Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 30
अध्यायः २८६ — गजचिकित्सा
Elephant Medicine
पूरीषञ्चटकायाश् च तथा पारावतस्य च क्षीरवृक्षकरीषाश् च प्रसन्नयेष्टमञ्जनं
pūrīṣañcaṭakāyāś ca tathā pārāvatasya ca kṣīravṛkṣakarīṣāś ca prasannayeṣṭamañjanaṃ
Um Klarheit und Wohlbefinden der Augen zu bewirken, wird das bevorzugte añjana (Kollyrium) aus dem Kot des Sperlings, ebenso aus dem des Tauben, sowie aus dem „Dung“ milchsaftführender Bäume (kṣīra-vṛkṣa) bereitet, d. h. aus ihrem Latex/Exsudat.
Lord Agni (in instruction to the sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purana’s primary dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Netra-prayoga: preparing añjana (collyrium) aimed at ocular clarity using unusual animal/mineral/plant excreta-based ingredients as per traditional formulations.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Formula","entry_title":"Prasanna-iṣṭa añjana from bird droppings and kṣīra-vṛkṣa exudate","lookup_keywords":["anjana","netra-prasadanam","paravata-purisha","chataka-purisha","kshira-vriksha"],"quick_summary":"A collyrium is prescribed for ‘prasannatā’ (clarity/brightness) of the eyes using droppings of small birds and material from milk-bearing trees. It reflects a traditional pharmacopeia where strong scraping/clearing agents are used in minute, processed form."}
Concept: Dravya-prabhāva (specific potency) and traditional empiricism in selecting non-obvious substances for targeted action (netra-prasādana).
Application: Highlights the need for processing standards and expert supervision in potent ocular medicines.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Bheshaja-yoga / Rasakriya and Anjana-prayoga)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An apothecary dries and grinds minute ingredients, then prepares a fine black collyrium paste in a stone mortar for eye application.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, healer with stone mortar and pestle, small covered bowls, careful hand gestures, subdued palette with strong outlines, emphasis on ritual cleanliness.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold-highlighted cosmetic containers, ornate mortar, healer presenting a tiny añjana rod, rich reds and greens, decorative borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore, instructional composition: drying tray, grinding, sieving, then application with a fine applicator; delicate linework and soft colors.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed workshop scene with shelves of jars, scribe-like precision, tiny applicator, realistic textures of stone and powders."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पूरीषञ्चटकायाश् = पूरीषम् + च + चटकायाः; करीषाश् = करीषाः (before च); प्रसन्नयेष्टमञ्जनं = प्रसन्नये + इष्टम् + अञ्जनम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 286.29-32 (netra therapies cluster)
FAQs
It teaches an Ayurvedic anjana-prayoga: a specific collyrium formulation using bird droppings (sparrow, pigeon) and kṣīra-vṛkṣa-derived exudate/dung-like ingredient to promote ocular clarity and a pleasing effect.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical medical recipes—here, a specialized ophthalmic preparation—showing its broad coverage of applied sciences (Ayurveda) alongside ritual and doctrinal material.
By prescribing a health-giving, clarity-producing remedy, the text frames bodily care (especially vision) as supportive of dharmic life—enabling study, worship, and disciplined conduct through improved sensory clarity.