Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 26
Chapter 280 — रसादिलक्षणम् / सर्वरोगहराण्यौषधानि
Characteristics of Taste and Related Factors; Medicines that Remove All Diseases
रसाधिकं समं कुर्यान्नरो वाताधिको ऽपि वा निदाघे मर्दनं प्रोक्तं शिशिरे च समं बहु
rasādhikaṃ samaṃ kuryānnaro vātādhiko 'pi vā nidāghe mardanaṃ proktaṃ śiśire ca samaṃ bahu
A person should adopt a regimen that is either more rasa-dominant (nourishing/unctuous) or balanced—even if he is Vāta-predominant. In the hot season (summer), body-massage (mardana/abhyanga) is prescribed; and in the cold season (winter), one should employ it in a balanced manner and in greater measure.
Lord Agni (teaching Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s encyclopedic discourse)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Adjust seasonal regimen and massage intensity to balance Vata and maintain nourishment/unctuousness across summer and winter.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Ritucharya: Mardana (Abhyanga) and Rasa-dominant vs Sama regimen for Vata","lookup_keywords":["ritucharya","abhyanga","mardana","vata","nidagha-shishira"],"quick_summary":"Even a Vata-predominant person should follow a nourishing or balanced regimen; massage is advised in summer, and in winter it should be done in a balanced yet greater measure."}
Dosha: Vata
Concept: Self-regulation by season (kala) and constitution (prakriti) sustains harmony.
Application: Treat routine as a discipline: modify touch, oiling, and nourishment according to heat/cold and Vata tendency.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Dinacharya–Ritucharya; Abhyanga/Mardana and Dosha-balancing regimen)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Seasonal split scene: summer with lighter massage and cooling setting; winter with more abundant oil massage near warmth, emphasizing balance for Vata types.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style diptych of Nidagha and Shishira, attendant performing abhyanga with oil pot, stylized sun for summer and cool blue tones for winter, traditional mural contours","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central figure receiving abhyanga, gold-highlighted oil vessel, seasonal motifs (sun and cold breeze), ornate border","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional seasonal chart with two panels, massage strokes indicated, oil quantity shown, clean composition","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, palace bathhouse scene with masseur, summer courtyard in one corner and winter brazier in another, detailed textiles and vessels"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कुर्यान्नरो → कुर्यात् नरः; वाताधिको ऽपि → वाताधिकः अपि.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 280 (dinacharya/ritucharya and abhyanga instructions)
FAQs
Ayurvedic ritucharya guidance: adjust nourishment/unctuousness (rasa) and use body-massage (mardana/abhyanga) according to season—recommended in summer and used more (yet balanced) in winter, especially relevant for Vāta-predominant individuals.
It shows the Agni Purana’s practical coverage beyond theology—preserving applied Ayurveda (seasonal lifestyle and therapeutic massage) alongside other disciplines, reflecting its multi-subject, handbook-like scope.
By maintaining bodily balance through season-appropriate discipline, one preserves health and steadiness for dharma and worship; such self-regulation is treated as supportive of purity, longevity, and sustained religious practice.