Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 23
Chapter 288 — अश्वचिकित्सा
Aśva-cikitsā) | Horse-Medicine (Śālihotra to Suśruta
मन्याहनुनिगालस्थशिराशोथो गलग्रहः अभ्यङ्गः कटुतैलेन तत्र तेष्वेव शस्यते
manyāhanunigālasthaśirāśotho galagrahaḥ abhyaṅgaḥ kaṭutailena tatra teṣveva śasyate
For swelling of the veins in the nape (manyā), jaw (hanu), and throat region (nigāla), and for constriction or stiffness of the throat (gala-graha), oil-massage (abhyaṅga) with pungent medicated oil is specifically recommended for those very conditions.
Lord Agni (traditionally narrating Agni Purana’s encyclopedic teachings to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Targeted external therapy: applying pungent medicated oil massage for neck/jaw/throat vascular swelling and throat constriction (gala-graha).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Manyā–hanu–nigāla śirā-śotha & gala-graha: kaṭu-taila abhyaṅga","lookup_keywords":["gala-graha","abhyaṅga","kaṭu-taila","manyā","śirā-śotha"],"quick_summary":"For vascular swelling around nape, jaw, and throat, and for throat constriction, massage with pungent medicated oil is recommended as a focused external intervention."}
Dosha: Vata
Concept: Sthānika cikitsā: local application (abhyaṅga) with uṣṇa/kaṭu dravya to counter vāta-stambha and kapha-āvaraṇa tendencies in the throat/neck region.
Application: Choose external therapies by site and symptom (stiffness/constriction); use warming oils for vāta-dominant tightness while monitoring pitta/inflammation.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Agni Purana medicinal remedies)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A practitioner massages pungent oil into a patient’s nape, jawline, and throat area; the patient’s posture shows relief from tightness, with an oil vessel and warming setup nearby.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: stylized massage scene, warm brown-red palette, clear emphasis on neck/jaw/throat region, traditional oil pot, calm clinical setting.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: richly ornamented oil vessel with gold work, central figure receiving neck massage, symmetrical composition, luminous highlights on oil sheen.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: instructional anatomy-focused depiction of manyā/hanu/nigāla regions, arrows indicating massage direction, soft colors and precise lines.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: intimate clinic interior, detailed hands applying oil, realistic facial expression of relief, patterned textiles and small brass containers."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: manyāhanunigālasthaśirāśotho = मन्या-हनु-निगाल-स्थ-शिरा-शोथः (समास). galagrahaḥ = गल-ग्रहः. kaṭutailena = कटु-तैलेन (कर्मधारय). teṣveva = तेषु + एव (संधि).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 288 (external therapies: taila, abhyaṅga, lepa)
FAQs
It teaches an Ayurvedic therapeutic procedure: performing abhyaṅga (oil massage) using kaṭu-taila (warming/pungent medicated oil) for specific head–neck vascular swelling and throat constriction.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves practical medical guidance—here, a targeted clinical indication for oil-therapy in throat/neck disorders—showing its wide scope as a compendium of applied sciences.
By prescribing compassionate, dharmic care for bodily suffering through traditional knowledge, the verse supports the ideal of preserving health as a means to sustain duty, worship, and disciplined living.