The Agni Purana

by N. Gangadharan | 1954 | 360,691 words | ISBN-10: 8120803590 | ISBN-13: 9788120803596

This page describes The method of using a Noose (pasha) which is chapter 251 of the English translation of the Agni Purana, one of the eighteen major puranas dealing with all topics concerning ancient Indian culture, tradition and sciences. Containing roughly 15,000 Sanskrit metrical verses, subjects contained in the Agni-Purana include cosmology, philosophy, architecture, iconography, economics, diplomacy, pilgrimage guides, ancient geography, gemology, ayurveda, etc.

Chapter 251 - The method of using a Noose (pāśa)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Fire-god said:

1-6. One that has controlled the hand, conquered the mind and obtained proficiency in (hitting) the target perceived should board the chariot after getting the specified perfection. A noose [i.e., pāśa] should be ten cubits (long), round and such as to be held in the hand. The thread (of the noose) should be made either of cotton or muñja (grass), tendon, arka (plant) or hide. It may be made of any other strong (material) well twined with thirty (pieces). A wiseman should make the noose well-rounded. The instructors should always provide a place for that on the sides. Having gathered it with the left hand it should be lifted with the right-hand. After having made (the noose) into a loop, it should be whirled round the head and thrown quickly on a person covered by the armour and quiver. One that is well-trained should be employed after having made him proficient to use the noose on the (horsemen) galloping, capering and running away.

7-12. After having conquered the enemy, he should be made a captive in the proper manner. The sword should be hanging on the left side on the waist. (The sheath) should be held firmly by the left (hand) and (the sword) should be drawn out (from the scabbard) with the right hand. The circumference of a dart should be six aṅgulas, its height seven hastas and it (be made) of iron. Armours are of different kinds. It should be half the hasta, equal, spreading across and upwards. It should be fitted in the proper manner. Listen to me as I describe. After having made the person stand with the quiver and armour on his body, one should take the new, strong club in the right hand, move nine aṅgulas and strike. By this (blow) the head (of the enemy) would certainly be destroyed. (Otherwise) he may be struck down with both hands. After having done thus without strain, one is said to accomplish the death of the person. I have already described how to cause the distress of the arms for the sake of the movement.

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