Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 32
Chapter 336 — काव्यादिलक्षणम्
Definitions of Poetry and Related Arts
सर्वरीतिरसैः पुष्टं पुष्टङ्गुणविभूषणैः अत एव महाकाव्यं तत्कर्ता च महाकविः
sarvarītirasaiḥ puṣṭaṃ puṣṭaṅguṇavibhūṣaṇaiḥ ata eva mahākāvyaṃ tatkartā ca mahākaviḥ
Ang komposisyong pinayaman ng lahat ng rīti (mga estilo) at lahat ng rasa (mga damdaming-estetiko), at pinalamutian ng ganap na nahubog na guṇa (mga katangian) at mga palamuti ng panulaan—kaya ito’y tinatawag na mahākāvya (dakilang epiko), at ang lumikha nito ay tinatawag na mahākavi (dakilang makata).
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Alamkara","secondary_vidya":"Natya","practical_application":"Provides a working definition for evaluating or composing a mahākāvya and recognizing a mahākavi; used as a checklist for literary excellence (rīti, rasa, guṇa, alaṅkāra).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Definition of Mahākāvya and Mahākavi","lookup_keywords":["mahākāvya","mahākavi","rīti","rasa","guṇa alaṅkāra"],"quick_summary":"A mahākāvya is a composition nourished by all rītis and rasas and ornamented with mature guṇas and embellishments; its creator is thereby termed a mahākavi."}
Alamkara Type: General alaṅkāra framework (not a single figure)
Concept: Literary perfection is multi-factor: style + rasa + qualities + ornaments; greatness is defined by integrated completeness rather than a single trait.
Application: Use as a rubric: ensure stylistic variety (rīti), rasa-development, strong guṇas (clarity, sweetness, vigor, etc.), and appropriate alaṅkāras before claiming mahākāvya status.
Khanda Section: Sahitya-shastra (Kavya & Alankara—definitions of Mahakavya and Mahakavi)
Primary Rasa: Adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: Shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A grand poet presents a completed epic manuscript to an assembly; around the manuscript appear symbolic panels labeled rīti, rasa, guṇa, alaṅkāra, indicating the components that make it a mahākāvya and him a mahākavi.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, poet in scholarly attire holding palm-leaf epic, surrounding medallions with Devanagari labels rīti rasa guṇa alaṅkāra, dignified court/temple hall backdrop, bold lines and warm tones","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf radiance around the manuscript and labels, poet seated on ornate throne-like seat, decorative borders, icon-like presentation of literary components as gilded emblems","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, didactic layout with four labeled emblems (rīti/rasa/guṇa/alaṅkāra) around the poet, fine detailing and soft colors, emphasis on rubric/checklist feel","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, royal durbar receiving an epic, illuminated manuscript, marginal cartouches reading rīti rasa guṇa alaṅkāra, intricate textiles and architectural depth"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पुष्टङ्गुणविभूषणैः = पुष्ट-गुण-विभूषणैः; तत्कर्ता = तत्-कर्ता.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 336 (sections on rīti, rasa, guṇa, alaṅkāra leading into this definition)
FAQs
It imparts Sahitya-shastra (Sanskrit poetics): the technical criteria for classifying a work as a mahākāvya—fullness of rīti and rasa, and strong guṇas with poetic embellishment.
Beyond theology and ritual, the Agni Purana codifies secular knowledge systems; here it preserves a concise textbook-like definition from classical poetics, showing the Purana’s role as a compendium of arts and sciences including literary theory.
By defining standards for elevated, rasa-filled literature, it supports dharmic cultural transmission—composing or preserving such refined kāvya is treated as a meritorious act that uplifts minds through ethically and aesthetically ordered expression.