Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 10
Chapter 238 — राजधर्माः (Rājadharmāḥ) | Duties of Kings
परोपतापपैशून्यमात्सर्येर्षानृतातिगः वृद्धोपदेशसम्पन्नः शक्तो मधुरदर्शनः
paropatāpapaiśūnyamātsaryerṣānṛtātigaḥ vṛddhopadeśasampannaḥ śakto madhuradarśanaḥ
وہ دوسروں کو ایذا دینے اور چغلی/بدگوئی سے پاک، حسد و رشک اور جھوٹ سے بالاتر، بزرگوں کی نصیحت سے بہرہ مند، قادر، اور نرم و شیریں انداز و صورت والا ہو۔
Lord Agni (in instruction to the sage Vasiṣṭha, per the Agni Purana’s standard dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Personal ethics for leadership and public service: avoid harm and slander, transcend envy/falsehood, seek elder counsel, maintain competence and gentle demeanor for effective administration.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Sadācāra of the capable person (ahiṃsā-like restraint, truthfulness, elder counsel, pleasant conduct)","lookup_keywords":["paiśunya","mātsarya","īrṣyā","anṛta","vṛddhopadeśa"],"quick_summary":"A fit leader avoids harming others and slander, abandons envy and falsehood, follows elder counsel, and combines capability with a gentle, pleasing manner."}
Concept: Ethical speech and intention (freedom from slander, envy, falsehood) are governance-strengthening virtues; wisdom is stabilized by listening to elders.
Application: Institutionalize mentorship (elder councils), codes against defamation and malice, and leadership training emphasizing calm communication and truthfulness.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma / Niti-shastra (Ethics of conduct and qualities of a capable person)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A competent official receiving counsel from elders, speaking gently to citizens, while scenes of slander and envy are shown as rejected behaviors.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, elder sages advising a minister, calm gestures, citizens approaching without fear, stylized negative figures of slander/envious whispering pushed to the margins, vivid palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central figure with serene face and refined posture, elders seated with palm-leaf texts, gold embellishments, emphasis on gentle darśana and virtue.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, didactic composition: elder counsel panel, truthful speech panel, anti-slander panel, fine linework and soft shading for instructional clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, intimate advisory chamber with elders, the official greeting petitioners, subtle narrative vignettes of avoided slander, detailed textiles and architecture."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मात्सर्येर्षा = मात्सर्य + ईर्षा (अ + ई → ए); वृद्धोपदेश = वृद्ध + उपदेश (अ + उ → ओ)।
Related Themes: Agni Purana Sadācāra and rājadharma discussions (within 238 and nearby)
FAQs
It teaches Niti (practical ethics): avoid harming others, slander, envy, jealousy, and lying; follow elder counsel; cultivate competence and a gentle, pleasing demeanor—core traits for social harmony and leadership.
Alongside ritual, cosmology, and other sciences, the Agni Purana also preserves Rajadharma and Niti-shastra—codifying behavioral standards that support governance, public trust, and disciplined personal conduct.
Non-harm, truthfulness, and freedom from envy reduce negative karma and purify speech and mind; honoring wise counsel and acting with gentleness supports dharma and strengthens merit (puṇya) through ethical living.