Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 29
Chapter 342: शब्दालङ्काराः
Verbal/Sound-based Ornaments
दत्तेपि यत्र वाक्याङ्गे द्वितीयोर्थः प्रतीयते दत्तन्तदाहुस्तद्भेदाः स्वराद्यैः पूर्ववन्मताः
dattepi yatra vākyāṅge dvitīyorthaḥ pratīyate dattantadāhustadbhedāḥ svarādyaiḥ pūrvavanmatāḥ
Kahit na sa isang sangkap ng pangungusap ay “naibigay na” (datta) ang anyo ng salita, kung may ikalawang kahulugang nauunawaan doon, iyon ay tinatawag na “datta.” At ang mga uri nito—mula sa mga nakabatay sa svara (diin/intonasyon) at iba pa—ay itinuturing na gaya ng naipahayag na noon.
Lord Agni (instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha in an encyclopedic exposition of śāstra)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Alamkara","secondary_vidya":"Vyakarana","practical_application":"Identifying ‘datta’—where an established word-form yields a second meaning—useful for poetic double-entendre analysis and controlled semantic layering via accent/intonation etc.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Datta (given word yielding a second meaning) and its bhedas (svara-ādi)","lookup_keywords":["datta","dvitīyārtha","svara","śabda-bheda","arthāntara"],"quick_summary":"Datta occurs when, despite a word being already present/settled in the sentence, a second meaning is understood; its subtypes include those arising from accent/intonation and related phonetic features."}
Alamkara Type: Śleṣa/Datta-type dvitīyārtha (contextual double meaning; phonetic/intonational triggers)
Concept: A single linguistic form can support multiple meanings; phonetic realization (svara etc.) can cue alternate interpretation.
Application: In recitation and performance: modulate intonation to signal intended layer; in criticism: justify dvitīyārtha by phonetic/semantic constraints rather than forcing literalism.
Khanda Section: Sahitya-shastra (Vyakarana & Kavya/Alankara: semantics and phonetic/intonational distinctions)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: hasya
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A reciter speaks the same word with two different intonations; listeners perceive a second meaning while the written word remains unchanged.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, reciter with raised hand indicating svara, a single word written on a palm-leaf, two speech-scrolls showing alternate meanings, audience reacting with wonder, traditional flat composition","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, singer-reciter in a sabhā, gold-highlighted manuscript, subtle depiction of two interpretive layers via paired inscriptions, ornate pillars and lamps","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, pedagogic scene: teacher demonstrates svara-variation over the same word, students note two meanings in a notebook, clean lines and soft shading","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, refined gathering, poet-reciter emphasizing a syllable, listeners exchanging glances as a second meaning dawns, detailed calligraphy panel"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दत्तेपि = दत्ते अपि; वाक्याङ्गे = वाक्य-अङ्गे; द्वितीयोर्थः = द्वितीयः अर्थः; दत्तन्तदाहुः = दत्तम् तत् आहुः; तद्भेदाः = तत्-भेदाः; स्वराद्यैः = स्वर-आद्यैः; पूर्ववन्मताः = पूर्ववत् मताः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 342.27 (arthāntara-nirbhāsa mechanisms); Agni Purana 342.30 (cyuta-datta as a faulted variant of meaning-shift)
FAQs
It teaches a technical semantic category—when an additional (secondary) meaning is apprehended in a sentence-part despite the primary form being ‘given’, and notes that its subtypes are classified (including by accent/intonation, svara).
Beyond ritual and mythology, the Agni Purana systematizes śāstric knowledge such as Sanskrit semantics and interpretive rules, showing it functions as a compendium that includes grammar/poetics alongside religious instruction.
Accurate understanding of meaning supports correct recitation, teaching, and transmission of dharma-texts; precision in interpretation is treated as a form of śāstric discipline that safeguards right knowledge (samyag-jñāna).