Agni Purana — Vyavahara, Shloka 54
Ṛग्विधानम् (Ṛgvidhāna) — Applications of Ṛgvedic Mantras through Japa and Homa
मनसः काम इत्य् एतां पशुकामो नरो जपेत् कर्दमेन इति स्नायात्प्रजाकामः शुचिव्रतः
manasaḥ kāma ity etāṃ paśukāmo naro japet kardamena iti snāyātprajākāmaḥ śucivrataḥ
A man who desires cattle should recite this mantra beginning with “manasaḥ kāma…”. One who desires offspring, observing a pure vow, should bathe while reciting the mantra beginning with “kardamena…”.
Lord Agni (traditional Agni Purana narrator) instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Vrata","practical_application":"Desire-oriented mantra-japa and mantra-snāna (ritual bathing) for specific worldly aims such as cattle and progeny.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Kāma-siddhi via Mantra-japa and Mantra-snāna (Paśu-kāma, Prajā-kāma)","lookup_keywords":["manasaḥ kāma","kardamena","paśukāma","prajākāma","snāna-vidhi"],"quick_summary":"For cattle, recite the mantra beginning “manasaḥ kāma…”. For offspring, maintain purity/vow and bathe while reciting the mantra beginning “kardamena…”, treating snāna itself as a mantra-prayoga."}
Concept: Mantra efficacy is enhanced by śauca (purity), vrata (self-restraint), and correct prayoga (application) such as mantra-snāna.
Application: Undertake a short purity-vow (clean conduct, controlled speech/food) and perform japa/snāna with clear saṅkalpa for the stated aim.
Khanda Section: Mantra-japa & Snana-vidhi (Ritual applications for specific desires)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A vow-observing practitioner at a riverbank or bathing platform, reciting a mantra while performing ritual bath; nearby cows/calf imagery for paśu-kāma and a family/blessing motif for prajā-kāma.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style: serene riverbank snāna scene, a brāhmaṇa in white cloth doing ācamana and japa, subtle depiction of cows behind, warm earthy palette, stylized lotus water, traditional ornamented borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting: central figure performing mantra-snāna with gold-leaf halo-like aura, small cow and calf at side, ornate arch frame, rich reds and greens, embossed jewelry details.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting: instructional composition showing steps—saṅkalpa, japa, snāna—clean linework, soft shading, labeled ritual items (kamaṇḍalu, darbha), calm domestic prosperity symbols.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: detailed riverside bathing pavilion, figure reciting mantra with rosary, attendants holding cloth and water pot, cows in background pasture, fine architectural detailing and naturalistic landscape."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: इत्य् एताम् = इति + एताम्; स्नायात्प्रजाकामः = स्नायात् + प्रजाकामः.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 258 (Mantra-japa & Snana-vidhi context); Agni Purana mantra-prayoga sections on kāmya rites
FAQs
It gives a kāmya-prayoga (desire-oriented ritual application): japa of a specific mantra-incipit for obtaining cattle, and a mantra-accompanied ritual bath (snāna) for one seeking offspring, with an emphasis on śuci-vrata (maintained purity).
Beyond mythology, the Agni Purana functions as a practical compendium: it catalogs targeted rites—mantra-japa, purity vows, and snāna procedures—showing how ritual technology is applied to everyday aims like prosperity in livestock and continuation of lineage.
The verse links desired outcomes to disciplined practice: purity (śuci-vrata), regulated recitation (japa), and purificatory bathing (snāna) are presented as karmically efficacious acts that align intention, body, and speech with dharmic ritual order.