Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 54
Rājanīti (Statecraft): Ṣaḍvidha-bala, Vyūha-vidhāna, and Strategic Warfare
स्थूणापक्षो धनुःपक्षो द्विस्थूणो दण्ड ऊर्ध्वगः द्विगुणोन्तस्त्वतिक्रान्तपक्षो ऽन्यस्य विपर्ययः
sthūṇāpakṣo dhanuḥpakṣo dvisthūṇo daṇḍa ūrdhvagaḥ dviguṇontastvatikrāntapakṣo 'nyasya viparyayaḥ
‘ستھوناپکش’ کمان کا بازو/پر ہے؛ ‘دھنوḥپکش’ بھی اسی کا دوسرا نام ہے۔ ‘دَنڈ’ دو ستونوں والا (دْوِستھون) اور سیدھا اوپر کھڑا ہوتا ہے۔ ‘دْوِگُن’ وہ ہے جس کا اندرونی حصہ دوہرا ہو؛ ‘اتِکرانت پکش’ وہ ہے جس کا بازو حد سے آگے بڑھ جائے۔ دوسرے میں ترتیب الٹی ہوتی ہے۔
Lord Agni (teaching Dhanurvedic technical nomenclature to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Standardized terminology for bow construction/parts and variant limb/rod configurations used in making, selecting, and repairing bows.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Bow-part and limb-configuration nomenclature (sthūṇā-pakṣa, daṇḍa, dviguṇa, atikrānta-pakṣa)","lookup_keywords":["sthūṇā-pakṣa","dhanuḥ-pakṣa","daṇḍa","dviguṇa","atikrānta-pakṣa"],"quick_summary":"Defines named bow/rod configurations by structural features (pillared/paired supports, doubled inner portion, over-extended limb) to classify equipment and ensure correct assembly."}
Weapon Type: Bow
Concept: Lakṣaṇa (definition by distinguishing marks) as a means to preserve correct craft knowledge.
Application: Use definitional markers to avoid faulty manufacture and to communicate specifications unambiguously between teacher, artisan, and warrior.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Ancient Indian Archery & Weapon-Science)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A weapon-smith and archer examine a bow on a workbench, pointing to the limbs (pakṣa), supports (sthūṇā), and the central rod (daṇḍa), comparing normal, doubled-inner, and over-extended limb variants, plus a reversed arrangement diagram.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, flat vibrant colors, artisan and kṣatriya in profile, bow parts labeled by gesture, workshop with wooden bow staves, palm-leaf schematic of pakṣa and daṇḍa, traditional ornaments, temple-mural composition","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf highlights on bow and tools, seated guru instructing archer, stylized workshop setting, ornate borders, emphasis on the bow’s limbs and central rod with gleaming gold accents","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, fine linework, instructional diagram feel, bow cross-sections showing dviguṇa inner lamination and atikrānta limb extension, muted palette, precise annotations implied","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed atelier scene with craftsmen, ruler/commander inspecting bows, realistic wood grain, multiple bow variants laid out, marginal notes aesthetic, delicate architecture backdrop"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: द्विगुणोन्तस्त्वतिक्रान्तपक्षो → द्विगुणः अन्तः तु अतिक्रान्तपक्षः; ऽन्यस्य → अन्यस्य (अवग्रहः)
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda sections on bow-making, bow types, and weapon-lakṣaṇa (same khanda, adjacent verses)
FAQs
It imparts Dhanurveda terminology—names for bow “limbs/sides” (pakṣa), structural variants described as upright/two-pillared (dvi-sthūṇa, ūrdhvaga), doubled internally (dviguṇa), and with an over-extended limb (atikrānta-pakṣa), including the note that another variant is defined by reversal (viparyaya).
By recording precise technical definitions used in martial/archery science, the Agni Purana functions like a compendium—preserving specialist vocabulary and classification rules alongside its many other subjects (ritual, polity, medicine, poetics).
Its significance is indirect: correct technical knowledge (vidyā) supports righteous protection (dharma-rakṣaṇa) by enabling competent use and understanding of weapons, aligning martial skill with disciplined, duty-bound conduct.