Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 12
Chapter 301 — सूर्यार्चनं
Sūryārcana) / Sun-worship (closing colophon only
एतच्चूर्णं शिरःक्षिप्तं लिकस्य वशमुत्तमम् त्रिफलाचन्दनक्वाथप्रस्था द्विकुडवम् पृथक्
etaccūrṇaṃ śiraḥkṣiptaṃ likasya vaśamuttamam triphalācandanakvāthaprasthā dvikuḍavam pṛthak
ഈ ചൂർണം തലയിൽ തളിച്ചാൽ പ്രിയനെ/പ്രിയയെ വശീകരിക്കുന്നതിന് ഉത്തമ മാർഗമാണ്. ത്രിഫലയും ചന്ദനവും ചേർന്ന ക്വാഥം തയ്യാറാക്കണം—പ്രസ്ഥ അളവിൽ, രണ്ടും വേർതിരിച്ച് ഓരോന്നും രണ്ട് കുടവ അളവായി എടുക്കണം।
Lord Agni (instructing sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s encyclopedic teachings)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Preparation of a decoction and powder for topical use on the head, described as producing attraction/vaśīkaraṇa effects; also illustrates classical measures (prastha, kuḍava) for formulation.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Triphalā–Candana Kvātha with Head-Sprinkled Cūrṇa (Vaśīkaraṇa-prayoga)","lookup_keywords":["triphala","candana","kvatha","curna","prastha-kudava"],"quick_summary":"Boil Triphalā and sandalwood as a measured decoction (kvātha) and use the associated powder by sprinkling on the head; the passage frames it as a vaśīkaraṇa (influence/attraction) application and preserves exact apothecary measures."}
Dosha: Tridosha
Concept: Knowledge as applied technique (yukti) using dravya (substances) and māna (measures) to produce a stated effect.
Application: Emphasizes precision in measurement and preparation as the basis of efficacy in formulations.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Rasayana / Aushadhi-yoga; medicinal formulations and practical remedies)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shringara
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An Ayurvedic practitioner measures Triphalā and sandalwood, boils a kvātha in a pot, and sprinkles a fine powder on the crown of the head as a ritualized topical application.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat earthy palette, physician-sage preparing a decoction of Triphalā and sandalwood in a bronze vessel, assistant holding palm-leaf measure (prastha/kuḍava), gentle shṛṅgāra-adbhuta mood, ornate borders","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central seated vaidya with gold-leaf highlights on vessels and ornaments, Triphalā fruits and sandalwood depicted clearly, powder being sprinkled on the head, rich reds and greens, temple-like backdrop","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, clean linework and soft shading, instructional layout showing measured ingredients (prastha, kuḍava), boiling kvātha, and head-application step, labeled herb forms","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed apothecary scene with precise measuring cups, simmering pot, attendant presenting Triphalā and sandalwood, delicate facial expressions, fine textile patterns, indoor courtly clinic setting"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: एतत्+चूर्णम्→एतच्चूर्णम्; वशम्+उत्तमम्→वशमुत्तमम्; त्रिफला+चन्दन+क्वाथ+प्रस्थाः→त्रिफलाचन्दनक्वाथप्रस्थाः; द्वि+कुडवम्→द्विकुडवम्; शिरः+क्षिप्तम्→शिरःक्षिप्तम्
Related Themes: Agni Purana 301 (Ayurveda: rasāyana/aushadhi-yoga context)
FAQs
It teaches an Ayurvedic-style formulation and application: a cūrṇa (powder) used by sprinkling on the head, along with a kvātha (decoction) made from Triphalā and sandalwood, specified with traditional measures (prastha, kuḍava).
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied sciences—here, practical pharmacological preparation (kvātha/cūrṇa) and dosage-measure terminology—showing its wide coverage of medicine, household practice, and specialized yogas.
As a vashīkaraṇa-oriented instruction, it reflects the text’s inclusion of pragmatic rites and remedies; ethically, traditional readers treat such practices as requiring restraint and right intention, since coercive influence is karmically sensitive.