Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 6
Mahāpātaka-ādi-kathana
Account of the Great Sins) — concluding note incl. ‘Mārjāra-vadha’ (killing of a cat
चतुर्थकालमश्रीयादक्षारलवणं मितं गोमूत्रेण चरेत् स्नानं द्वौ मासौ नियतेन्द्रियः
caturthakālamaśrīyādakṣāralavaṇaṃ mitaṃ gomūtreṇa caret snānaṃ dvau māsau niyatendriyaḥ
तो चौथ्या काळीच आहार घ्यावा, क्षार व लवण मित प्रमाणात सेवन करावे; आणि इंद्रियनिग्रह करून दोन महिने गोमूत्राने स्नान करावे।
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Describes a purificatory regimen with dietary timing (fourth-kāla eating), measured kṣāra-lavaṇa intake, and bathing with gomūtra for two months under sense-restraint—used as shodhana-like discipline in expiation contexts.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Śodhana-Regimen: Caturtha-kāla Bhojana, Kṣāra-Lavaṇa-mātra, Gomūtra-snāna","lookup_keywords":["caturtha-kāla","kṣāra","lavaṇa","gomūtra-snāna","niyata-indriya"],"quick_summary":"A timed, restricted diet with measured alkali and salt, combined with gomūtra bathing and sense-control for two months, is prescribed as a sustained purification regimen."}
Dosha: Kapha
Concept: Indriya-nigraha (sense-restraint) as the backbone of purification; bodily regimen supports ethical-spiritual cleansing.
Application: Pairs external discipline (diet, bathing) with internal discipline (sense-control) as a sustained practice over a fixed duration.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Rasayana & Shodhana / Purificatory regimen)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A disciplined penitent follows a regimen: eating only at a prescribed time, measuring salt and alkali, and bathing with gomūtra over two months; the scene emphasizes methodical purification and restraint.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, sequential vignette: penitent measuring kṣāra and lavaṇa in small bowls, then bathing ritual with a vessel labeled gomūtra, calm posture indicating indriya-nigraha, warm earthy palette and stylized water motifs","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central figure with ritual vessels, gold-highlighted bowls for salt/alkali, ornate pot for bathing liquid, rich background, subtle gold to mark ritual purity rather than luxury","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional clarity: time-of-meal indicated by sun position, measured ingredients shown precisely, bathing step depicted with clean lines, soft colors, emphasis on regimen steps and duration","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, domestic courtyard with detailed utensils, penitent carefully measuring condiments, then bathing scene with attendants at a respectful distance, fine architectural detail and naturalistic water rendering"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: aśrīyāt + akṣāra-lavaṇam → aśrīyādakṣāralavaṇam; niyata + indriyaḥ → niyatendriyaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Ayurveda-related regimens (rasāyana/śodhana passages); Agni Purana: prāyaścitta dietary rules (same khanda)
FAQs
It prescribes a structured purification regimen: restricted meal-timing (caturthakāla), moderate intake of alkaline-saline substances, and a two-month course of bathing with gomūtra, all under sensory restraint.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves practical health-and-hygiene protocols framed as disciplined observances—showing its wide scope that includes Ayurvedic-style regimen, dietetics, and purification practices.
The verse links bodily cleansing and dietary restraint with inner discipline (niyatendriya), presenting purification as both a physical practice and a merit-bearing austerity that supports mental and ritual purity.