Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 1
Aghīrāstra-ādi-Śānti-kalpaḥ
Rite for Pacification of Aghora-Astra and Other Weapons
इत्य् आग्नेये महापुराणे मण्डलानि नामोनविंशत्यधिकत्रिशततमो ऽध्यायः अथ विंशत्यधिकत्रिशततमो ऽध्यायः अघीरास्त्रादिशान्तिकल्पः ईश्वर उवाच अस्त्रयागः पुरा कार्यः सर्वकर्मसु सिद्धिदः मध्ये पूज्यं शिवाद्यस्त्रं वज्रादीन् पूर्वतः क्रमात्
ity āgneye mahāpurāṇe maṇḍalāni nāmonaviṃśatyadhikatriśatatamo 'dhyāyaḥ atha viṃśatyadhikatriśatatamo 'dhyāyaḥ aghīrāstrādiśāntikalpaḥ īśvara uvāca astrayāgaḥ purā kāryaḥ sarvakarmasu siddhidaḥ madhye pūjyaṃ śivādyastraṃ vajrādīn pūrvataḥ kramāt
هكذا، في «أغني مهاپورانا» يُسمّى الفصلُ التاسعَ عشرَ بعدَ الثلاثمئة «الماندالات (الرسوم الطقسية)». والآن يبدأ الفصلُ العشرون بعدَ الثلاثمئة: «طقسُ الشانتي لتهدئة أَغْهِيرَاسترا وسائر الأسلحة». قال الربّ: «أولًا ينبغي أداء astra-yāga (قربان/استرضاء الأسلحة)، فهو مانحُ النجاح في جميع الأعمال. وفي الوسط تُعبَدُ أسلحةُ شِڤا وسائرُ الأسلحة الرئاسية؛ وابتداءً من الشرق تُعبَدُ الفَجْرَة (Vajra) وما يليها على الترتيب.»
Īśvara (Lord Śiva, as the instructing deity in this śānti-kalpa context)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Performing astra-yāga (weapon-propitiation) and astra-śānti as a preliminary rite to ensure success and pacification in all ritual undertakings; establishing directional worship order (Vajra etc.) around a central Śiva-astra.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Astra-yāga and Aghīrāstra-ādi Śānti-kalpa: Central Śivāstra and directional Vajrādi worship","lookup_keywords":["astra-yāga","aghīrāstra śānti","śivāstra madhye","vajrādi pūrvataḥ","śānti-kalpa"],"quick_summary":"Before major rites, propitiate and pacify presiding astras: worship the Śiva-weapon at the center, then worship Vajra and other weapons in directional sequence beginning from the east to secure siddhi and avert astric disturbances."}
Weapon Type: Astra (divine weapons) including Vajra; Śivāstra; Aghīrāstra mentioned in chapter heading.
Concept: Power must be ritually governed: astric forces are to be honored and pacified so that action (karma) proceeds without obstruction and harm.
Application: Before high-stakes rites (including royal, protective, or martial undertakings), perform astra-yāga as a preliminary; keep a clear center for Śivāstra and follow a consistent east-to-other-directions sequence for subsidiary astras.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Tantra-śānti-kalpa (Astra-śānti and Mandala-vidhi)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A central altar with Śivāstra worship at the middle of a mandala; around it, weapon emblems (Vajra and others) placed directionally starting from the east; offerings, lamps, and protective circles indicate śānti-kalpa.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, Śaiva ritual scene with central Śiva-emblem and surrounding weapon symbols in a mandala, priests performing homa and pūjā, strong reds/ochres, temple ambience","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central Śiva-astra shrine with gold radiance, surrounding Vajra and other weapon icons in directional ring, ornate lamps and kalashas, rich gold work","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear instructional mandala with labeled directions (east first) and weapon placements, priest demonstrating astra-yāga steps, fine lines and gentle colors","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, royal-sponsored śānti rite: pandits around a mandala with weapon emblems, central Śaiva focus, detailed textiles and architecture, ceremonial order"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Shree","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ity āgneye → iti āgneye; 'dhyāyaḥ' shows avagraha: 'adHyāyaḥ; onaviṃśatyadhikatriśatatamo 'dhyāyaḥ → ... triśatatamaḥ adhyāyaḥ; viṃśatyadhikatriśatatamo 'dhyāyaḥ similarly; śivādyastraṃ → śiva-ādi astram.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 319 (Maṇḍala construction used as base for astra worship); Agni Purana 320 (Aghīrāstra-ādi śānti-kalpa continuation)
FAQs
It teaches the preliminary requirement of performing astra-yāga (weapon-propitiation) and gives a mandala-based worship protocol: worship the presiding Śiva-weapon in the center, then worship Vajra and other weapons directionally starting from the east in sequence.
It preserves a specialized śānti-kalpa (pacificatory ritual manual) connected to mandala-vidhi and protective rites—showing the Purāṇa’s coverage beyond mythology into applied ritual technology for safeguarding and ensuring success in undertakings.
By ritually honoring the weapon-deities in correct placement and order, the practitioner seeks siddhi (successful completion) and śānti (pacification), reducing obstacles and harmful influences associated with astras in religious and worldly actions.