Agni Purana — Vyavahara, Shloka 55
Ṛग्विधानम् (Ṛgvidhāna) — Applications of Ṛgvedic Mantras through Japa and Homa
अश्वपूर्वा इति स्नायाद्राज्यकामस्तु मानवः राहिते चर्मणि स्नायात् ब्राह्मणस्तु यथाविधि
aśvapūrvā iti snāyādrājyakāmastu mānavaḥ rāhite carmaṇi snāyāt brāhmaṇastu yathāvidhi
A man who desires sovereignty should bathe while reciting the formula/mantra “aśvapūrvā”. A brāhmaṇa, however, should bathe according to rule, seated or standing upon a “rāhita” hide—properly prepared and ritually fit.
Lord Agni (traditional Agni Purana narrator) instructing sage Vasiṣṭha (contextual attribution)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Ritual bathing prescriptions tied to political aspiration (rājya-kāma) and varṇa-appropriate observance (brāhmaṇa bathing on a ritually fit hide).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Snāna for Rājya-kāma and Brāhmaṇa’s Niyata-snāna on Rāhita-carma","lookup_keywords":["aśvapūrvā","rājya-kāma","snāna-vidhi","rāhita-carma","yathāvidhi"],"quick_summary":"For sovereignty, bathe with the “aśvapūrvā” mantra. A brāhmaṇa should follow the prescribed rule (yathāvidhi), including the correct ritual seat/support such as a properly prepared hide."}
Concept: Kāmya rites must remain within maryādā (rule): aspiration (rājya) is pursued through regulated purity and varṇa-appropriate procedure.
Application: When performing desire-based rites, keep to yathāvidhi constraints (proper seat, materials, and conduct) rather than improvising, especially for brāhmaṇas.
Khanda Section: Ritual Purification (Snana-vidhi) and Rajadharma-related Observances
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A ritual bathing scene with a royal aspirant reciting “aśvapūrvā”, contrasted with a brāhmaṇa performing regulated snāna on a prepared hide-seat, emphasizing correct ritual setup.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: two-panel composition—left a kingly figure at snāna-ghāṭa chanting, right a brāhmaṇa on a neatly spread hide (rāhita), ritual vessels and darbha shown, stylized water and temple backdrop.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: central snāna figure with gold aura, miniature vignettes of horse symbolism (aśva) and a brāhmaṇa’s ritual seat, ornate borders and gilded highlights on vessels.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: didactic layout showing ‘yathāvidhi’ items—hide-seat, water pot, mantra-japa—clean, precise lines; subdued palette; emphasis on procedural correctness.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: bathing pavilion with attendants; a scholar-brāhmaṇa seated on a hide mat; fine textile and material rendering; subtle horse motif in background to indicate rājya-kāma."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्नायाद्राज्यकामस्तु = स्नायात् + राज्यकामः + तु; ब्राह्मणस्तु = ब्राह्मणः + तु.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 258 (snāna and kāmya prayoga sequence); Agni Purana sections on rājadharma observances
FAQs
It prescribes a specific mantra-recitation (“aśvapūrvā”) to accompany ritual bathing for one seeking sovereignty, and it states a rule-bound (yathāvidhi) bathing method for a brāhmaṇa using a ritually fit hide (carma).
It shows the text’s practical cataloging of applied dharma—linking mantra-prayoga, purification rites, and socially differentiated observances (general aspirant vs. brāhmaṇa)—alongside themes of governance/royal aspiration (rājya).
The verse frames snāna as a karmically potent rite: when performed with the correct formula and procedure, it becomes a disciplined means of purification and a dharmically sanctioned support for worldly aims such as rulership.