Adhyaya 315
Chapter 315: नानामन्त्राः (Various Mantras)
Continuing the mantra-śāstra sequence, Lord Agni presents applied formulas (prayoga) marked by bīja-syllables and forceful, command-like endings such as phaḍ. The chapter opens with rules for mantra construction—beginning with hūṃ, adorned with the pada “khecch(e),” and concluded with strong terminations—showing the technical, operative style of tantric manuals. Agni then assigns specific functions: a vidyā that “accomplishes all rites,” neutralizes poison and related afflictions, and can revive one near death from fatal venom or a deadly blow. Other brief mantras are linked to effects such as crushing poison and enemies, conquering sin-born diseases, and warding off obstacles and malicious forces. A vaśīkaraṇa (influence/subjugation) application is also included, and the chapter culminates in the Kubjikā-vidyā, an expanded goddess-mantra sequence remembered as “all-accomplishing.” Agni closes by indicating further transmission of mantras taught by Īśa to Skanda, preserving a lineage-based frame within the Purāṇic discourse.
Shlokas
Verse 1
इत्य् आग्नेये महापुराणे स्तम्भनादिमन्त्रा नाम चतुर्दशाधिकत्रिशततमो ऽध्यायः अथ पञ्चदशाधिकत्रिशततमो ऽध्यायः नानामन्त्राः अग्निर् उवाच आदौ हूंकारसंयुक्ता खेचछे पदभूषिता वर्गातीतविसर्गेण ह्रीं हूंक्षेपफडन्तका
Thus, in the Agni Mahāpurāṇa, the chapter entitled “Mantras beginning with Stambhana and related rites,” the 314th chapter, comes to an end. Now begins the 315th chapter, “Various Mantras.” Agni said: “At the outset (the mantra) is joined with the syllable HŪṂ; it is adorned with the word ‘khecch(e)’ as a pada; and, by the visarga beyond the (phonetic) classes (varga), it is formed as HRĪṂ—HŪṂ—together with KṢEPA—PHAḌ as the concluding termination of the formula.”
Verse 2
सर्वकर्मकरी विद्या विषसन्धादिमर्दनी ॐ क्षेचछेतिप्रयोगश् च कालदष्टस्य जीवने
This vidyā accomplishes all rites and actions; it crushes and neutralizes poison and related afflictions. The application of the mantra beginning with “Oṃ kṣeca-ccheti” is for restoring to life one who has been struck by Death—one rendered as good as dead by fatal poisoning or a deadly bite.
Verse 3
ॐ हूं केक्षः प्रयोगोयं विषशत्रुप्रमर्दनः स्त्रीं हूं फडितियोगोयं पापरोगादिकं जयेत्
“Oṃ hūṃ kekṣaḥ”—this application crushes poison and enemies. And “Strīṃ hūṃ phaḍ”—this combination indeed conquers ailments born of sin and other afflictions.
Verse 4
खेछेति च प्रयोगो ऽयं विघ्नदुष्टादि वारयेत् ह्रूं स्त्रीं ओमितियोगो ऽयं योषिदादिवशीकरः
This practice employing the utterance “khe” is used to ward off obstacles and malicious forces. The application consisting of the bīja-mantras “hrūṃ” and “strīṃ,” joined with “oṃ,” is used for vaśīkaraṇa—subjugation, bringing women and others under one’s influence.
Verse 5
खे स्त्रीं खे च प्रयोगो ऽयं वशाय विजयाय च ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं स्फें क्षौं भगवति अम्बिके कुब्जिके स्फें ॐ भं तं वशनमो अघोराय सुखे व्रां व्रीं किलि किलि विच्चा स्फ्रौं हे स्फ्रं श्रीं ह्रीं ऐं श्रीमिति कुब्जिकाविद्या सर्वकरा स्मृता भूयः स्कन्दाय यानाह मन्त्रानीशश् च तान् वदे
“Khe strīṃ khe”—this rite is for vaśīkaraṇa (subjugation) and for victory. (One should employ the mantra:) “aiṃ hrīṃ śrīṃ spheṃ kṣauṃ—O Blessed Goddess, Ambikā, Kubjikā—spheṃ; oṃ bhaṃ taṃ—obeisance for bringing under control—unto Aghora; O Sukhā—vrāṃ vrīṃ; kili kili; viccā; sphrauṃ; he sphraṃ; śrīṃ hrīṃ aiṃ śrīm.” Thus is the Kubjikā-vidyā, remembered as accomplishing all aims. Further, the mantras that Īśa taught to Skanda—those too I shall declare.
Frequently Asked Questions
The chapter foregrounds mantra-formation and deployment: bīja-syllable sequencing (e.g., hūṃ/hrīṃ/strīṃ), inclusion of a defining pada (“khecch(e)”), and forceful terminations like phaḍ, each tied to a specific prayoga (application).
It presents applied powers—protection, healing, obstacle removal, and control—as dharma-situated technologies within the Purāṇic worldview, implying that efficacy should be governed by restraint, right intent, and alignment with higher puruṣārthas rather than mere coercive gain.