Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 34
अश्ववाहनसारः
Aśvavāhana-sāra) — Essentials of Horses as Mounts (and Horse-Treatment
विधाय वाहयेद्दृष्ट्या लीलया सादिसत्तमः तस्य सव्येन पूर्वेण संयुक्तं सव्यवल्गया
vidhāya vāhayeddṛṣṭyā līlayā sādisattamaḥ tasya savyena pūrveṇa saṃyuktaṃ savyavalgayā
既如是安置之后，最善御马者应仅以目光使马行进，举止从容而不费力；并当使其左前部与左缰相应协调。
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Advanced horsemanship: subtle control through gaze and minimal aids; coordinated rein-hand and fore-side alignment for precise maneuvering.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Dṛṣṭi-mātra-vāhana and Savya-valgā-samyoga (Gaze-led horse control)","lookup_keywords":["dṛṣṭi","vāhana","aśva-sādī","valgā","samyoga"],"quick_summary":"An expert rider can direct the horse with minimal cues—even by gaze—maintaining coordinated left-side alignment with the left rein for smooth control."}
Concept: Līlā as mastery: when skill is perfected, control becomes subtle and non-violent; mind (dṛṣṭi) leads action.
Application: Train until cues become minimal—use attention, posture, and coordination rather than force; applicable to leadership and any skilled craft.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Horsemanship & chariot/horse control techniques)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A master horseman guides a moving horse with minimal rein movement, directing by gaze; the left rein aligns the horse’s left fore-side in smooth coordinated motion.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, flowing motion scene: rider poised, eyes focused forward, reins lightly held, horse in elegant stride, stylized curves emphasizing effortless control.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, noble rider on caparisoned horse, subtle rein contact shown, gold leaf on harness and ornaments, serene mastery expression.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional riding diagram feel: rider’s gaze line indicated, left rein and left fore alignment clearly depicted, soft palette and precise contours.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, refined equestrian portrait in motion: rider’s focused gaze, delicate rein handling, detailed tack and musculature, landscaped background."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Mohanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वाहयेद्दृष्ट्या = वाहयेत् + दृष्ट्या; सादिसत्तमः = सादि-सत्तमः; सव्यवल्गया = सव्य-वल्गया.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda passages on vāhana-niyantraṇa and sādī-guṇa; Agni Purana cavalry/chariot handling instructions (related prakaraṇas)
FAQs
It teaches a practical horsemanship control method: moving the horse with minimal external cues (even by gaze) and maintaining correct coordination of the left fore-side with the left rein for precise handling.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied sciences like Dhanurveda—here, cavalry/horse-handling technique—showing its coverage of governance and warfare skills alongside religious instruction.
By promoting disciplined, non-violent, skillful control rather than harsh force, it aligns martial practice with dharmic restraint—encouraging right conduct even within warfare-related training.