Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 13
Chapter 33 — पवित्रारोहणविधानं
The Procedure for Pavitrārohaṇa / Installing the Sacred Thread or Consecratory Amulet
नाभ्यन्तं द्वादशग्रन्थिं तथा गन्धपवित्रके द्व्यङ्गुलात् कल्पनादौ द्विर्माला चाष्टोत्तरं शतं
nābhyantaṃ dvādaśagranthiṃ tathā gandhapavitrake dvyaṅgulāt kalpanādau dvirmālā cāṣṭottaraṃ śataṃ
जपसूत्री नाभीपर्यंत बारा ग्रंथी (गाठी) असलेली असावी; सुगंधित पवित्रकातही तसेच. रचनेच्या आरंभी दोन अँगुल प्रमाण ठेवावे, आणि माळ द्विगुण करून एकशे आठ संख्येची करावी.
Lord Agni (in discourse to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vrata","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Prepare japa-mālā and scented pavitra with specified knot-count and measures to ensure correct japa counting and ritual purity/protection.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Japa-sūtra Granthi-saṅkhyā (12 Knots) and Double 108 Mālā","lookup_keywords":["granthi","12","pavitra","gandha","108"],"quick_summary":"The japa-string and scented pavitra are arranged with twelve knots up to the navel region; begin with a two-aṅgula measure, and use a double rosary totaling 108 counts."}
Concept: Structured repetition (japa) is strengthened by well-made supports (mālā/pavitra) that regulate count and attention.
Application: Use knotting and standard counts to prevent miscounting and to maintain continuity in daily japa.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Japa-mala & Pavitra-dharana / Ritual Implements)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A practitioner ties twelve knots on a japa-cord up to navel height, prepares a scented pavitra, and lays out a double 108-count rosary for mantra repetition.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, close-up of hands tying knots on a sacred cord, sandal/gandha vessel nearby, rosary coils arranged, warm lamp-lit palette, minimal background for clarity.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, richly detailed rosary and pavitra with gold highlights, devotee seated in pūjā posture, fragrant paste container, ornate shrine border.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, step-by-step instructional layout: twelve knot points indicated, two-aṅgula starting measure shown, double mālā depicted clearly, fine linework and soft shading.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, artisan-priest crafting a knotted cord and scented pavitra on a low table, beads and perfume vessels rendered with intricate detail, calm indoor setting."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ca + aṣṭottaram → cāṣṭottaram; dvi + aṅgulāt → dvyaṅgulāt.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 33 (mālā/pavitra-dhāraṇa and pramāṇa)
FAQs
It gives specifications for ritual implements—how a japa-mālā/pavitra should be prepared: twelve knots (granthis), a two-aṅgula measurement at the start of construction, and a 108-count (aṣṭottara-śata) double-stranded mālā.
Beyond theology, it preserves practical liturgical standards—exact counts, knots, and measurements for worship tools—showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of applied ritual technology alongside doctrine.
Correctly made and measured japa implements are treated as purity-enhancing supports for mantra practice; following the prescribed form is believed to strengthen ritual efficacy and purification (pavitrīkaraṇa) through disciplined observance.