Agni Purana — Bhuvanakosha & Tirtha-mahatmya, Shloka 7
Chapter 114 — Gayā-māhātmya
The Greatness of Gayā
गयासुरस्तथेत्युक्त्वापतत्तस्य शिरस्यथ यागं चकार चलिते देहि पूर्णाहुतिं विभुः
gayāsurastathetyuktvāpatattasya śirasyatha yāgaṃ cakāra calite dehi pūrṇāhutiṃ vibhuḥ
Gayāsura dit : « Qu’il en soit ainsi », puis il tomba sur sa propre tête ; et lorsque celle-ci se mit à bouger, le Seigneur accomplit le rite sacrificiel et dit : « Offrez l’oblation complète (pūrṇāhuti) ».
Lord Agni (narrating to Vashistha, within the Agni Purana’s discourse style)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vrata","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Connects the mythic ‘body-as-altar’ to actual ritual performance: stability of the altar-ground and completion of offerings (pūrṇāhuti) as a key sacrificial requirement at Gayā.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Gayāsura’s assent, head-down posture, and the command for pūrṇāhuti","lookup_keywords":["purnahuti","yajna completion","Gaya-asura head","altar shifts","complete oblation"],"quick_summary":"Gayāsura consents and assumes a head-down posture; when the base shifts, the Lord proceeds with yajña and orders the final complete oblation—highlighting the necessity of steadiness and proper completion in sacrifice."}
Alamkara Type: Kriyā-krama (sequence of actions)
Concept: Dharma is fulfilled through saṅkalpa, steadiness (acalatā) of the ritual base, and completion (pūrṇatā) of offerings; consented self-surrender becomes a vehicle of purification for many.
Application: In any vrata/yajña/śrāddha, avoid leaving rites incomplete; perform concluding offerings and closures properly (pūrṇāhuti/udvāsana) with focused intent.
Khanda Section: Tirtha-Mahatmya (Gaya-shraddha and Pinda-dana rites)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: Tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Gayāsura says ‘so be it’ and falls head-first to become the sacrificial base; the ground shifts slightly; the Lord conducts yajña and commands the complete oblation (pūrṇāhuti).","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, dramatic yet sacred: Gayāsura shown prone head-down forming a living altar; the Lord officiating with ladle and fire; devas assisting; subtle depiction of the base shifting; flames stylized.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore gold, central yajña fire with gold highlights; the Lord in priestly posture; Gayāsura as the consecrated base; inscription-like ‘pūrṇāhuti’ motif; rich ornaments and symmetry.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, instructional clarity: yajña-vedi, fire, ladles, and the moment of command; restrained palette; emphasis on ritual implements and sequence.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed sacrificial scene with attendants; the asura’s body forming the ground; careful rendering of fire, vessels, and gestures; landscape of Gayā in background."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गयासुरस्तथेत्युक्त्वापतत् = गयासुरः + तथा + इति + उक्त्वा + अपतत्; शिरस्यथ = शिरसि + अथ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 114 (pūrṇāhuti and Gayā-śrāddha narrative continuation)
FAQs
It highlights yajna-procedure vocabulary—especially the instruction to offer the pūrṇāhuti (the complete/final oblation), marking a rite’s ritual completion and efficacy.
Alongside myths, it preserves practical ritual terminology (yāga, pūrṇāhuti) embedded in tīrtha-māhātmya narratives, connecting pilgrimage lore with actionable sacrificial practice.
The pūrṇāhuti signifies the successful sealing of a sacred act; completing the rite properly is presented as ensuring the intended merit (puṇya) and sanctifying the tīrtha’s power in the Gaya context.