Agni Purana — Kosha, Shloka 25
Chapter 367 — नित्यनैमीत्तिकप्राकृतप्रलयाः
The Nitya, Naimittika, and Prākṛta Dissolutions
महात्तत्वे महान्तञ्च प्रकृतिर्ग्रसते द्विज व्यक्ताव्यक्ता च प्रकृतिर्व्यक्तस्याव्यक्तके लयः
mahāttatve mahāntañca prakṛtirgrasate dvija vyaktāvyaktā ca prakṛtirvyaktasyāvyaktake layaḥ
हे द्विज, प्रकृति महत्तत्त्व तथा महान्त (महान् सिद्धान्त) दोनों को ग्रस लेती है। वही प्रकृति—जो व्यक्त और अव्यक्त दोनों रूपों वाली है—वह स्थान है जहाँ व्यक्त का अव्यक्त में लय होता है।
Lord Agni (narrating to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Cosmology","practical_application":"Clarifies Sankhya metaphysics: mahat resolves into prakriti; prakriti as the ground where vyakta dissolves into avyakta—used for doctrinal teaching and for meditations on unmanifest source.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Prakriti as Laya-ashraya of Mahat and the Manifest","lookup_keywords":["prakriti","mahat-tattva","vyakta","avyakta","laya-ashraya"],"quick_summary":"Prakriti absorbs mahat and the great principle; as both manifest/unmanifest in function, it is the locus where the manifest returns into the unmanifest."}
Concept: Vyakta-avyakta doctrine: prakriti is the causal matrix into which mahat and all manifest evolutes dissolve; unmanifest is the terminal causal state prior to purusha distinction.
Application: Contemplation practice: treat thoughts/intellect (mahat-like functions) as evolutes; repeatedly ‘return’ them to a quiet, pre-conceptual ground (avyakta) to reduce reactivity and strengthen vairagya.
Khanda Section: Sankhya–Yoga / Prakriti–Purusha Tattva (Cosmology and Dissolution)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A vast, dark-luminous primordial matrix (prakriti) absorbing a radiant intellect-sphere (mahat); the manifest cosmos folds inward like petals closing, disappearing into an unmanifest depth.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: cosmic womb of prakriti as a deep-toned mandala absorbing a bright mahat orb; stylized closing lotus-petals representing vyakta returning to avyakta; strong outlines, sacred symmetry.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: central prakriti mandala with gold-embossed rim; mahat as a jewel-like sphere being drawn inward; ornate frame, rich reds/greens, gold work emphasizing the ‘laya-ashraya’ center.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: manuscript-style metaphysical diagram—mahat arrow into prakriti; labels vyakta/avyakta; soft gradients showing manifest fading into unmanifest; precise calligraphy.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: allegorical cosmic scene where a luminous globe (mahat) sinks into a dark, velvety expanse (prakriti); delicate stars fading; refined palette and subtle symbolism."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: mahāttatve = mahāt-tattve; mahāntañca = mahāntam + ca; prakṛtirgrasate = prakṛtiḥ + grasate; vyaktāvyaktā = vyaktā + avyakta (dvandva); prakṛtirvyaktasya = prakṛtiḥ + vyaktasya; vyaktasyāvyaktake = vyaktasya + avyaktake.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 367 (tattva-pralaya culmination); Agni Purana sections describing prakriti-purusha and sarga/pratisarga
FAQs
It imparts Sāṅkhya metaphysics: during dissolution (laya), the manifest evolutes return into the unmanifest Prakṛti, with Mahat (cosmic intellect) being reabsorbed into its causal source.
Alongside rituals and dharma, the Agni Purana also preserves systematic philosophical frameworks like Sāṅkhya—explaining cosmic principles (tattvas) and the mechanics of dissolution—showing its wide, encyclopedic scope.
It supports dispassion and insight: realizing that the manifest world dissolves back into its unmanifest cause encourages detachment from transient forms and steadiness in contemplative practice.