Agni Purana — Veda-vidhana & Vamsha, Shloka 57
अध्याय २७८: सिद्धौषधानि
Siddha Medicines / Perfected Remedies
धूपो वृश्चिकदष्टस्य शिखिपत्रघृतेन वा अर्कक्षीरेण संपिष्टं लोपा वीजं पलाशजं
dhūpo vṛścikadaṣṭasya śikhipatraghṛtena vā arkakṣīreṇa saṃpiṣṭaṃ lopā vījaṃ palāśajaṃ
For one stung by a scorpion, a medicated fumigation (dhūpa) should be given: lopā-seeds born of palāśa, ground either with ghee prepared using śikhī leaves, or with the milky latex of arka.
Lord Agni (instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha in encyclopedic medical lore)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Scorpion-sting management using medicated fumigation and topical paste preparation.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Vṛścika-daṃśa: Dhūpa with Palāśa-lopā-bīja and Arka-kṣīra/ghṛta","lookup_keywords":["vṛścika-daṣṭa","dhūpa","arka-kṣīra","palāśa","lopā-bīja"],"quick_summary":"For scorpion sting, the text prescribes dhūpa (therapeutic fumigation) using palāśa-derived seeds, prepared with śikhī-leaf ghee or arka latex. It is a rapid-response toxicology measure."}
Dosha: Tridosha
Concept: Prayoga (practical application) of dravya and upakrama (dhūpa) in acute conditions
Application: Recognize dhūpa as a therapeutic route (inhalational/environmental) in addition to ingestion/topical measures in viṣa conditions.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda / Bhaiṣajya (Agni Purana medicinal remedies)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A small brazier emitting medicated smoke while a healer grinds palāśa seeds with arka latex or ghee, treating a scorpion-stung patient.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized brazier with curling smoke, healer grinding herbs on stone slab, patient with swollen hand/foot, bold outlines, herbal plants (palāśa, arka) in background","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold-highlighted brazier and lamp, thick decorative smoke curls, healer holding palāśa seeds, patient attended by family, rich jewel tones","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, instructional layout: brazier for dhūpa, grinding stone, labeled ingredients (arka latex, ghṛta, palāśa seeds), calm clinical scene","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed indoor clinic, physician preparing paste, brazier with aromatic smoke, patient reclining, meticulous depiction of jars and botanical specimens"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"focused","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वृश्चिकदष्टस्य = वृश्चिक + दष्टस्य; शिखिपत्रघृतेन = शिखि + पत्र + घृतेन; अर्कक्षीरेण = अर्क + क्षीरेण.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 278 (scorpion remedies sequence)
FAQs
It teaches an anti-viṣa (anti-poison) therapeutic procedure: preparing a dhūpa (fumigation) using palāśa-derived lopā seeds, triturated with either medicated ghee or arka latex, for scorpion sting management.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves practical toxicology and pharmacy—showing household-accessible materia medica (palāśa, arka) and a concrete treatment method (dhūpa) for a common medical emergency (scorpion sting).
By presenting compassionate, life-preserving knowledge as dharma, the text frames healing as a meritorious act—reducing suffering and protecting life, which is traditionally upheld as a righteous duty.