Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 8
Chapter 291 — Śāntyāyurveda
Ayurveda for Pacificatory Rites): Go-śānti, Penance-Regimens, and Therapeutics (incl. Veterinary Care
प्रत्येकञ्च त्र्यहाभ्यम्तं महासान्तपनं स्मृतं सर्वकामप्रदञ्चैतत् सर्वाशुभविमर्दनम्
pratyekañca tryahābhyamtaṃ mahāsāntapanaṃ smṛtaṃ sarvakāmapradañcaitat sarvāśubhavimardanam
प्रत्येक व्रत/अनुष्ठान को तीन दिनों तक करने पर उसे ‘महासान्तपन’ कहा गया है। यह समस्त कामनाओं को देने वाला और सभी अशुभ का मर्दन करने वाला है।
Lord Agni (in discourse to sage Vasiṣṭha, per the Agni Purāṇa’s standard narration frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vrata","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Standardizing a three-day performance of the observance as Mahā-sāntapana for expiation and wish-fulfillment within dharmic bounds.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Mahā-sāntapana (Three-day form of Sāntapana)","lookup_keywords":["mahā-sāntapana","sāntapana","tridina","prāyaścitta","sarvāśubha-vimardana"],"quick_summary":"When the observance is executed in a three-day unit, it is termed Mahā-sāntapana; it is praised as removing inauspiciousness and enabling attainment of aims."}
Concept: Dharma operationalizes inner purification through time-bound observances; ‘name’ and ‘measure’ (three days) define the rite’s identity and fruit.
Application: Adopt structured, measurable penance (three-day cycle) with clear intention and completion, rather than vague remorse.
Khanda Section: Prāyaścitta & Vrata-vidhi (Expiatory rites and penances)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A three-day vrata sequence shown as three panels: day markers, regulated intake, and concluding purification; the observer remains calm and disciplined.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural triptych composition, three-day vrata panels with traditional floral borders, devotee with kamandalu, subtle symbolic removal of black aśubha smoke","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with three medallions for three days, gold highlights on ritual vessels, concluding scene with radiant purity, ornate frame","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional chart-like depiction of Mahā-sāntapana: day 1-2-3 labels in Devanagari, simple domestic ritual setting, fine lines","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature with three-day calendar motif, courtly yet austere interior, detailed utensils, emphasis on measured discipline"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: pratyekañca = pratyekam ca; tryahābhyamtaṃ = tryaha-abhyantam (spelling normalized); sarvakāmapradañcaitat = sarva-kāma-pradam ca etat; sarvāśubhavimardanam = sarva-aśubha-vimardanam
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Sāntapana/Kṛcchra classifications and durations
FAQs
It defines the Mahā-sāntapana as a three-day performance of the stated observance(s), classifying it as a major prāyaścitta (expiatory penance) used for ritual and moral purification.
By cataloging prāyaścitta-taxonomy—names, durations, and claimed results—the text functions like a dharma manual alongside its many other domains (ritual, polity, medicine, poetics), showing its compendious, reference-style character.
It presents the Mahā-sāntapana as a high-merit purifier that removes inauspicious karmic residues (aśubha) and is credited with enabling the attainment of desired goals through disciplined expiation.