Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 21
Śrāddha-kalpa-kathana
Exposition of the Śrāddha Procedure
यस्मिंस्तु संश्रवाः पूर्वमर्घपात्रे निपातिताः पितृपात्रं तदुत्तानं कृत्वा विप्रान् विसर्जयेत्
yasmiṃstu saṃśravāḥ pūrvamarghapātre nipātitāḥ pitṛpātraṃ taduttānaṃ kṛtvā viprān visarjayet
ആദ്യം സംശ്രവാഃ (ശേഷിച്ച/അധിക അർപ്പണം) അർഘ്യപാത്രത്തിൽ ഒഴിച്ചതിന് ശേഷം, പിതൃപാത്രം ഉത്താനമായി (സമാപനസ്ഥാനത്ത്) വെച്ച് ബ്രാഹ്മണരെ വിധിപൂർവ്വം വിസർജിക്കണം.
Lord Agni (in discourse to the sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purāṇa narration frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vrata","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Gives the exact sequencing and handling of vessels in śrāddha: pour saṃśravāḥ into the arghya vessel first, then set the Pitṛ vessel in its concluding orientation, then dismiss brāhmaṇas.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Saṃśravā-nipātana and pātra-vyavasthā in Śrāddha (Arghya and Pitṛ vessel handling)","lookup_keywords":["saṃśravāḥ","arghya-pātra","pitṛ-pātra","uttāna","vipra-visarjana"],"quick_summary":"A procedural rule for śrāddha: manage the leftover/overflow offerings by first depositing them into the arghya vessel, then finalize the Pitṛ vessel’s placement, and only then dismiss the officiating brāhmaṇas."}
Concept: Ritual efficacy depends on correct order (krama) and correct containment/transfer (pātra-vyavasthā) of offerings.
Application: When performing śrāddha, follow a written checklist for vessel order and concluding placements to avoid doṣa (procedural fault).
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Śrāddha / Pitṛ-kalpa)
Primary Rasa: śānta
Secondary Rasa: hita
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Close-up ritual scene: arghya vessel receiving saṃśravāḥ; the Pitṛ vessel being turned to its final ‘upright’ position; brāhmaṇas seated awaiting formal dismissal.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, detailed ritual implements in foreground—two vessels, darbha, ladle—hands pouring remnants into arghya, then rotating the pitṛ-pātra, stylized brāhmaṇas in the back, earthy tones.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gleaming brass vessels with gold highlights, hands performing the precise pour, decorative border, brāhmaṇas seated with calm faces, emphasis on auspicious order.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, instructional diagram-like painting: labeled arghya-pātra and pitṛ-pātra, sequential hand positions, clean composition, fine outlines and soft colors.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, meticulous still-life of ritual vessels and ladles, performer’s hands mid-action, brāhmaṇas in profile, architectural niche background, delicate shading."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"procedural","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: यस्मिंस्तु = यस्मिन् + तु; पूर्वमर्घपात्रे = पूर्वम् + अर्घपात्रे; तदुत्तानम् = तत् + उत्तानम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: definitions of arghya, pātra, and śrāddha remnants in pitṛ-kalpa context
FAQs
It gives a precise śrāddha procedural step: after transferring the saṃśrava (remaining/overflow libation) into the arghya vessel, one should right/turn the pitṛ-vessel to its concluding position and then perform brāhmaṇa-visarjana (formal dismissal).
It preserves minute operational details of household and priestly ritual—vessel-handling, sequencing of offerings, and formal closure—showing how the Agni Purāṇa functions as a practical manual alongside theology.
Correct sequencing and respectful closure (proper placement of the pitṛ-vessel and dignified dismissal of brāhmaṇas) is treated as essential for the rite’s completeness, ensuring the offering reaches the Pitṛs and the performer gains the intended merit (puṇya) without ritual defect.