Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 2
Chapter 171 — प्रायश्चित्तानि
Prāyaścittāni / Expiations
मुच्यते पातकैः सर्वैर् जप्त्वा त्रिरघमर्षणं वेदजप्याद्वायुयमाद् गायत्र्या व्रततो ऽद्यहा
mucyate pātakaiḥ sarvair japtvā triraghamarṣaṇaṃ vedajapyādvāyuyamād gāyatryā vratato 'dyahā
Having recited the Aghamarṣaṇa hymn three times, one is released from all sins; likewise, by Vedic recitation, by the disciplines of Vāyu and Yama, and by observing the Gāyatrī vow—thus is taught for the destruction of sin today.
Lord Agni (instructing Sage Vasiṣṭha, as per the Agni Purana’s primary dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Perform Aghamarṣaṇa recitation thrice and maintain allied disciplines (Vedic japa, vāyu-yama restraints, Gāyatrī-vrata) as standardized sin-removal practices.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Aghamarṣaṇa-tri-japa and Gāyatrī-vrata for Pāpa-kṣaya","lookup_keywords":["Aghamarṣaṇa","tri-japa","Gāyatrī-vrata","vāyu-yama","pāpa-kṣaya"],"quick_summary":"Three recitations of the Aghamarṣaṇa hymn are prescribed as a direct expiation, supplemented by Vedic recitation and disciplined restraints (yama-like controls) including the Gāyatrī vow. The focus is repeatable, rule-based purification."}
Concept: Pāpa-kṣaya is achieved through mantra-japa plus self-restraint (yama) and vow-observance.
Application: Adopt a daily regimen: fixed-count recitation, regulated breath/behavior, and vow-based conduct to stabilize ethical transformation.
Khanda Section: Prayashchitta & Mantra-japa Vidhi (Purification rites; Vedic expiations)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A practitioner seated in purity performs threefold recitation, counting on a mālā; subtle depiction of breath discipline (vāyu) and yama-restraint; a sunrise suggests sandhyā context for Gāyatrī-vrata.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, serene yogic figure with mālā, stylized sunrise, minimal props, sacred thread visible, calm aura indicating mantra power","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, devotee in sandhyā posture with gold halo, mālā and water vessel, radiant sun disc with gold work, ornate border","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear instructional posture for japa, beads count emphasized, small icons for yama restraints (closed mouth, steady gaze), soft colors","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, scholar-ascetic in a garden at dawn, rosary in hand, delicate rendering of light and atmosphere, small attendants holding water pot"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Ahir Bhairav","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सर्वैर् = सर्वैः (विसर्गलोप); त्रिरघमर्षणं = त्रिः + अघमर्षणम्; वेदजप्याद्वायुयमाद् = वेदजप्यात् + वायुयमात्; व्रततोऽद्यहा = व्रततः + अद्यहा (पाठ-अनिश्चितता; सम्भवतः ‘अघहा’).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 171.3-171.4 (kṛcchra and cāndrāyaṇa disciplines)
FAQs
It prescribes expiatory purification through specific recitations and observances: thrice-recitation of Aghamarṣaṇa, Vedic japa, disciplines associated with breath/self-restraint (Vāyu–Yama), and the Gāyatrī-vrata.
It exemplifies the text’s practical cataloging of dharmic techniques—mantra-japa, vrata, and expiation—alongside other sciences, showing the Purana as a compendium of actionable ritual and ethical disciplines.
The verse frames these practices as direct means of pāpa-kṣaya (sin-destruction) and inner purification, promising release from accumulated faults through disciplined recitation and vow-based conduct.