Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 16
Chapter 305 — Narasiṃha and Related Mantras (नारसिंहादिमन्त्राः)
सदक्षिणमिदं होमद्वयं भूतादिनाशनम् वर्णद्वयमिति ख गव्याक्तपत्रलिखितैर् निष्पर्णैः क्षुद्रमुद्धृतम्
sadakṣiṇamidaṃ homadvayaṃ bhūtādināśanam varṇadvayamiti kha gavyāktapatralikhitair niṣparṇaiḥ kṣudramuddhṛtam
दक्षिणा सहित यह द्विविध होम भूत आदि का नाश करने वाला है। ‘ख’ आदि दो वर्ण, गौ-उत्पादों से लिपे पत्तों पर लिखकर, उन पर्ण-खण्डों से क्षुद्र (लाजा/भुना अन्न) उठाकर हवि रूप में आहुति दे।
Lord Agni (instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha in ritual procedures)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Apotropaic homa and protective writing practice: a paired homa with dakṣiṇā to destroy bhūta disturbances; write a two-syllable mantra (beginning with 'kha') on leaves smeared with cow-products and use leaf-strips to lift and offer parched grain.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Bhūta-nāśana homa with ‘kha’-bīja leaf talisman and laja offering","lookup_keywords":["bhūta-nāśana","dakṣiṇā","kha-bīja","gavyākta-patra","laja (parched grain)"],"quick_summary":"A paired oblation with proper fee is prescribed for removing bhūta-afflictions; additionally, a two-syllable mantra starting with ‘kha’ is inscribed on cow-product-smeared leaves, which are used as ritual implements to offer parched grain."}
Concept: Mantra-bīja and dravya-saṃskāra (consecrated materials) function as protective technologies; dakṣiṇā is integral to ritual completeness (yajña-aṅga).
Application: Perform the paired homa with proper dakṣiṇā; prepare leaf talismans by smearing with cow-products, inscribing the specified bīja, and using them as implements for laja offerings in protective rites.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Homa-prayoga (Ritual Fire-Offerings and Protective Rites)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A protective homa: priest offers two consecutive oblations with dakṣiṇā set aside; nearby, leaves smeared with cow-products bear inscribed two-syllable mantra starting with ‘kha’; thin leaf-strips are used like tongs to lift parched grain and offer into the fire.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, dramatic fire altar, priest holding leaf-strips with inscribed bīja, parched grains falling into flames, protective aura motifs, subdued dark background with bright ritual fire.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-highlighted fire and vessels, leaf talismans with clear script, dakṣiṇā pouch depicted, intense protective theme with ornate framing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, technical clarity: close-up of leaf preparation (smearing with gavya, writing ‘kha…’ two syllables), then using strips to pick laja and offer; stepwise panels.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed calligraphy on leaves, attendants preparing cow-product paste, priest performing paired oblations, careful depiction of grains and flame, night-time protective rite ambiance."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: sadakṣiṇam = sa-dakṣiṇam; homadvayaṃ = homa-dvayam; bhūtādināśanam = bhūta-ādi-nāśanam; varṇadvayamiti = varṇa-dvayam iti; gavyāktapatralikhitair = gavyā-ākta-patra-likhitaiḥ; niṣparṇaiḥ = niḥ-parṇaiḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 305 (bhūta-śānti and homa-prayoga subsections)
FAQs
It prescribes a bhūta-śānti homa: perform a twofold oblation with dakṣiṇā, write the indicated two-syllable formula (starting with “kha”) on leaves prepared with cow-products, and use those leaf-strips to lift and offer parched grain into the fire.
It records applied ritual technology—mantra selection by syllabic cues, material preparation using gavya, and specific offering-handling methods—showing the text’s coverage beyond myth into practical liturgy and protective rites.
The rite is framed as apotropaic purification: it removes spirit-caused afflictions (bhūta-ādi) and, being performed with proper dakṣiṇā and mantra-material discipline, is presented as a meritorious, corrective act restoring ritual and personal purity.