Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 16
Chapter 338 — शृङ्गारादिरसनिरूपणम्
Exposition of the Rasas beginning with Śṛṅgāra
अष्टौ स्तम्भादयः सत्त्वाद्रजसस्तमसः परम् स्तम्भश्चेष्टाप्रतीघातो भयरागाद्युपाहितः
aṣṭau stambhādayaḥ sattvādrajasastamasaḥ param stambhaśceṣṭāpratīghāto bhayarāgādyupāhitaḥ
स्तम्भ आदि आठ अवस्थाएँ सत्त्व, रजस् और तमस्—इन गुणों से उत्पन्न होती हैं। स्तम्भ का अर्थ है क्रिया/चेष्टा का अवरोध, जो भय, राग आदि से युक्त होता है।
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Alamkara","practical_application":"Diagnose transitory affective states (e.g., stambha) by tracing them to guṇa-dominance and associated factors (fear/attachment), useful for both yogic self-observation and aesthetic characterization.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Stambha and allied conditions as guṇa-vikāras","lookup_keywords":["stambha","guṇa","sattva-rajas-tamas","ceṣṭā-pratīghāta","bhaya-rāga"],"quick_summary":"Eight conditions beginning with stambha arise from the guṇas. Stambha is obstruction of activity, accompanied by fear, attachment, and similar factors."}
Concept: Mental states are guṇa-conditioned; stambha is a tamas/rajas-influenced inhibition of action compounded by fear/attachment.
Application: In yoga/self-study, notice ‘freeze’ as a guṇa-vikāra; reduce it by cultivating sattva (clarity) and loosening rāga-bhaya through practice and discernment.
Khanda Section: Sankhya–Yoga / Tattva-Nirupana (Guna-vikara and psychological afflictions)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A yogic/psychological diagram scene: three guṇas depicted as colored strands influencing a person who becomes motionless (stambha), with shadow-figures labeled fear and attachment pressing in.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, symbolic guṇa depiction (white/red/black) swirling around a frozen figure, fear and attachment as attendant spirits, strong outlines, temple-mural iconography","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, gold haloed allegory: central figure in stambha posture, three guṇa bands around, small personifications of bhaya and rāga, ornate frame","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional allegory with clear labels: sattva/rajas/tamas streams leading to stambha (ceṣṭā-pratīghāta), calm palette and fine lines","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, philosophical court scene: scholar explaining guṇas to students, inset showing a man frozen in fear/attachment, detailed manuscripts and carpets"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: sattvādrajasastamasaḥ = sattvāt rajasas tamasaḥ; stambhaśceṣṭāpratīghātaḥ = stambhaḥ ca iṣṭā-pratīghātaḥ; bhayarāgādyupāhitaḥ = bhaya-rāga-ādi-upāhitaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 338 (guṇa/bhāva linkage); Agni Purana sections on Sāṅkhya/Yoga tattva-nirūpaṇa
FAQs
It imparts tattva-vidyā (Sāṅkhya/Yogic psychology): how guṇa-driven states manifest, defining stambha specifically as a blockage of ceṣṭā (activity) linked with fear and attachment.
Beyond ritual and dharma, the Agni Purana also systematizes inner science—classifying mental/behavioral conditions as effects of sattva–rajas–tamas—showing its coverage of philosophy and applied psychology.
By recognizing stambha as a guṇa-born obstruction fueled by fear/attachment, a practitioner can diagnose and reduce these bindings, supporting self-mastery, clearer discernment, and progress in sādhana.