Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 10
Bala-graha-hara Bāla-tantram (बालग्रहहर बालतन्त्रम्) — Pediatric protection and graha-affliction management
हंसाधिका पञ्चमी स्याज्जृम्भाश्वासोर्धधारिणी मुष्टिबन्धश् च तच्चेष्टा बलिं मत्स्यादिना हरेत्
haṃsādhikā pañcamī syājjṛmbhāśvāsordhadhāriṇī muṣṭibandhaś ca tacceṣṭā baliṃ matsyādinā haret
അഞ്ചാമത്തെ മുദ്രയ്ക്ക് ‘ഹംസാധികാ’ എന്നു പേര്. ജൃംഭയോടു സാമ്യമുള്ള ശ്വാസക്രമം, മേലോട്ടുയർത്തി ധാരണം, മുഷ്ടിബന്ധം എന്നിവയോടെ അത് ചെയ്യപ്പെടുന്നു. അതേ മുദ്രയാൽ മത്സ്യം മുതലായവ മുതൽ ബലി അർപ്പിക്കണം.
Lord Agni (teaching sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Vrata","practical_application":"Performance of a specific mudrā (Haṃsādhikā) to empower bali-offerings (fish etc.) within pūjā/śānti rites.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Haṃsādhikā pañcamī mudrā for bali (matsyādi)","lookup_keywords":["Haṃsādhikā","pañcamī mudrā","bali","matsya","mūṣṭibandha"],"quick_summary":"Defines the fifth mudrā, Haṃsādhikā, characterized by yawning-like inhalation, uplifted holding, and closed fists; it is used to present bali offerings such as fish."}
Concept: Mudrā + prāṇa (breath pattern) functions as a ritual technology to direct intention and sanctify offerings.
Application: Use consistent hand-gesture, breath, and posture to standardize bali presentation in protective rites.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Tantric Mudras and Bali-offerings)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A ritualist performs the Haṃsādhikā mudrā: fists closed, hands held raised, with a visible yawning-like inhalation, while presenting a bali plate containing fish and other offerings.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, priest before a small altar, stylized hand gesture with closed fists raised, bali plate with fish, lamp flames and incense smoke, bold outlines and flat colors","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold leaf haloed altar, priest in crisp posture showing the mudrā, ornate bali tray with fish, rich reds and greens, temple interior motifs","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, didactic depiction of the mudrā with clear hand positioning, arrows indicating upward hold and breath, bali items neatly arranged, fine delicate lines","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly ritual scene with a learned officiant demonstrating the gesture, attendants holding offerings including fish, detailed textiles, architectural niche backdrop"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्याज् = स्यात् (before voiced consonant). तच्चेष्टा = तत् + चेष्टा. मत्स्यादिना = मत्स्य + आदिना.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 298 (Pūjā-vidhi mudrā/bali sequence)
FAQs
It defines a specific tantric/ritual mudrā—Haṃsādhikā—describing breath-action (jṛmbhā-śvāsa), upward holding, and fist-binding, and instructs its use while presenting bali offerings such as fish.
Beyond mythology, the Agni Purana catalogs practical liturgical details—named mudrās, bodily technique, and offering protocol—showing its role as a manual of ritual technology alongside other sciences.
Performing the prescribed mudrā while offering bali is presented as a correct, efficacy-bearing method of worship—aligning bodily action and offering so the rite is properly completed and yields the intended religious merit and pacification.