Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 4
Chapter 91 — विविधमन्त्रादिकथनम्
Teaching of Various Mantras and Related Matters
चन्दनेनानुलिप्याथ गन्धाद्यैः पूजयेत्तथा अल्पायासनं स्तुतिभिस्तुता देवास्तु सर्वदा
candanenānulipyātha gandhādyaiḥ pūjayettathā alpāyāsanaṃ stutibhistutā devāstu sarvadā
Ensuite, après avoir oint (la divinité) de pâte de santal, qu’on l’honore de même par des parfums et les autres offrandes. Avec un siège simple et des hymnes de louange, que les dieux—loués—soient toujours présents et favorables.
Lord Agni (instructing sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vrata","secondary_vidya":"Stotra","practical_application":"Upacāra-krama: apply sandalpaste, offer fragrances and related items, keep the seat simple, and praise with hymns to invite continual divine favor.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Upacāra Sequence: Candana, Gandha, Simple Āsana, and Stuti","lookup_keywords":["candana","gandha","upacāra","āsana","stuti"],"quick_summary":"A minimal yet complete worship sequence is taught: anoint with sandal, offer fragrances and other upacāras, and rely on stuti with humility (simple seat) for steady divine propitiation."}
Dosha: Pitta
Concept: Simplicity (alpa-āsana) and sincere stuti can sustain divine presence; external offerings support inner devotion.
Application: Perform daily pūjā with basic materials (candana, gandha) and heartfelt hymns; prioritize steadiness and humility over display.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Deva-puja and Upachara-krama)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A deity on a pedestal is gently anointed with sandalpaste; attendants present fragrance vessels; a devotee sings hymns seated on a simple mat, emphasizing humility and devotion.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, deity receiving candana anulepana, fragrance offerings arranged, devotee seated on simple āsana singing stuti, lamp-lit temple interior, restrained yet vibrant palette","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, deity richly adorned with gold accents, sandalpaste application highlighted, fragrance bowls, devotee with folded hands singing, gold leaf on ornaments and arch","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clean instructional composition: sequence of candana then gandha offerings, simple seat shown clearly, devotee reciting stotra, fine detailing and soft colors","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, intimate shrine scene with incense and perfume vessels, devotee seated on plain mat singing, attendants applying sandalpaste to deity, delicate architectural framing"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Khamaj","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"devotional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: चन्दनेनानुलिप्याथ → चन्दनेन + अनुलिप्य + अथ. गन्धाद्यैः → गन्ध-आद्यैः. स्तुतिभिस्तुता → स्तुतिभिः + स्तुताः. देवास्तु → देवाः + तु.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 91 (pūjā-vidhi continuation)
FAQs
It prescribes core upacāras of Deva-pūjā: anointing with sandalpaste (candana-lepa), offering fragrances and related items (gandhādy-upacāra), and concluding/maintaining worship through stuti (hymnic praise), even with a simple ritual seat/setup.
It exemplifies the Agni Purana’s practical, manual-like cataloging of ritual procedure (pūjā-krama), detailing concrete worship materials and steps alongside devotional elements, integrating liturgy and practice within its wide-ranging instructional scope.
The verse emphasizes that sincere devotion—expressed through purity (candana, gandha) and praise (stuti)—is efficacious even without elaborate arrangements, supporting steady, daily merit (puṇya) and ongoing divine favor (anugraha).