Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 37
Tvaritā-pūjā (The Worship of Tvaritā) — Transition Verse and Context
वज्रतुण्डा समाख्याता वज्रदेशे तु बन्धयेत् उभाभ्याञ्चैव हस्ताभ्यां मणिबन्धन्तु बन्धयेत्
vajratuṇḍā samākhyātā vajradeśe tu bandhayet ubhābhyāñcaiva hastābhyāṃ maṇibandhantu bandhayet
يُسمّى هذا الخَتم «فَجرَتُندَا» (Vajratuṇḍā). ويُطبَّق في موضع الفَجرَ (vajra)؛ وبكلتا اليدين يُثبَّت عند مفصل المعصم (maṇibandha).
Lord Agni (instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha in encyclopedic ritual-technical procedures)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Vajratuṇḍā mudrā placement at the ‘vajra-region’ and fastening at the wrist-joint (maṇibandha) with both hands; used as a sealing/protective lock in ritual and mantra-prayoga.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Vajratuṇḍā-mudrā (vajra-sthāna and maṇibandha application)","lookup_keywords":["Vajratuṇḍā","vajra-deśa","maṇibandha","mudrā","bandhana"],"quick_summary":"This seal named Vajratuṇḍā is to be applied at the vajra-region and then fixed at the wrist-joint using both hands, functioning as a firm ‘vajra-like’ binding in the rite."}
Concept: ‘Vajra’ signifies indestructible steadiness; fixing the seal at maṇibandha symbolizes controlling outward action (karma-indriya) and securing the rite’s boundary (maryādā).
Application: Use Vajratuṇḍā as a protective ‘lock’ before/after japa or during kavaca portions; keep wrists steady to reduce fidgeting and preserve ritual concentration.
Khanda Section: Tantra / Mudrā-vidhi (Nyāsa and hand-seals used in mantra-sādhana and ritual practice)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A practitioner forms Vajratuṇḍā and applies it at a designated ‘vajra’ locus, then clasps/fastens both wrists (maṇibandha) with the seal, suggesting a protective binding.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, strong stylized hands at wrist-joints, glowing vajra motif near the applied locus, bold contours, ritual setting with bell and lamp.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold-highlighted vajra emblem and wrist ornaments, both hands fastening at maṇibandha, rich decorative borders, shrine backdrop.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear depiction of wrist-joint placement, instructional clarity of both-hand fastening, soft palette, minimal background for focus.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed wrists and bangles, subtle vajra symbol near the locus, refined interior with patterned textiles, composed posture."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: vajratuṇḍā = vajra + tuṇḍā; ubhābhyāñcaiva = ubhābhyām + ca + eva (ṃ + c → ñc); maṇibandhantu = maṇibandham + tu (final -m before t often written with anusvāra/assimilation).
Related Themes: Agni Purāṇa 309 (mudrā-vidhi; body-loci mapping such as hṛdaya, nābhi, maṇibandha)
FAQs
It teaches the application (bandhana) of the Vajratuṇḍā mudrā—where it is to be placed in ritual body-mapping: at the ‘vajra’ region and at the wrist-joint (maṇibandha) using both hands.
Beyond mythology, the Agni Purana preserves procedural, technical ritual know-how—precise mudrā names, placement points, and performance cues—functioning like a manual for mantra-sādhana and pūjā-technology.
Correct mudrā-bandhana is traditionally held to ‘seal’ and stabilize mantra-power, protect the practitioner, and ensure the rite bears intended fruit (siddhi) without ritual defects (doṣa).