Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 3
Chapter 326 — देवालयमाहात्म्यम्
The Glory of Temples
स्फाटिकं भूतिदं कौशं मुक्तिदं रुद्रनेत्रजं धाधीफलप्रमाणेन रुद्राक्षं चोत्तमन्ततः
sphāṭikaṃ bhūtidaṃ kauśaṃ muktidaṃ rudranetrajaṃ dhādhīphalapramāṇena rudrākṣaṃ cottamantataḥ
Crystal (sphāṭika) bestows prosperity; the silk-thread (kauśa) bestows liberation; and Rudrākṣa—born of Rudra’s eye—when of the size of a dhādhī fruit, is the most excellent of all.
Lord Agni (in dialogue with sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vrata","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Choosing mala materials (crystal, silk-thread, rudrākṣa) and selecting rudrākṣa by size standard for desired spiritual/ritual outcomes.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Sphāṭika–kauśa–rudrākṣa phala and rudrākṣa-pramāṇa","lookup_keywords":["sphāṭika-mālā","kauśa-sūtra","rudrākṣa","rudra-netraja","dhādhī-phala-pramāṇa"],"quick_summary":"Crystal mala is said to grant bhūti; silk-thread is linked with mukti; rudrākṣa, born of Rudra’s eye, is best when of dhādhī-fruit size."}
Concept: Upāsanā is supported by proper dravya and niyama; external supports (mālā/sūtra) are aligned with inner aims (bhūti/mukti).
Application: For japa and vrata observance, select mala material consistent with intention; prefer well-formed rudrākṣa of recommended size for steadiness and sanctity.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Rudraksha and sacred beads: selection, types, and results)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Three malas displayed: clear crystal beads, a fine silk-thread mala, and a rudrākṣa mala with a highlighted bead measured against a dhādhī fruit for ideal size.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized rudrākṣa tree motif behind, priest holding sphāṭika and rudrākṣa malas, dhādhī fruit shown as size reference, earthy reds and ochres, temple border patterns.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, gold work on mala highlights, central rudrākṣa bead emphasized, silk-thread rendered with sheen, devotional framing with subtle Śiva symbols (trident, crescent) in background.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, didactic layout: three malas on a cloth with measured rudrākṣa bead beside dhādhī fruit, fine outlines, soft pastel palette, minimal shrine setting.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, naturalistic beads and fruit, scholar demonstrating bead size to a disciple, detailed textiles and manuscript folio, delicate brushwork."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: चोत्तमन्ततः = च + उत्तमम् + ततः (ततः often written as अन्ततः/ततः in transmission; here segmented as च + उत्तमम् + ततः).
Related Themes: Agni Purana Puja-vidhi on rudrākṣa-bheda and mālā-niyama; Agni Purana Japa-vidhi rules on counting and meru
FAQs
It classifies japa/pujā materials by their results—crystal beads for prosperity, silk cord for mokṣa-oriented practice, and identifies the ideal Rudrākṣa as one of a specified fruit-like size.
It preserves a practical ritual taxonomy—materials, expected outcomes, and measurable specifications—showing the Purana’s handbook-like coverage of worship technology alongside theology.
It links concrete ritual choices (mālā material and bead size) with distinct spiritual fruits (bhūti and mokṣa), framing disciplined observance as a means to merit, purification, and liberation.