Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 19
Chapter 154: विवाहः
Vivāha — Marriage
न दातव्या ग्रहास्तत्र चतुराद्यास्तथैकगाः पर्ववर्जं स्त्रियं गच्छेत् सत्या दत्ता सदा रतिः
na dātavyā grahāstatra caturādyāstathaikagāḥ parvavarjaṃ striyaṃ gacchet satyā dattā sadā ratiḥ
في ذلك السياق لا تُعيَّن (للاقتراب الزوجي) التيثيات غير الميمونة ابتداءً من الرابعة، ولا التيثيات «المنفردة» (الفردية). وباستثناء أيام الأعياد/الأيام المقدّسة، ينبغي للرجل أن يقارب زوجته؛ فإذا أُعطيت (في الزواج) بصدقٍ وبنذورٍ صحيحة، كانت المعاشرة الزوجية على الدوام مشروعةً وذاتَ ثواب.
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Jyotisha","practical_application":"Guidance on conjugal approach (ṛtu/saṃbhoga-niyama) by avoiding certain tithis and ‘single/odd’ days, with an exception for parva (festival/sacred) days; affirms legitimacy of union within truthful, properly contracted marriage.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Strī-dharma and kāla-niyama for conjugal approach","lookup_keywords":["strī-dharma","saṃbhoga niyama","caturthī tithi","eka-gā tithi","parva"],"quick_summary":"Avoid assigning/choosing inauspicious tithis (from the 4th onward as specified) and solitary/odd ones for conjugal approach; outside parva days, approach one’s wife; within a truthful, duly given marriage, union is deemed proper."}
Concept: Gṛhastha-dharma: regulated sexuality aligned with time-discipline and marital legitimacy (satya/saṃskāra).
Application: Use calendrical restraints and festival exceptions to structure household conduct; emphasize consent/legitimacy within properly solemnized marriage as the ethical frame.
Khanda Section: Dharma-shastra / Stri-dharma (Rules on women’s conduct and auspicious times)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: dharmic
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A household scene where a couple observes a ritual calendar; certain tithis are marked as prohibited, parva days are highlighted; the emphasis is on disciplined, dhārmic domestic life rather than sensual depiction.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, dignified gṛhastha couple near a wall-hung pañcāṅga, priestly elder indicating parva and prohibited tithis, symbolic lamps and kalasha, restrained sacred palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, domestic shrine setting with gold accents, calendar/pañcāṅga shown, couple in respectful posture, auspicious motifs (deepa, tulasi), emphasis on dharma.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, instructional panel showing tithi list with prohibited marks and parva highlight, couple receiving guidance from an elder, fine lines and clear didactic composition.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, refined interior with manuscript calendar, elder advising the couple, subtle gestures, intricate textiles, emphasis on etiquette and restraint."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ग्रहास्तत्र = ग्रहाः + तत्र। चतुराद्याः = चतुर + आद्याः। तथैकगाः = तथा + एकगाः।
Related Themes: Agni Purāṇa 154 (Vivāha: saṃskāra and timing rules); Agni Purāṇa 155 (Ācāra: purity and daily discipline)
FAQs
It gives dharma-based calendrical guidance: certain lunar days (tithis)—notably those ‘beginning with the fourth’ and other inauspicious ‘single’ days—are prohibited for conjugal approach, while ordinary days (excluding parva/festival observance days) are permitted.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves practical household regulations—linking dharma, the lunar calendar (tithi/parva), and social conduct—showing its wide scope beyond purely devotional material.
The verse frames marital intimacy as dharmic when aligned with lawful marriage and proper timing; avoiding prohibited days and respecting parva observances is presented as maintaining ritual purity and right conduct (dharma) within household life.