Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 36
Chapter 279 — सिद्धौषधानि (Siddhauṣadhāni, “Perfected Medicines”) — Colophon/Closure
देहस्य मध्ये हृदयं स्थानं तन्मनसः स्मृतम् कृशो ऽल्पकेशश् चपलो बहुवाग्विषमानलः
dehasya madhye hṛdayaṃ sthānaṃ tanmanasaḥ smṛtam kṛśo 'lpakeśaś capalo bahuvāgviṣamānalaḥ
देहाच्या मध्यभागी हृदय हे त्या मनाचे स्थान मानले जाते. (असा मनुष्य) कृश, अल्पकेशी, चंचल, फार बोलणारा आणि विषम जठराग्नी असलेला असतो.
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition, instructing Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Psycho-physical assessment: heart as central locus connected with mind; recognize constitutional/clinical signs (lean body, scant hair, restlessness, talkativeness, irregular digestion) suggestive of vāta predominance and mental restlessness.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Hṛdaya as seat of manas and vāta-prakṛti lakṣaṇas","lookup_keywords":["hṛdaya","manas-sthāna","vāta-lakṣaṇa","viṣama-agni","cāpalya"],"quick_summary":"The verse links mind with the heart-region and lists observable traits useful for assessment. Lean build, restlessness, excessive speech, and irregular appetite point toward vāta influence and unstable agni."}
Dosha: Vata
Concept: Mind–body unity: manas is functionally rooted in the heart-region; mental qualities manifest as bodily signs and digestive patterns.
Application: Use self-observation to regulate lifestyle: calm the mind to steady agni; treat constitutionally rather than only symptomatically.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Sharira-Manas: psycho-physical constitution and signs)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A physician observes a lean, restless person with animated speech; a subtle heart motif at the body’s center indicates mind-seat; a small flame icon shows irregular agni flickering.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, slender figure with expressive gestures and speech-scroll motif, central heart symbol, flickering flame near abdomen, physician-sage calmly noting signs, flat colors and strong contours.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central figure with ornate heart emblem, gold-highlighted flame for agni, physician holding palm-leaf notes, rich colors and gilded detailing, serene yet diagnostic mood.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, refined portrait-like diagnostic scene: lean subject, subtle indicators (heart icon, uneven flame), clean composition suitable for instructional illustration, delicate shading.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed consultation: talkative patient gesturing, physician writing, small symbolic heart and flame motifs integrated into the scene, intricate textiles and architectural interior."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तन्मनसः = तत् + मनसः (समास); कृशो ऽल्पकेशश् = कृशः + अल्पकेशः (अः + अ → ओऽ); बहुवाग्विषमानलः = बहुवाक् + विषमानलः (क् + व → ग्व्).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 279 (śārīra-manas, doṣa signs)
FAQs
Ayurvedic psycho-physiology: it identifies the heart as the locus of mind (manas) and lists diagnostic bodily signs—leanness, scant hair, restlessness, excessive speech, and irregular digestive fire (viṣamānala).
It shows the Agni Purana functioning as a compendium by embedding Ayurvedic diagnostic theory (seat of mind and clinical lakṣaṇas) alongside its many other domains like ritual, polity, and arts.
By linking mind (manas) with the heart and digestion (agni), it implies that self-regulation of speech, restlessness, and appetite supports mental purity and steadiness—key prerequisites for disciplined dharma and spiritual practice.