Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 29
Chapter 280 — रसादिलक्षणम् / सर्वरोगहराण्यौषधानि
Characteristics of Taste and Related Factors; Medicines that Remove All Diseases
अरिवन्मर्दयेत् प्रज्ञो जत्रु वक्षश् च पूर्ववत् अङ्गसन्धिषु सर्वेषु निष्पीड्य बहुलं तथा
arivanmardayet prajño jatru vakṣaś ca pūrvavat aṅgasandhiṣu sarveṣu niṣpīḍya bahulaṃ tathā
પ્રાજ્ઞ વૈદ્યે શત્રુને દબાવ્યા સમાન રોગીના શરીરનું દૃઢ મર્દન કરવું; પૂર્વોક્ત રીતે જત્રુ-પ્રદેશ અને વક્ષસ્થળનું પણ તેમ જ કરવું. સર્વ અંગસંધિઓમાં પણ એ જ રીતે વારંવાર મજબૂત દબાણ આપવું.
Lord Agni (traditionally instructing Sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s encyclopedic discourse)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Therapeutic massage (mardana/abhyanga) technique: vigorous rubbing and firm joint-pressing, including collar region and chest, to relieve vāta-related stiffness and pain.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Mardana-vidhi: Jatru–Vakṣas and Joint Compression","lookup_keywords":["mardana","jatru","vakṣas","aṅga-sandhi","niṣpīḍana"],"quick_summary":"Massage should be firm and repeated, including collar and chest regions; joints should receive strong, repeated pressure to loosen stiffness and pacify vāta."}
Dosha: Vata
Alamkara Type: Upama
Concept: Body-maintenance through correct technique (yukti) rather than random force.
Application: Use controlled strength and repetition in therapy; treat joints systematically to restore function.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Massage Therapy / Mardana-vidhi)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An experienced vaidya-masseur firmly kneads a patient’s shoulders (jatru), chest, and presses each limb-joint repeatedly in a systematic sequence.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, earthy reds and greens, a vaidya performing vigorous mardana on a seated patient, emphasis on hands pressing shoulder-collar region and joints, stylized anatomy, traditional interior setting.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, ornate indoor clinic scene, therapist applying firm joint pressure and chest massage, rich textiles, gold highlights on borders and ornaments, calm patient posture.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, instructional composition showing step-by-step joint compression points (aṅga-sandhi) and collar/chest zones, fine linework, muted palette, labeled gestures implied.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed courtly medical chamber, practitioner massaging collar and chest, attendants nearby, precise depiction of hands pressing joints, delicate architecture and textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अरिवन्मर्दयेत् = अरि-वत् + मर्दयेत्; वक्षश् च = वक्षः + च; अङ्गसन्धिषु = अङ्ग-सन्धिषु (समास); निष्पीड्य (नि+पीड् + क्त्वा → क्त्वान्त रूप).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 280 (Ayurveda: abhyanga/mardana and dinacaryā context)
FAQs
It teaches an Ayurvedic bodywork method: vigorous kneading/rubbing and firm compression (niṣpīḍana) applied to the collar/neck-base (jatru), chest (vakṣas), and all limb joints, following a previously stated procedure.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical applied sciences; here it records a clinical-style instruction for therapeutic massage and joint pressure—material typical of Ayurvedic regimen and physiotherapy-like care within a Purāṇic compendium.
While primarily medical, it reflects the dhārmic ideal of preserving health and relieving suffering; caring for the body as a support for dharma is treated as a meritorious, life-sustaining discipline in Purāṇic culture.