Agni Purana — Vyavahara, Shloka 55
Ṛग्विधानम् (Ṛgvidhāna) — Applications of Ṛgvedic Mantras through Japa and Homa
अश्वपूर्वा इति स्नायाद्राज्यकामस्तु मानवः राहिते चर्मणि स्नायात् ब्राह्मणस्तु यथाविधि
aśvapūrvā iti snāyādrājyakāmastu mānavaḥ rāhite carmaṇi snāyāt brāhmaṇastu yathāvidhi
Wer Souveränität begehrt, soll beim Baden die (Formel/das Mantra) „aśvapūrvā“ sprechen. Ein Brāhmaṇa jedoch soll gemäß Vorschrift baden, sitzend oder stehend auf einer „rāhita“-Haut (ordnungsgemäß bereitet und rituell tauglich).
Lord Agni (traditional Agni Purana narrator) instructing sage Vasiṣṭha (contextual attribution)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Ritual bathing prescriptions tied to political aspiration (rājya-kāma) and varṇa-appropriate observance (brāhmaṇa bathing on a ritually fit hide).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Snāna for Rājya-kāma and Brāhmaṇa’s Niyata-snāna on Rāhita-carma","lookup_keywords":["aśvapūrvā","rājya-kāma","snāna-vidhi","rāhita-carma","yathāvidhi"],"quick_summary":"For sovereignty, bathe with the “aśvapūrvā” mantra. A brāhmaṇa should follow the prescribed rule (yathāvidhi), including the correct ritual seat/support such as a properly prepared hide."}
Concept: Kāmya rites must remain within maryādā (rule): aspiration (rājya) is pursued through regulated purity and varṇa-appropriate procedure.
Application: When performing desire-based rites, keep to yathāvidhi constraints (proper seat, materials, and conduct) rather than improvising, especially for brāhmaṇas.
Khanda Section: Ritual Purification (Snana-vidhi) and Rajadharma-related Observances
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A ritual bathing scene with a royal aspirant reciting “aśvapūrvā”, contrasted with a brāhmaṇa performing regulated snāna on a prepared hide-seat, emphasizing correct ritual setup.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: two-panel composition—left a kingly figure at snāna-ghāṭa chanting, right a brāhmaṇa on a neatly spread hide (rāhita), ritual vessels and darbha shown, stylized water and temple backdrop.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: central snāna figure with gold aura, miniature vignettes of horse symbolism (aśva) and a brāhmaṇa’s ritual seat, ornate borders and gilded highlights on vessels.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: didactic layout showing ‘yathāvidhi’ items—hide-seat, water pot, mantra-japa—clean, precise lines; subdued palette; emphasis on procedural correctness.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: bathing pavilion with attendants; a scholar-brāhmaṇa seated on a hide mat; fine textile and material rendering; subtle horse motif in background to indicate rājya-kāma."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्नायाद्राज्यकामस्तु = स्नायात् + राज्यकामः + तु; ब्राह्मणस्तु = ब्राह्मणः + तु.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 258 (snāna and kāmya prayoga sequence); Agni Purana sections on rājadharma observances
FAQs
It prescribes a specific mantra-recitation (“aśvapūrvā”) to accompany ritual bathing for one seeking sovereignty, and it states a rule-bound (yathāvidhi) bathing method for a brāhmaṇa using a ritually fit hide (carma).
It shows the text’s practical cataloging of applied dharma—linking mantra-prayoga, purification rites, and socially differentiated observances (general aspirant vs. brāhmaṇa)—alongside themes of governance/royal aspiration (rājya).
The verse frames snāna as a karmically potent rite: when performed with the correct formula and procedure, it becomes a disciplined means of purification and a dharmically sanctioned support for worldly aims such as rulership.