; vulnerability and refuge-seeking create a claim to protection beyond social categorization.
Application: Establish household/community/royal protocols for shelter, safety, and non-harm toward abandoned or threatened women seeking refuge.
Khanda Section: Dharma-shastra / Rajadharma (Protection of the helpless; śaraṇāgata-rakṣaṇa)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A distressed woman approaches a household/royal gate seeking refuge; the protector (householder or king’s officer) offers shelter, water, and a safe space, emphasizing compassion and duty.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, temple-gateway setting, a woman with disheveled hair and torn garment in supplication, a dignified protector extending a hand of refuge, attendants bringing water, warm compassionate palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, protective figure seated with aura of dharma, the refugee woman at the threshold, gold detailing on doorway and lamps, symbolic gesture of abhaya (fearlessness) and hospitality items.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear narrative: gate, refuge-seeker, protector instructing attendants, inclusion of small shelter room, emphasis on ethical instruction and orderly care.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, palace/house courtyard, finely detailed textiles, the woman seeking asylum, guards lowering weapons, a steward offering shawl and water, humane courtly realism."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वापि = वा + अपि; स्नुषाञ्च = स्नुषाम् + च; स्वसारञ्च = स्वसारम् + च; शरणागतां = शरण-आगताम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 173 (Rajadharma-related protection duties embedded within prāyaścitta discourse)
FAQs
It teaches śaraṇāgata-rakṣaṇa—an applied dharma principle: a person in authority or a householder must accept and protect someone who comes seeking refuge, even if socially marginalized or previously abandoned.
Alongside ritual and theology, the Agni Purana incorporates normative guidance on governance and social ethics (Rajadharma/Dharmaśāstra), including duties toward vulnerable dependents and refugees.
Protecting a śaraṇāgata is treated as a high dharma act: it reduces demerit incurred by neglect, supports social order, and accrues merit through compassion and the upholding of righteous protection.