Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 12
Chapter 41 — शिलाविन्यासविधानं
The Procedure for Laying the Stones / Foundation Setting
प्रायश्चित्तं ततः पूर्णां मूर्तिमांसघृतांस्तिलान् वेदाद्यैर् द्वादशान्तेन कुम्भेषु च पृथक् पृथक्
prāyaścittaṃ tataḥ pūrṇāṃ mūrtimāṃsaghṛtāṃstilān vedādyair dvādaśāntena kumbheṣu ca pṛthak pṛthak
Thereafter, for the expiatory rite (prāyaścitta), one should prepare separate pots, each filled to the full with the prescribed offerings—an effigy or substitute form (mūrti), meat, ghee, and sesame. The rite is to be performed with Vedic recitations, beginning with the Veda and concluding with the twelvefold/“twelve” ending (dvādaśa), keeping each item distinct in its own vessel.
Lord Agni (in dialogue with the sage Vasiṣṭha, as the usual frame of the Agni Purana)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Prāyaścitta setup: prepare distinct kumbhas (pots) with specified substitute/effigy and offerings (meat, ghee, sesame), accompanied by Vedic recitation with a defined beginning and a twelve-syllabled/formulaic conclusion, to rectify ritual faults and restore purity.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Prāyaścitta-kumbha: Separate Vessels for Offerings (Mūrti–Māṃsa–Ghṛta–Tila)","lookup_keywords":["prāyaścitta","kumbha","tila","ghṛta","māṃsa"],"quick_summary":"For expiation, arrange separate pots each fully filled with the prescribed items (including a substitute effigy), keeping substances distinct; perform the rite with Vedic recitation from the opening formula through a twelve-syllabled/ending formula as specified by the tradition."}
Concept: Prāyaścitta as dhārmic repair: when procedure is flawed or impurity arises, structured expiation restores adhikāra (fitness) and social-ritual order.
Application: When a homa/pujā is interrupted or performed with error, employ a standardized expiatory protocol with distinct vessels and mantra-bound recitation to ‘close’ the fault.
Khanda Section: Prāyaścitta & Śānti-karma (Expiations and Purificatory Rites)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A ritual expiation arrangement: multiple separate kumbhas in a row, each filled with a distinct offering (effigy/substitute, meat, ghee, sesame), while the officiant recites Vedic formulas concluding with a twelve-syllabled ending.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, orderly row of decorated pots with distinct contents symbolized by icons (sesame seeds, ghee drop, meat offering, small effigy), priest chanting with palm-leaf manuscript nearby, warm temple interior palette","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, expiation altar with four ornate kalashas, gold-leaf on pot bands and sacred thread motifs, central priest figure, emphasis on auspicious completion and purification symbolism","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, instructional diagram-like painting: labeled kumbhas and their contents, clear separation lines, priest reciting with rosary, soft shading and precise detailing of vessels and offerings","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, meticulous still-life of ritual vessels on a carpeted platform, attendants presenting separate pots, scribe-like figure indicating Vedic recitation sequence, fine botanical borders"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मूर्तिमांसघृतांस्तिलान् = मूर्ति + मांस + घृतान् + तिलान् (समाहार/सूची-समासाभाव, पदसन्धि); वेदाद्यैर् = वेदाद्यैः;
Related Themes: Agni Purana 41 (Prāyaścitta & Śānti-karma section); Agni Purana śuddhi/prāyaścitta prakaraṇas (general)
FAQs
It prescribes a prāyaścitta procedure: preparing separate kumbhas (pots) filled with specific expiatory offerings (effigy/substitute form, meat, ghee, sesame) and conducting the act with structured Vedic recitation.
It documents a concrete, implementable ritual protocol—materials, containers, and mantra-structure—showing how the Agni Purana functions as a compendium of dharma-practice alongside theology and other sciences.
By specifying correct substances, separation of offerings, and Vedic mantra-closure, it frames expiation as a regulated act that removes ritual impurity and mitigates karmic fault through properly performed śānti/prāyaścitta.