Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 37
Āgneya-Purāṇa-māhātmya
The Greatness and Self-Testimony of the Agni Purāṇa
तस्माद्व्यास सदा श्राव्यं शिष्येभ्यः सर्वदर्शनं शुकाद्यैर् मुनिभिः सर्धं श्रोतुकामैः पुराणकं
tasmādvyāsa sadā śrāvyaṃ śiṣyebhyaḥ sarvadarśanaṃ śukādyair munibhiḥ sardhaṃ śrotukāmaiḥ purāṇakaṃ
Therefore, O Vyāsa, this Purāṇa—comprehensive of all viewpoints—should always be recited to the disciples, together with sages such as Śuka and other seers who desire to hear it.
Lord Agni (instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha; addressing Vyāsa as the archetypal compiler/authority)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Samanya","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Institutionalizing regular Purana teaching: guru recites to disciples in a listening assembly (shravana-sabha) to transmit multi-disciplinary knowledge.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Purana-shravana-parampara (Always recite to disciples)","lookup_keywords":["vyasa","shishya","shravana","sarva-darshana","purana-katha"],"quick_summary":"The Purana is framed as ‘sarva-darshana’—embracing many viewpoints—and is to be regularly taught to disciples in the presence of eager sages, ensuring living transmission."}
Alamkara Type: Epitheton (Visheshana)
Concept: Knowledge is safeguarded by disciplined oral/aural transmission; ‘all viewpoints’ implies integrative learning rather than sectarian narrowing.
Application: Create regular study-circles: structured recitation, explanation, Q&A; preserve both text and interpretive traditions; encourage qualified listening (shrotukama).
Khanda Section: Purana-श्रवण-प्रशंसा (Praise of Purana recitation and transmission of encyclopedic wisdom)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Vyasa-like teacher recites from a manuscript to seated disciples; sages like Shuka present; a semicircle listening assembly indicating ‘sarva-darshana’ breadth (varied ascetics/scholars).","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, rishi-guru on a raised seat reciting, disciples in orderly rows, Shuka and sages with distinct matted hair silhouettes, muted temple palette, calm didactic mood.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, central guru with gold halo, disciples with folded hands, manuscript on a stand, ornate arch framing the teaching assembly, rich reds and greens.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, classroom-like clarity: guru pointing to manuscript, disciples with writing boards, labeled scroll motif ‘sarva-darshana’, fine detailing and soft colors.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, scholarly majlis in a pavilion, teacher reading, listeners of varied garb, books and inkstands, garden background, intricate borders."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तस्माद्व्यास→तस्मात् व्यास; शुकाद्यैर्→शुकाद्यैः; (IAST sardhaṃ = सर्धम्)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 1 (Agni–Vasistha frame and transmission motif); Agni Purana 382 (concluding transmission injunctions)
FAQs
It prescribes the disciplined transmission of Purāṇic knowledge: the Purāṇa should be regularly recited (śrāvya) in a guru–disciple setting, emphasizing authorized hearing as the method of learning.
By calling the Purāṇa “sarva-darśana” (embracing all viewpoints), it frames the text as a compendium that integrates multiple domains of knowledge and perspectives rather than a single narrow doctrine.
It elevates śravaṇa (devotional hearing) and pravacana (recitation/teaching) as meritorious acts, strengthening right understanding through an authentic lineage and the company of realized sages (e.g., Śuka).