Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 10
Rudra-śānti (रुद्रशान्ति)
सिद्धः साध्यः सुशिद्धो ऽरिः संज्ञातो गणयेत् क्रमात् मन्त्रस्यादौ तथा चान्ते सिद्धिदः स्याच्छतांशतः
siddhaḥ sādhyaḥ suśiddho 'riḥ saṃjñāto gaṇayet kramāt mantrasyādau tathā cānte siddhidaḥ syācchatāṃśataḥ
Having identified the mantra’s operative categories as “Siddha”, “Sādhya”, “Su-siddha”, and “Ari”, one should compute them in due order. When these are placed at the beginning and also at the end of the mantra, it becomes a bestower of success, yielding results a hundredfold.
Lord Agni (in instruction to Sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Mantra-siddhi assessment by classifying operative status (Siddha/Sādhya/Su-siddha/Ari) and applying computed placements at mantra’s beginning and end to amplify results.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Formula","entry_title":"Siddha–Sādhya–Su-siddha–Ari: mantra-siddhi gaṇanā and framing","lookup_keywords":["siddha","sādhya","su-siddha","ari","gaṇanā"],"quick_summary":"The verse gives a computational/diagnostic scheme for mantra efficacy using four categories and prescribes placing the computed elements at the mantra’s start and end. The intended outcome is intensified siddhi, described as hundredfold."}
Concept: Mantra is treated as a system with measurable states; correct gaṇanā and placement (ādi/anta) are upāyas to remove ‘ari’ (obstruction) and stabilize siddhi.
Application: Diagnose the mantra’s category via the taught gaṇanā method (as given in the surrounding section) and apply the prescribed framing to strengthen practice outcomes.
Khanda Section: Mantra-shastra (Tantric Mantra Prayoga and Siddhi-ganana)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A manuscript page shows four headings—Siddha, Sādhya, Su-siddha, Ari—beside a mantra; a sādhaka computes counts with beads and then writes the computed syllables at the mantra’s beginning and end, radiance symbolizing ‘hundredfold’ success.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized manuscript with four category labels, sādhaka with mālā counting, mantra framed at both ends, luminous aura motifs indicating siddhi, temple interior ambiance","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf radiance around the framed mantra, four labeled panels for the categories, sādhaka counting beads, ornate borders, visual emphasis on ‘śatāṃśataḥ’ as repeated golden rays","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear instructional diagram: four-category table, stepwise depiction of gaṇanā and placement at mantra start/end, fine linework, calm scholarly setting","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, mathematician-ascetic computing with rosary and tally marks, illuminated manuscript with four headings, assistants observing, delicate depiction of script and marginal notes, refined palette"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सुशिद्धो 'रिः = सु-सिद्धः अरिः (विसर्ग-लोपः/अवग्रहः)। मन्त्रस्यादौ = मन्त्रस्य आदौ। चान्ते = च अन्ते। स्याच्छतांशतः = स्यात् शतांशतः (त् + श → च्छ)।
Related Themes: Agni Purana 324.7 (Sāvitrī practice framework); Agni Purana 324.9 (ādi/anta appending method)
FAQs
It teaches a mantra-prayoga: classify/compute the mantra’s operative status (siddha, sādhya, su-siddha, ari) and, by placing the computed element(s) at the beginning and end of the mantra, intensify the mantra’s effectiveness.
Beyond mythology, it preserves procedural mantra-shastra—categorization, calculation, and practical deployment rules—showing the Agni Purana as a compendium of applied religious-technical knowledge.
By correctly structuring and empowering the mantra, the practitioner reduces obstacles (ari) and increases siddhi, aiming at faster fruition of intended spiritual or ritual goals through disciplined method.