Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 47
Āgneya-Purāṇa-māhātmya
The Greatness and Self-Testimony of the Agni Purāṇa
ब्रह्मविद्याद्वयोपेतं भुक्तिदं मुक्तिदं महत् नास्मात्परतरः सारो नास्मात्परतरः सुहृत्
brahmavidyādvayopetaṃ bhuktidaṃ muktidaṃ mahat nāsmātparataraḥ sāro nāsmātparataraḥ suhṛt
Mit der zweifachen Brahman-Erkenntnis ausgestattet, ist es groß: Es verleiht weltlichen Genuss (bhukti) und Befreiung (mukti). Höheren Wesenskern gibt es nicht, und keinen größeren Wohltäter als diesen.
Lord Agni (narrating the teaching to sage Vashistha in the Agni Purana’s instructional dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Frames the Purāṇa as delivering both bhukti (worldly well-being) and mukti (liberation) through ‘twofold Brahmavidyā’; guides readers to balance pravṛtti and nivṛtti aims.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Twofold Brahmavidyā—Bhukti and Mukti fruits","lookup_keywords":["brahmavidya","dvaya","bhukti","mukti","sāra"],"quick_summary":"Defines the text’s core utility as twofold Brahma-knowledge yielding both prosperity and liberation, presenting it as the highest essence and benefactor for seekers."}
Alamkara Type: Arthāntaranyāsa (support by restatement: sāra/suhṛt)
Concept: Brahmavidyā as the supreme means; ‘dvaya’ suggests a paired approach—knowledge with practice (jñāna + upāsanā) or the two aims (bhukti + mukti) supported by the same wisdom.
Application: Use the text for integrated life-guidance: dharmic action and devotion for well-being, and contemplative Brahman-realization for liberation.
Khanda Section: Brahmavidya / Moksha-shastra (Spiritual Knowledge and Liberation Teachings)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Secondary Rasa: Adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A symbolic teaching scene: a manuscript radiating two streams—one toward a prosperous householder life (bhukti) and one toward a renunciate’s path (mukti)—with sages indicating ‘sāra’ and ‘suhṛt’.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, allegorical split-path composition: left side household prosperity motifs, right side ascetic meditation, central glowing palm-leaf text, sages pointing, warm saturated colors and stylized forms","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, central scripture with gold aura, two attendants personifying Bhukti and Mukti, ornate gold work, symmetrical composition, rich reds and greens","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear diagrammatic allegory: two paths labeled bhukti/mukti, teacher-sage explaining, soft pastel palette, fine detailing","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, refined allegory: scholar presenting manuscript, one group of well-dressed patrons and another of ascetics, delicate landscape, subtle halos and inscriptions."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ब्रह्मविद्याद्वयोपेतं = ब्रह्मविद्या + द्वय + उपेतम्. नास्मात्परतरः = न + अस्मात् + परतरः (a-sandhi).
Related Themes: Agni Purana: mokṣa-dharma and brahmavidyā sections (various later adhyāyas); Agni Purana: phala-śruti passages on śravaṇa/pāṭha benefits
FAQs
It teaches Brahmavidya as a twofold liberating knowledge—presented as a complete discipline that yields both bhukti (worldly welfare) and mukti (final liberation), emphasizing its practical and soteriological utility rather than a specific external ritual.
By explicitly framing Brahmavidya as the highest ‘sāra’ (essence) and as beneficial for both life-goals (prosperity and liberation), it shows how the Agni Purana integrates metaphysical Vedanta-style instruction alongside its many applied sciences—positioning spiritual knowledge as the crown of its encyclopedic curriculum.
The verse declares Brahmavidya to be the supreme benefactor: it purifies aims and actions by aligning them with ultimate reality, culminating in liberation while also supporting righteous well-being in worldly life.