Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 55
अश्ववाहनसारः
Aśvavāhana-sāra) — Essentials of Horses as Mounts (and Horse-Treatment
तदा सन्धरणं कुर्याद्गाठवाहञ्च मुष्टिना सहसैवं समाकृष्टो यस्तुरङ्गो न तिष्ठति
tadā sandharaṇaṃ kuryādgāṭhavāhañca muṣṭinā sahasaivaṃ samākṛṣṭo yasturaṅgo na tiṣṭhati
此时应施以坚固的制御（saṃdharaṇa），并以拳握亦约束马之挽带/牵带，使其虽被骤然回拉，亦不致骤停。
Lord Agni (instructing Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Ayurveda","practical_application":"Cavalry control: applying rein/trace restraint to prevent a horse from stopping dead when checked suddenly, maintaining forward motion and rider safety.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Firm check (sandharaṇa) and fist-restraint for non-halting horse","lookup_keywords":["sandharaṇa","aśva-śikṣā","rein check","muṣṭi-graha","cavalry control"],"quick_summary":"Use a firm check and fist-restraint on the bearing/trace so a suddenly pulled-back horse does not halt abruptly, preserving momentum and control."}
Concept: Yukti (skillful means) in applying force: restraint should guide, not shock into immobility.
Application: In training or leadership, apply corrective force proportionately to preserve function rather than cause collapse.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Ashva-shiksha / Horsemanship and cavalry control)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A mounted warrior applies a firm rein-check and fist restraint on the tack as the horse surges, preventing it from stopping dead; dust, taut reins, controlled posture.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, cavalry training scene, rider with taut reins and clenched fist near the horse’s neck, dynamic yet controlled motion, earthy reds and ochres, minimal background, traditional ornamented harness.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, mounted warrior in profile with richly decorated horse tack, gold-leaf highlights on harness and ornaments, emphasis on the rider’s hand technique and rein tension, flat iconic composition.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, instructional horsemanship plate: clear depiction of rein path, fist placement, and horse head carriage, delicate lines, soft colors, annotated feel without text.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed cavalry drill in a training ground, fine rendering of leather tack and musculature, moment of sudden check with controlled forward step, attendants in background, naturalistic dust and landscape."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: kuryād + gāṭhavāham + ca → kuryādgāṭhavāhañca; yaḥ + turaṅgaḥ → yasturaṅgaḥ; sahasā + eva → sahasaiva (written sahasaivaṃ in source; treated as sahasā eva).
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda sections on aśva-śikṣā and ratha/aśva-sainika discipline (same khanda)
FAQs
It teaches a practical Dhanurvedic horsemanship technique: applying a controlled restraint (rein-check) and a firm fist-grip on the controlling strap/harness so the horse remains under control without stopping abruptly.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana compiles applied sciences; here it preserves cavalry-handling and safety-oriented control methods, demonstrating its coverage of military training and animal management alongside ritual and doctrine.
While primarily technical, it reflects dharma in practice: disciplined control, non-harmful handling of animals, and competent conduct in warfare/training—qualities traditionally aligned with righteous action and restraint.