Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 4
Chapter 81 — समयदीक्षाविधानम्
Procedure for Samaya Initiation
कलादिभूमिपर्यन्तं स्तवैस्तु सकलो यतः निराधाराथ साधारा दीक्षापि द्विविधा मता
kalādibhūmiparyantaṃ stavaistu sakalo yataḥ nirādhārātha sādhārā dīkṣāpi dvividhā matā
Parce que l’adorant est rendu complet en tous points par des hymnes (stava)—depuis les kalā-s et au-delà jusqu’au niveau de la terre—, l’initiation (dīkṣā) est dès lors tenue pour double : « nirādhārā » (sans support) et « sādhārā » (avec support).
Lord Agni (in the Agni Purana’s primary narration)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Stotra","practical_application":"Selecting and conducting the appropriate initiation (diksha) method—niradhara or sadhara—using stotras that map the practitioner through kalas/tattvas down to bhumi (earth), aligning body-cosmos in ritual.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Diksha-dvividha: Niradhara and Sadhara (via kala-to-bhumi stava)","lookup_keywords":["diksha","niradhara","sadhara","kala","stava"],"quick_summary":"Initiation is twofold: without support and with support. Stotras that traverse kalas down to earth ‘complete’ the practitioner, preparing the ground for the chosen diksha mode."}
Concept: Ritual completeness is achieved by aligning the practitioner with the cosmic strata (kalas to bhumi); initiation then proceeds either supportless (inner) or supported (outer/with adhara).
Application: In practice, choose sadhara diksha when relying on external supports (mandala, nyasa, icons, breath-centers), and niradhara when the guru authorizes an inward, non-dependent method grounded in direct recognition.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Diksha-vidhi (Tantric initiation and ritual procedure)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A diksha setting where hymns are recited while a cosmic ladder from kalas to earth is shown; two paths are indicated: with ritual supports and without supports.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, temple initiation scene with guru and disciple, painted vertical cosmogram labeled kalas descending to bhumi, attendants holding palm-leaf stotra, bold outlines and earthy pigments.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, ornate diksha mandapam, gold-leaf arch, guru bestowing initiation, two panels showing ‘niradhara’ (inner light) and ‘sadhara’ (mandala/yantra), rich jewelry and textiles.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style instructional painting, clear diagram of kala-to-bhumi sequence beside the ritual, fine detailing of vessels, mala, and manuscript, calm pastel palette.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, scholarly-ritual gathering, a painted cosmological chart unfurled, two annotated routes for initiation, delicate brushwork and architectural depth."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्तवैस्तु = स्तवैः + तु; निराधाराथ = निराधारा + अथ; दीक्षापि = दीक्षा + अपि.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 81 (diksha-vidhi context); Agni Purana stotra/mantra sections (general)
FAQs
It defines a key ritual taxonomy: dīkṣā (initiation) is of two operational types—nirādhārā (performed without an external support or prop) and sādhārā (performed with a support), framed within a hymn-based (stava) ritual completion across cosmological levels.
By giving concise, technical classifications used in ritual manuals—here, a twofold division of initiation—the text functions like a compendium of applied religious procedure alongside its many other disciplines.
The verse implies that stava (sacred praise) ritually ‘completes’ the practitioner across levels of reality, and that proper selection of dīkṣā type (supported or unsupported) is integral to purification and eligibility for higher worship.