Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 48
Chapter 72 — स्नानविशेषादिकथनम्
Special Rules of Bathing, Mantra-Purification, and Sandhyā
शान्तप्रपितामहाय तथाप्रेतपितॄंस् तथा पितृभ्यः पितामहेभ्यः स्वधाथ प्रपितामहे
śāntaprapitāmahāya tathāpretapitṝṃs tathā pitṛbhyaḥ pitāmahebhyaḥ svadhātha prapitāmahe
«Avec la formule svadhā», qu’on offre aux arrière‑grands‑pères apaisés (prapitāmaha) ; de même aux Pitṛ défunts (preta). Qu’on offre aux pères et aux grands‑pères — «svadhā !» — et aussi aux arrière‑grands‑pères.
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition, instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vrata","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Apply the svadhā formula across paternal lineage tiers—father, grandfather, great-grandfather—and include pacified (śānta) great-grandfathers and departed (preta) pitṛs in the offering sequence.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Tiered Svadhā Offerings to Fathers, Grandfathers, Great-Grandfathers and Departed Pitṛs","lookup_keywords":["svadhā","prapitāmaha","preta pitṛ","śānta","pitṛ-tarpaṇa"],"quick_summary":"The verse standardizes how svadhā is extended to multiple ancestral generations, explicitly including both pacified ancestors and those classed as departed (preta) within the śrāddha framework."}
Concept: Pitṛ-ṛṇa (debt to ancestors) is discharged by inclusive remembrance across generations, ensuring transition from preta-status to śānta/settled pitṛ-state.
Application: When performing tarpaṇa/śrāddha, explicitly cover three paternal generations and include departed categories to avoid ritual exclusion.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Śrāddha & Pitṛ-tarpaṇa rites)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Three-tier ancestral line shown—father, grandfather, great-grandfather—receiving svadhā offerings; a separate subdued figure represents ‘preta pitṛ,’ gradually becoming calm (‘śānta’) through the rite.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, horizontal register of three ancestral sages with calm expressions, a fourth faint restless preta figure softening into serenity, ritualist below pouring water with sesame, decorative lotus borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold halos for three generations, preta figure at edge with dimmer aura turning bright, svadhā inscription, ornate offering plates and lamps, deep red background.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, diagrammatic generational tiers labeled pitṛ/pitāmaha/prapitāmaha, arrows showing offering sequence, preta-to-śānta transformation depicted subtly, clean pastel palette.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, genealogical portrait arrangement of ancestors in cloud-like medallions, ritualist in courtyard, preta figure in translucent wash becoming clearer, fine floral margins."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"solemn-appeasing","suggested_raga":"Kafi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तथाप्रेतपितॄंस् = तथा + प्रेतपितॄन्; स्वधाथ = स्वधा + अथ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 72 (ancestral tiers and svadhā usage)
FAQs
It specifies the sequence and recipients of śrāddha/tarpaṇa offerings—fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers (including departed ‘preta’ Pitṛs)—using the Svadhā formula, which is the standard ritual utterance for Pitṛ oblations.
By codifying household ritual procedure (śrāddha-mantra usage and generational targeting of offerings), it shows the Agni Purana functioning as a practical manual of dharma and rites alongside its many other subjects.
Correctly directing Svadhā-offerings to the proper ancestral generations is taught as a means of appeasing and supporting the Pitṛs, yielding purification and merit (puṇya) for the performer and continuity of ancestral well-being.