Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 21
Chapter 312 — Various Mantras (नानामन्त्राः)
अर्धनारीशरूपो ऽयं लक्ष्म्यादिवैष्णवादिकः अनङ्गरूपा शक्तिश् च द्वितीया मदनातुरा
ardhanārīśarūpo 'yaṃ lakṣmyādivaiṣṇavādikaḥ anaṅgarūpā śaktiś ca dvitīyā madanāturā
ഈ തത്ത്വം അർദ്ധനാരീശ്വരരൂപവും, ലക്ഷ്മ്യാദി വൈഷ്ണവപ്രകാരവും ആകുന്നു. രണ്ടാം ശക്തി അനംഗൻ (കാമൻ) രൂപിണി; മദനാതുരത്വം മൂലം വ്യാകുലയായവൾ.
Lord Agni (narrating the Agni Purana’s doctrinal taxonomy to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Śakti-tattva classification for dhyāna/nyāsa: identifying forms (Ardhanārīśvara, Vaiṣṇavī/Lakṣmī, Anaṅga-rūpā) to align mantra, yantra, and visualization.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Śakti-bheda: Ardhanārīśvara–Vaiṣṇavī–Anaṅga-rūpā","lookup_keywords":["Ardhanarishvara","Vaishnavi Shakti","Lakshmi","Ananga-rupa","Madana-atura"],"quick_summary":"Defines a Śakti-principle as Ardhanārīśvara-like and also Vaiṣṇavī (Lakṣmī-type), and notes a second Śakti as Anaṅga/Kāma-formed, characterized by desire-agitation—useful for selecting the correct dhyāna and ritual intent."}
Concept: Śiva–Śakti non-duality expressed through form (Ardhanārīśvara) and functional differentiation of Śaktis (Vaiṣṇavī/Lakṣmī vs Kāma-impelling).
Application: Choose dhyāna and ritual aim (saumya/śrī-prada vs kāma/ākṛṣaṇa) according to the Śakti-form being invoked.
Khanda Section: Tantra & Shakti-Tattva (Ardhanarishvara / Vaishnavi-Shakti descriptions)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shringara
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A theological tableau: Ardhanārīśvara as the axis, with Lakṣmī/Vaiṣṇavī Śakti on one side and an Anaṅga/Kāma-associated Śakti embodying desire-agitation on the other, indicating differentiated powers within one divinity.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural, Ardhanārīśvara central with balanced half-forms, Lakṣmī-like Śakti with lotus and śrī symbols, and a red-hued Kāma-associated Śakti with subtle erotic energy, flat warm palette, bold outlines, sacred aura","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central Ardhanārīśvara with gold halo and embossed ornaments, Lakṣmī/Vaiṣṇavī beside with lotus and śrī, Anaṅga-rūpā Śakti in red with ornate jewelry, rich gold work, symmetrical composition","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, refined linework and soft shading, didactic labeling feel: Ardhanārīśvara center, Lakṣmī-type Śakti and Kāma-impelling Śakti as flanking conceptual forms, calm background, emphasis on iconographic clarity","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly allegorical scene: composite deity in the center, two feminine personifications (Śrī and Kāma-śakti) with delicate textiles, fine detailing, subdued landscape, emphasis on expression and gesture"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: रूपो ऽयम् → रूपः अयम् (विसर्ग-लोप); शक्तिश् च → शक्तिः च (विसर्ग-सन्धि)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 312.22-312.25 (stotra/mantra/yantra/dhyāna sequence)
FAQs
It imparts a doctrinal taxonomy used in Tantra/Pūjā-vidhi: identifying Shakti-forms by deity-lineages—Ardhanārīśvara-type, Vaiṣṇavī-type (Lakṣmī-led), and a second Shakti associated with Kāma/Anaṅga (desire-energy).
By cataloging deity-energies (śakti-bheda) and their iconographic/theological markers, it functions like a reference index for ritualists and theologians—one of the Agni Purana’s hallmark encyclopedic compilations across worship systems (Śaiva, Vaiṣṇava, Śākta).
It frames desire (Madana) as a definable śakti-mode; recognizing and ritually channeling such energies is presented as a means to order one’s worship and inner discipline, supporting purification through correct understanding (tattva-jñāna) and proper devotion.