Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 11
Chapter 326 — देवालयमाहात्म्यम्
The Glory of Temples
अनुग्रहाय लोकानां धर्मकामार्थमुक्तिदः यो न पूजयते लिङ्गन्न स धर्मादिभाजनं
anugrahāya lokānāṃ dharmakāmārthamuktidaḥ yo na pūjayate liṅganna sa dharmādibhājanaṃ
ಲೋಕಗಳ ಅನುಗ್ರಹಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಲಿಂಗವು ಧರ್ಮ, ಕಾಮ, ಅರ್ಥ ಮತ್ತು ಮುಕ್ತಿಯನ್ನು ನೀಡುತ್ತದೆ. ಲಿಂಗವನ್ನು ಪೂಜಿಸದವನು ಧರ್ಮಾದಿ ಫಲಗಳಿಗೆ ಪಾತ್ರನಲ್ಲ.
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Puja-vidhi","practical_application":"Establishing worship of the liṅga as a dharmic obligation and as a means to the four puruṣārthas, including mokṣa; motivating regular practice through merit logic.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Liṅga-pūjā as Giver of the Four Puruṣārthas; Consequence of Neglect","lookup_keywords":["liṅga-pūjā","dharma-kāma-artha-mokṣa","anugraha","adhikāra","pūjā-tyāga"],"quick_summary":"States that the liṅga compassionately grants dharma, kāma, artha, and mokṣa; neglecting liṅga worship disqualifies one from receiving these fruits in the dharmic framework."}
Concept: Grace (anugraha) mediated through worship; puruṣārtha framework integrates worldly aims with liberation under dharmic discipline.
Application: Maintain regular liṅga-pūjā (daily/weekly) as a stabilizing dharma-practice aligning artha/kāma with dharma and orienting toward mokṣa.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Lingodbhava/Shiva-linga worship and merit)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Śiva’s liṅga radiates grace to diverse people—householders, ascetics, kings—symbolizing the four puruṣārthas; a contrasting figure turns away, indicating loss of eligibility.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: central glowing liṅga with four symbolic offerings (scripture for dharma, lotus/garland for kāma, coins/grain for artha, flame/white light for mokṣa) flowing to devotees; stylized, bold sacred palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: liṅga under ornate arch, gold leaf rays distributing four emblems of puruṣārthas to devotees; rich gold work, jewel tones, devotional symmetry.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: didactic tableau with labeled symbols for dharma/artha/kāma/mokṣa around the liṅga; gentle colors, precise linework, emphasis on moral instruction.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: courtly and ascetic figures gathered at a shrine, detailed costumes and architecture; subtle allegorical objects representing the four aims; refined brushwork."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional-instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: धर्मकामार्थमुक्तिदः = धर्म + काम + अर्थ + मुक्ति + दः (समास). लिङ्गन्न = लिङ्गम् + न (म् + न → न्न). धर्मादिभाजनं = धर्म + आदि + भाजनम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 326 (liṅga worship merits; pūjā-phala statements)
FAQs
It teaches the core ritual principle that Liṅga-pūjā is a mandatory devotional practice for those seeking the four puruṣārthas—dharma, artha, kāma, and mokṣa.
It situates temple/household worship (pūjā-vidhi) within a broader framework of human goals (puruṣārthas), showing how the Agni Purana integrates ritual theology with ethical and soteriological aims.
It asserts that neglecting Liṅga worship disqualifies one from receiving the fruits of dharma and the other aims, emphasizing worship as a key cause of merit and liberation.