Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 12
Vidyā-viśodhana-vidhāna
Procedure for Purifying Mantra-Vidyā
आत्मन्यारोप्य सङ्गृह्य कलां कुण्डे निवेशयेत् रुद्रं कारणमावाह्य विज्ञाप्य च शिशुं प्रति
ātmanyāropya saṅgṛhya kalāṃ kuṇḍe niveśayet rudraṃ kāraṇamāvāhya vijñāpya ca śiśuṃ prati
D’abord, l’ayant superposé à soi-même et ayant recueilli la kalā (élément rituel), on doit la déposer dans le kuṇḍa, la fosse du feu. Ensuite, après avoir invoqué Rudra comme principe causal (kāraṇa), on doit faire la déclaration/l’instruction rituelle adressée à l’enfant (śiśu).
Lord Agni (narrating Agni Purana instructions, traditionally to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Ritual nyāsa and homa procedure: internalize (ātmany āropya), collect the kalā (power/portion), deposit into kuṇḍa, invoke Rudra as kāraṇa, then formally address/instruct the child—used in saṃskāra-like rites and protective consecrations.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Kalā-nyāsa into kuṇḍa with Rudra-kāraṇa āvāhana; instruction to the child","lookup_keywords":["kalā","kuṇḍa","āropya","āvāhana","Rudra-kāraṇa"],"quick_summary":"The rite moves from internal placement to external offering: gather the kalā, place it in the fire-pit, invoke Rudra as causal principle, and then deliver the ritual declaration directed to the child."}
Concept: Microcosm-to-ritual transfer: what is installed in the self is offered/placed into the sacred fire; Rudra as kāraṇa is invoked as the ground of efficacy.
Application: In ritual practice, maintain sequence integrity: internal nyāsa → saṅgraha (collection) → kuṇḍa-niveśa (deposit) → āvāhana → vijñapti (formal address), ensuring mental steadiness and clear intention.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Homa / Agni-karya; Rudra-invocation and ritual procedure)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A homa scene: priest performs nyāsa on himself, then places a subtle ‘kalā’ into the blazing kuṇḍa; Rudra is invoked as a luminous presence; a child sits nearby receiving formal instruction/blessing.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, homa kuṇḍa with tall flames, priest doing nyāsa gestures, Rudra appearing as blue radiance above fire, child seated respectfully, ornate temple border motifs","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, homa altar with gold highlights on flames and vessels, Rudra with gold halo, priest and child in ceremonial posture, rich textiles and embossed gold work","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear depiction of ritual steps: self-nyāsa, kalā collection, offering into kuṇḍa, āvāhana, then vijñapti to child; fine lines and instructional clarity","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, domestic courtyard homa with detailed utensils, priest invoking deity, child and family present, delicate smoke patterns and architectural detail"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ātmanyāropya → ātmani āropya; kāraṇamāvāhya → kāraṇam āvāhya.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 86 (Pūjā-vidhi / homa portion)
FAQs
It teaches a homa-technical sequence: internal nyāsa/āropaṇa of a kalā (ritual power), its deposition into the kuṇḍa, and Rudra’s āvāhana as kāraṇa, followed by a formal ritual address concerning a child.
It exemplifies the Purana’s manual-like coverage of applied ritual technology—precise steps (nyāsa, kuṇḍa-niveśa, āvāhana, vijñapti) that function like a procedural handbook alongside its broader theology and narratives.
By internalizing the ritual power (kalā) and invoking Rudra as the causal purifier, the rite is framed as transforming and protecting—redirecting the act from mere offering to consecration and spiritual safeguarding, especially in relation to the child.