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
ಪ್ರತಿ ಆಚರಣೆಯನ್ನು ಮೂರು ದಿನಗಳ ಕಾಲ ನೆರವೇರಿಸಿದರೆ ಅದನ್ನು ‘ಮಹಾ-ಸಾಂತಪನ’ ಎಂದು ಕರೆಯುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಇದು ಸರ್ವಕಾಮಪ್ರದವಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಎಲ್ಲ ಅಶುಭಗಳನ್ನು ನಾಶಮಾಡುತ್ತದೆ.
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.