Agni Purana — Veda-vidhana & Vamsha, Shloka 25
Dānādi-māhātmya — The Glory of Gifts, Manuscript-Donation, and Purāṇic Transmission
समाप्ते भारते विप्रं संहितापुस्तकान्यजेत् शुभे देशे निवेश्याथ क्षौमवस्त्रादिनावृतान्
samāpte bhārate vipraṃ saṃhitāpustakānyajet śubhe deśe niveśyātha kṣaumavastrādināvṛtān
When the recitation (or completion) of the Mahābhārata is finished, O brāhmaṇa, one should set down the volumes of the compiled text (saṃhitā), placing them in an auspicious spot and then covering them with linen (kṣauma) cloth and the like.
Lord Agni (in dialogue with sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana narration frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Samanya","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Manuscript handling after a major recitation: place the saṃhitā volumes in a clean auspicious location and protect them with proper coverings to preserve sanctity and physical integrity.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Saṃhitā-pustaka-niveśana and covering after Bhārata-samāpti","lookup_keywords":["Bhārata-samāpti","saṃhitā-pustaka","śubha-deśa","kṣauma-vastra","grantha-samskāra"],"quick_summary":"After completing Mahābhārata recitation, set the volumes down in an auspicious place and cover them with linen cloth, treating the text as a sacred object and preserving it."}
Concept: Śāstra is not merely information; it is a sacred support (ālambana) for dharma and must be housed and protected with ritual mindfulness.
Application: Create a dedicated clean shelf/altar for texts; wrap in cloth; avoid placing on the floor; store in a dry, elevated, respected location.
Khanda Section: Sahitya-shastra (Itihasa-Purana Grantha-samskara / Manuscript Preservation & Ritual Handling of Texts)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: Sacred-space (within home/maṭha/temple)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"After a long recitation, the compiled Mahābhārata volumes are carefully placed in a clean auspicious corner; attendants cover them with folded linen cloths.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, interior of a lamp-lit hall, palm-leaf bundles stacked on a wooden stand, priest placing them down, white linen cloth draped over, minimalistic sacred geometry borders","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, books on a pedestal like a deity-seat, gold foil on the pedestal and cloth border, priest with añjali, rich maroon backdrop, ornate lamps","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear depiction of manuscript bundles and cloth covering technique, fine detailing of kṣauma texture, calm scholarly setting with low desk and inkpot","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, library pavilion scene, scribe-priest placing volumes on a carpeted dais, attendants bringing linen covers, intricate patterns and architectural arches"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: saṃhitāpustakāni = saṃhitā + pustakāni; niveśyātha = niveśya + atha; kṣaumavastrādināvṛtān = kṣauma-vastra-ādi-nā + āvṛtān.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 271 (grantha-related pūjā and completion rites)
FAQs
It prescribes a practical text-handling rite: after completing the Mahābhārata, the compiled manuscript volumes should be respectfully deposited in an auspicious location and protected by covering them with linen or similar cloth.
Beyond theology, it records procedural norms for preserving and ritually managing sacred literature—showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of cultural practice, manuscript protocol, and dharmic conduct around recitation traditions.
Treating the text as sacred—placing it in a pure place and covering it—signals reverence and purity, supporting the merit (puṇya) of the recitation and avoiding disrespect (apacāra) toward the scripture.