Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 29
Mantra-paribhāṣā
Technical Definitions and Operational Rules of Mantras
प्राङ्मुखो ऽवाङ्मुखो वापि मन्त्रकर्म समारभेत् प्रणवाद्याः सर्वमन्त्रा वाग्यतो विहिताशनः
prāṅmukho 'vāṅmukho vāpi mantrakarma samārabhet praṇavādyāḥ sarvamantrā vāgyato vihitāśanaḥ
पूर्वमुख किंवा उत्तरमुख होऊन मंत्रकर्म आरंभ करावे. सर्व मंत्रांच्या आरंभी प्रणव ‘ॐ’ असावा; आणि साधकाने वाणीसंयम ठेवून विधिनुसार आहारनियम पाळावा।
Lord Agni (narrating to sage Vashistha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Set correct orientation, pranava-prefacing, silence discipline, and diet rules before beginning mantra-karman.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Mantra-karman: Dik (Orientation), Pranava-adi, Vak-niyama, and Ahara-niyama","lookup_keywords":["prangmukha","udangmukha","pranava-adi","vagyata","vihita-ashana"],"quick_summary":"Begin mantra-rites facing east or north; prefix mantras with Oṃ; maintain restraint of speech and follow prescribed dietary discipline to support purity and steadiness."}
Concept: External disciplines (dik, vak, ahara) stabilize the mind and make mantra effective.
Application: Before japa/homa, choose a clean seat facing east/north, begin with Oṃ, keep silence except for mantra, and follow the vrata-like food rule for the rite.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Mantra-karman (Ritual procedure and mantra discipline)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A practitioner prepares for mantra-rite: seated on kusa/asana facing east or north, hands in japa-mudra, Oṃ written above, with a simple regulated meal set aside.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, sadhaka facing east with temple lamp and palm-leaf manuscript; Oṃ symbol above; attendants silent; emphasis on ritual cleanliness and directionality.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, seated devotee facing a stylized sunrise (east) or northern star motif; gold Oṃ at top; offering plate with simple sattvika food; ornate frame.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear instructional layout showing compass directions (E/N), posture, and a small panel of 'vihita-ashana' meal; fine linework and captions.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, quiet chamber with prayer mat, compass-like directional cues, calligraphic Oṃ, and a modest meal; subdued palette, intimate devotional mood."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: प्राङ्मुखः+अवाङ्मुखः→प्राङ्मुखोऽवाङ्मुखो; वाक्+यतः→वाग्यतः; प्रणव+आद्याः→प्रणवाद्याः.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 292 (puja-vidhi/mantra-karman sequence)
FAQs
It prescribes core mantra-prayoga rules: the practitioner’s orientation (east or north), beginning mantras with Oṃ (Praṇava), and maintaining speech-restraint and regulated diet as part of ritual discipline.
Beyond theology, it records practical liturgical protocol—directionality, mantra-structure (Praṇava-prefix), and purity observances—showing the Agni Purana’s compendium-style coverage of ritual science alongside other domains.
Correct orientation, Praṇava-led recitation, and disciplined speech and diet are presented as purity-enhancing restraints that stabilize the mind and increase the efficacy (siddhi) and merit (puṇya) of mantra-ritual action.