Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 77
Chapter 81 — समयदीक्षाविधानम्
Procedure for Samaya Initiation
ऊर्ध्वं कायं समारोप्य पूर्वास्यं प्रविलोकयेत् चरणादिशिखां यावन्मुक्तौ भुक्तौ विलोमतः
ūrdhvaṃ kāyaṃ samāropya pūrvāsyaṃ pravilokayet caraṇādiśikhāṃ yāvanmuktau bhuktau vilomataḥ
Le corps redressé et tourné vers l’est, on doit contempler avec constance depuis les pieds jusqu’au sommet du crâne ; et, dans les pratiques de délivrance (mukti) et de jouissance (bhukti), on doit procéder en ordre inverse (vilomataḥ) selon l’enseignement.
Lord Agni (instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s didactic dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Apply a structured inner scan/visualization (from feet to crown) with upright posture and set orientation; reverse the sequence when the sadhana’s aim shifts between mukti and bhukti as per the tradition’s mapping of ascent/descent currents.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Upright Posture and Pada-to-Shikha Visualization with Viloma Order","lookup_keywords":["dhyana-vidhi","pada-to-shikha","viloma","mukti","bhukti"],"quick_summary":"Maintain an upright body and contemplate the inner pathway from feet to crown; for mukti/bhukti practices, reverse the order as instructed. The verse encodes a practical method of directional inner movement (anuloma/viloma) in visualization."}
Concept: Liberation/enjoyment are approached through regulated inner movement: ascent (pada→śikhā) and reversal (viloma) as a controlled reorientation of consciousness.
Application: Use a slow body-scan meditation: feet-to-crown with steady attention; if instructed for a specific goal, reverse crown-to-feet to shift the psycho-ritual current.
Khanda Section: Yoga / Dhyana-vidhi (Pranayama and inner visualization practice)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A practitioner sits or stands perfectly upright facing east, visualizing a luminous current rising from feet to crown; an alternate depiction shows the same current moving in reverse for a different aim (mukti/bhukti).","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, yogin upright with stylized subtle channels, glowing path from feet to crown, east indicated by rising sun motif, secondary panel showing reverse flow, rich earthy palette and sacred geometry accents","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central yogin with gold-highlighted vertical energy column, lotus motifs at feet and crown, east-sun emblem, optional inset showing reverse sequence, ornate gold work","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional diagram-like scene: upright posture, arrows from feet to crown and reverse arrows, calm background, precise linework emphasizing sequence and orientation","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, refined interior with yogin facing a window toward sunrise (east), translucent overlay of rising luminous stream along the body, a small inset vignette showing reversed flow"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Jog","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पूर्वास्यं = पूर्व + आस्यम्; चरणादिशिखां = चरण + आदि + शिखाम्; यावन्मुक्तौ = यावत् + मुक्तौ (त्→न् before म).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 81 (yoga/dhyana-vidhi adjoining diksha and puja procedures)
FAQs
It teaches a practical dhyāna-krama: sit/hold the body upright, face east, and perform a systematic inner contemplation from the feet to the crown, with an additional instruction to reverse the sequence (viloma) in contexts aimed at mukti and bhukti.
Alongside its many subjects, the Agni Purana also preserves concise, procedural yogic instructions—posture, orientation (east-facing), and ordered visualization—showing its coverage of applied spiritual techniques, not only myth or theology.
Ordered contemplation disciplines attention and prāṇa, supporting purification of mind; the verse frames the practice as usable for both liberation (mukti) and regulated enjoyment/attainment (bhukti), emphasizing disciplined means rather than impulse.