Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 24
Chapter 49 — मत्स्यादिलक्षणवर्णनम्
Description of the Characteristics of Matsya and the Other Incarnations
श्रिया धृतैकचरणो विमलाद्याभिरीडितः नाभिपद्मचतुर्वक्त्रो हरिशङ्करको हरिः
śriyā dhṛtaikacaraṇo vimalādyābhirīḍitaḥ nābhipadmacaturvaktro hariśaṅkarako hariḥ
Hari — dessen einen Fuß Śrī (Lakṣmī) trägt, den Vimalā und die übrigen Göttinnen preisen; aus dessen Nabel-Lotus der Viergesichtige (Brahmā) hervorging; und der selbst die Quelle sowohl Haris als auch Śaṅkaras ist — nur dieser höchste Hari ist zu verehren.
Lord Agni (as narrator of Purāṇic instruction, presenting a stotra-like description)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Stotra","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Used as doxological praise in pūjā and recitation, reinforcing Hari’s supremacy and cosmogenic role (navel-lotus Brahmā) and integrating Śrī and attendant goddesses into devotional contemplation.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Hari-stuti: Śrī-supported foot, nābhi-padma Brahmā, source of Hari and Śaṅkara","lookup_keywords":["Hari-stuti","nābhi-padma","caturvaktra Brahmā","Śrī-pāda","Hari-Śaṅkara-kāraṇa"],"quick_summary":"Praises Hari as upheld by Śrī, lauded by Vimalā and other goddesses, the origin of Brahmā from the navel-lotus, and the ultimate source underlying even Hari and Śaṅkara—supporting a supreme-deity theology for worship."}
Alamkara Type: Bahuvrihi (epithetic compounds)
Concept: Supreme principle (Hari) as causal ground of cosmic functions (Brahmā creation via nābhi-padma) and as transcending sectarian dualities (source of Hari and Śaṅkara).
Application: Supports ekāgratā in devotion: meditate on Hari as the ultimate refuge while honoring Śrī and the devīs as inseparable śakti/attendants.
Khanda Section: Stotra / Devata-tattva (Vishnu-Hari-stuti; Purana-mahatmya style doxology)
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Hari stands or sits in majesty; Śrī supports one of his feet; from his navel arises a lotus with four-faced Brahmā seated; surrounding goddesses including Vimalā offer praise with folded hands.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: Nārāyaṇa with Śrī at his feet holding one foot; nābhi-lotus rising with caturmukha Brahmā; devīs in semicircle praising; deep reds/ochres, stylized lotus and jewelry.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: central Hari with gold halo; Śrī at the foot in ornate sari; embossed gold lotus emerging from navel with Brahmā; surrounding devīs as smaller figures; heavy gold work and rich maroon background.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: refined devotional tableau, soft shading; clear depiction of nābhi-padma and Brahmā; devīs labeled subtly; emphasis on serene faces and delicate ornamentation.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: Hari enthroned with attendants; Śrī near the foot; a luminous lotus from the navel bearing Brahmā; courtly devīs praising; intricate textiles and architectural frame."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"devotional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: vimalādyābhirīḍitaḥ→vimalā-ādyābhiḥ īḍitaḥ; nābhipadmacaturvaktro→nābhi-padma-catur-vaktraḥ; hariśaṅkarako→hari-śaṅkarakaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 49 (stotra embedded within pūjā/ikonography context)
FAQs
This verse functions as stotra-vidyā: a devotional identification of Viṣṇu through precise epithets used in worship and recitation, supporting dhyāna (meditative visualization) and nāma-saṅkīrtana (name-based praise).
It compresses multiple domains—devatā-tattva (theology), sṛṣṭi-krama (cosmology: Brahmā from the navel-lotus), and mūrti-lakṣaṇa (iconographic cues like Lakṣmī-associated posture)—showing how the Agni Purana blends doctrine, cosmology, and worship practice.
By praising Hari as the supreme cause and remover of sin, the verse frames devotion (bhakti) and remembrance (smaraṇa) as purifying acts that align the devotee with the highest divine principle.