Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 27
Śāva-āśauca and Sūtikā-śauca: Death/Childbirth Impurity, Preta-śuddhi, and Śrāddha Procedure
Chapter 157
प्रेतपात्रं च पात्रेषु तथैव विनियोजयेत् पृथक् पृथक् प्रकर्तव्यं कर्मैतत् कर्मपात्रके
pretapātraṃ ca pātreṣu tathaiva viniyojayet pṛthak pṛthak prakartavyaṃ karmaitat karmapātrake
De même, on assignera le « récipient du preta » (preta-pātra) parmi les récipients rituels. Dans l’ensemble des vases du rite, cette opération doit être accomplie séparément (avec une attribution et une manipulation distinctes pour chaque récipient).
Lord Agni (in discourse to Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purāṇa narration frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Separate allocation of a dedicated vessel for preta offerings within the ritual vessel-set, preventing mixing of recipients and maintaining procedural purity.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Preta-pātra allocation within Karma-pātraka","lookup_keywords":["preta-pātra","pātra-viniyoga","karma-pātraka","śrāddha vessels","separate handling"],"quick_summary":"Keep a distinct vessel for the preta and place it among the ritual vessels with clear separation; perform each vessel-related act separately to avoid cross-allocation."}
Concept: Adhikāra-bheda (distinct entitlement/recipient) requires dravya-bheda (distinct material allocation).
Application: Use clearly marked vessels; do not reuse or interchange vessels between preta and pitṛ offerings within the same sitting.
Khanda Section: Śrāddha-vidhi (Antyeṣṭi & Pitṛ-kriyā / Funeral and ancestral rites)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A set of ritual vessels laid out on a mat; one vessel is marked and set aside as the preta-pātra while the officiant gestures to keep actions separate for each vessel.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, top-down clarity of vessel arrangement, one distinct preta vessel highlighted by color band, priest indicating separation, subdued sacred interior","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gleaming vessels with gold work, one vessel slightly apart labeled as preta-pātra, ornate but orderly composition","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style instructional plate: vessels drawn with labels, arrows showing ‘separate performance’ for each, clean lines and muted colors","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed metalwork vessels on carpet, officiant and assistant carefully segregating one cup/bowl, emphasis on meticulous handling"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कर्मैतत् → कर्म एतत्
Related Themes: Agni Purana 157 (pātra and piṇḍa handling rules in śrāddha-vidhi)
FAQs
It teaches the procedural rule of viniyoga (correct allocation) of the preta-pātra within the set of ritual vessels, emphasizing distinct, separate handling of the vessel-based actions.
By codifying minute procedural details of Śrāddha and post-death rites—down to vessel designation and sequencing—it preserves practical dharma-ritual technology alongside the Purana’s broader subjects.
Correct separation and allocation of the preta-related vessel is presented as necessary for ritual purity and for ensuring the intended benefit to the departed and the pitṛs, avoiding doṣa (ritual fault).