Agni Purana — Kosha, Shloka 4
Chapter 364 — ब्रह्मवर्गः
Brahmavarga: Lexical Classification of Brahminical/Ritual Terms
चषालो यूपकटकः समे स्थण्डिलचत्वरे आमिक्षा सा शृतोष्णे या क्षीरे स्याद्दधियोगतः
caṣālo yūpakaṭakaḥ same sthaṇḍilacatvare āmikṣā sā śṛtoṣṇe yā kṣīre syāddadhiyogataḥ
ಚಷಾಲವೆಂದರೆ ಯೂಪ (ಯಜ್ಞಸ್ತಂಭ)ದ ಕಟಕ/ಉಂಗುರ. ಸಮಭೂಮಿಯಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಸಿದ್ಧಪಡಿಸಿದ ಸ್ಥಂಡಿಲ-ಚತ್ವರದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಧಿಪೂರ್ವಕ ವೇದಿಕೆ ಇರುತ್ತದೆ. ಆಮಿಕ್ಷಾ ಎಂದರೆ ಕುದಿಸಿ ಇನ್ನೂ ಬಿಸಿಯಾಗಿರುವ ಹಾಲಿಗೆ ಮೊಸರು ಸೇರಿಸಿದಾಗ ಉಂಟಾಗುವ ಪದಾರ್ಥ.
Lord Agni (in discourse to the sage Vasiṣṭha, as typical for the Agni Purana’s instructional chapters)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Use correct śrauta terminology for implements, altar-space specification, and dairy preparations used as offerings—preventing errors in procurement and preparation.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Caṣāla, Sthaṇḍila-Catuḥsra, and Āmikṣā (Ritual Terms)","lookup_keywords":["caṣāla","yūpa-kaṭaka","sthaṇḍila","catuḥsra","āmikṣā"],"quick_summary":"Defines key ritual terms: caṣāla as the yūpa’s ring, the altar quadrangle on level prepared ground, and āmikṣā as the warm milk preparation formed by adding curds."}
Dosha: Tridosha
Concept: Correct naming and specification of objects and preparations is part of ritual truthfulness (yathā-śabda–yathā-artha) and prevents karma-doṣa.
Application: Standardize procurement lists and kitchen/altar instructions using these definitions so assistants prepare the right item in the right state (e.g., ‘still warm’ āmikṣā).
Khanda Section: Yajna-Dravya-Paribhasha (Ritual terminology and sacrificial implements)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Close view of a yūpa with its caṣāla ring, a level quadrangular altar-space marked on the ground, and a vessel of warm milk being mixed with curds to form āmikṣā.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, ritual ground with clearly drawn quadrangle, yūpa post with ring detail, priest stirring warm milk and adding curds, earthy reds and yellows, stylized flames and vessels","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, ornate yūpa with gold-highlighted ring, geometric altar markings, shining brass vessel with milk-curd mixture, gold leaf on borders and implements","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, technical illustration of yūpa parts and altar quadrangle, neat linework, labeled feel, soft palette, emphasis on clarity of objects","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed still-life of ritual implements: yūpa with ring, measured quadrangle on ground, attendants preparing dairy mixture in a pot, fine textures and patterned floor"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्याद्दधियोगतः → स्यात् + दधियोगतः (त् + द → द्द).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 364.5
FAQs
It defines key yajña-terms: caṣāla as the yūpa’s ring/fixture, and āmikṣā as a warm boiled-milk preparation produced by adding curds—useful for correctly identifying implements and offerings in Vedic-style rites.
By giving precise glossary-like definitions of ritual hardware (yūpa components), altar-space terminology (sthaṇḍila/catvara), and a specific offering/food (āmikṣā), it functions as a technical reference manual embedded within a Purana.
Correct identification and preparation of sacrificial implements and offerings supports ritual accuracy (yathāvidhi), which is traditionally held to preserve the rite’s purity and intended merit (puṇya) by avoiding procedural faults.