Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 19
Chapter 376 — ब्रह्मज्ञानम्
Knowledge of Brahman
प्राज्ञ आत्मा त्रयञ्चैतत् मकारः प्रणवः स्मृतः अकारश् च उकारो ऽसौ मकारो ह्य् अयमेव च
prājña ātmā trayañcaitat makāraḥ praṇavaḥ smṛtaḥ akāraś ca ukāro 'sau makāro hy ayameva ca
البْرَاجْنَا هو الذات، وهذا (أوم) ذو ثلاثة أقسام. ويُتَذَكَّر صوت «م» بوصفه البرَنَفَا؛ إذ يتكوّن حقًّا من «أ»، و«و»، ومن «م» هذه عينها أيضًا.
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Pranava-japa and Omkara-dhyana by mapping A-U-M to the threefold structure of experience and the Self, stabilizing attention for yoga-upasana.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Pranava (Oṁ) as threefold A-U-M and Prājña-Self","lookup_keywords":["Pranava","Omkara","A-U-M","Prājña","Mantra-shastra"],"quick_summary":"Defines Oṁ as a triadic phoneme (A, U, M) and links it to the Self as prājña, supporting systematic pranava-upasana."}
Concept: Oṁ as the structured support (ālambana) for realizing the Self through sound and meaning (śabda-artha).
Application: Use A-U-M contemplation to refine awareness from gross to subtle and rest in the witnessing consciousness during japa/dhyana.
Khanda Section: Mantra-shastra (Pranava-Omkara-vicara / Yoga-Upasana)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A yogin seated in meditation visualizing the syllable Oṁ split into A, U, and M, with subtle radiance indicating the Self as prājña.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, seated yogin in padmasana, large stylized Oṁ glyph above, three luminous petals labeled A U M, warm earthy palette, sacred aura, minimal background.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central Oṁ in embossed gold, yogin-sage below with rudraksha and kamandalu, three gold panels for A U M, rich reds and greens, ornate arch frame.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional diagram feel: Oṁ glyph segmented into A-U-M with fine linework, sage pointing to segments, soft pastel wash, delicate ornamentation.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, scholar-yogi in a pavilion with manuscript showing Oṁ and A-U-M segmentation, fine floral borders, subdued jewel tones, precise calligraphy-like detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Ahir Bhairav","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: त्रयञ्चैतत् = त्रयम् + च + एतत्; अकारश् च = अकारः + च; उकारो ऽसौ = उकारः + असौ; मकारो ह्य् = मकारः + हि; अयमेव = अयम् + एव
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Omkara/Pranava-vicara sections in Mantra-shastra; Agni Purana: Moksha-vidya/Atma-jnana passages near 376.20-23
FAQs
It teaches praṇava-vidyā: analyzing Oṁ as the triad A-U-M and linking it to states/aspects of consciousness (here, prājña), supporting correct japa and meditation on the syllable.
Alongside ritual and practical sciences, the Agni Purana also preserves mantra theory and phonemic analysis—showing how sound-structure (A-U-M) is used as a technical framework for spiritual practice.
Meditating on Oṁ as A-U-M with awareness of the Self purifies the mind, stabilizes contemplation, and is traditionally held to lead toward inner stillness and liberation-oriented merit (puṇya) through correct upāsanā.