Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 6
Chapter 164: नवग्रहहोमः
Navagraha Fire-Offering
आकृष्णेन इमं देवा अग्निर्मूर्धा दिवः ककुत् उद्बुद्ध्यस्वेति च ऋचो यथासङ्ख्यं प्रकीर्तिताः
ākṛṣṇena imaṃ devā agnirmūrdhā divaḥ kakut udbuddhyasveti ca ṛco yathāsaṅkhyaṃ prakīrtitāḥ
‘आकृष्णेन…’, ‘इमं देवा…’, ‘अग्निर्मूर्धा दिवः ककुत्…’ आणि ‘उद्बुद्ध्यस्व…’ अशा आरंभीच्या ऋग्वैदिक ऋचा नियत संख्या-क्रमाने अशा प्रकारे पठित/प्रकीर्तित केल्या जातात।
Lord Agni (narrating within the Agni Purana’s instructional discourse, traditionally to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Jyotisha","practical_application":"Mantra-prayoga: correct sequencing of specified Ṛgvedic ṛcas for agni-vidyā/ṛṣi-sūkta style recitation within ritual contexts (homa, śānti, devayajana).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Ṛgvedic Ṛc-krama for Agni-vidyā Recitation","lookup_keywords":["Ākṛṣṇena","Imaṃ devāḥ","Agnir mūrdhā divaḥ kakut","Udbuddhyasva","ṛc-krama"],"quick_summary":"Enumerates four Ṛgvedic verses by incipit and states they are to be recited in proper order—serving as a practical checklist to avoid prayoga errors."}
Concept: Mantra efficacy is tied to śruti fidelity—correct ṛc identification by incipit and correct sequence (krama).
Application: Create a ritual script (paddhati) listing these incipits in order; train reciters to verify sequence before homa/śānti.
Khanda Section: Vedic Mantra-Prayoga (Agni-vidya / Rishi-sukta recitation order)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A priest with a ṛgvedic manuscript/palm-leaf, pointing to incipits ‘Ākṛṣṇena’, ‘Imaṃ devāḥ’, ‘Agnir mūrdhā…’, ‘Udbuddhyasva…’ arranged in a numbered list; a homa fire nearby indicating application.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, seated ṛtvik reciting beside agni, palm-leaf manuscript with highlighted incipit words, simple numbered markers, lamp-lit ambience","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, Vedic reciter with manuscript, gold accents on sacred fire and manuscript edges, incipit words in stylized script, ornate frame","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional chart-like depiction: four incipits in order with numerals, priest demonstrating recitation posture, clean composition and legible calligraphy","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, scholar-priest in a library pavilion with a small fire altar, manuscript open showing incipits, fine penwork and marginal annotations"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: agnirmūrdhā → agniḥ + mūrdhā; udbuddhyasveti → udbuddhya + asva + iti; yathāsaṅkhyaṃ → yathā-saṅkhyam.
Related Themes: Agni Purana mantra-prayoga and homa sections contiguous with 164.5–164.6
FAQs
It teaches mantra-prayoga by specifying that certain Ṛgvedic ṛcs (identified by their opening words) must be cited/recited in correct numerical sequence (yathāsaṅkhyam).
By cataloging Vedic material through incipits (opening words) and prescribing an ordered method of reference/recitation, it functions like a ritual-technical index—showing the Purana’s role as a practical manual alongside theology.
Correct sequencing and accurate citation of mantras is traditionally held to preserve mantra-śakti (ritual efficacy), supporting purity of rite, clarity of intention, and the intended sacrificial or devotional merit.