Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 5
The Root-Mantra of Tvaritā
Tvaritā-mūla-mantra
प्रस्तावे तत्र चैकार्णा द्व्यर्णास्त्र्यर्णादयो ऽभवन् तिर्यगूर्ध्वगता रेखाश् चतुरश् चतुरो भजेत्
prastāve tatra caikārṇā dvyarṇāstryarṇādayo 'bhavan tiryagūrdhvagatā rekhāś caturaś caturo bhajet
त्या प्रस्ताव-रचनेत एकाक्षर, द्व्याक्षर, त्र्याक्षर इत्यादी समूह तयार होतात; आणि आडव्या व उभ्या रेषा—चार असतात—त्यांना चार भागांत विभागावे.
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition, instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Alamkara","secondary_vidya":"Vyakarana","practical_application":"Gives a prastāva-style method for arranging syllabic units (eka/dvi/tri-ārṇa groupings) and dividing a horizontal-vertical line scheme into four parts—useful for chandas matrices, phonetic vinyāsa, or coded mantra/chandas layouts.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Prastāva: Eka–Dvi–Tri-ārṇa Groupings and Fourfold Grid Division","lookup_keywords":["prastāva","ekārṇa","dvyārṇa","tryārṇa","tiryag ūrdhva rekhā"],"quick_summary":"Explains how to form syllable-groupings (1, 2, 3, etc.) in the opening arrangement and how to partition a scheme of horizontal and vertical lines—four lines—into four sections for systematic analysis."}
Concept: Complex patterns become intelligible through modular grouping (syllable-units) and spatial partition (rekhā-vibhāga).
Application: When constructing/analyzing a chandas or coded syllabic layout, first segment into 1-2-3 syllable blocks, then map them onto a four-line horizontal/vertical framework and divide into four quadrants/sections to track placement and combinations.
Khanda Section: Sahitya-shastra (Chandas & Varna-vinyasa / Prosody and phonetic arrangement)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A teaching diagram: syllable blocks labeled 1, 2, 3 arranged into a square grid; four horizontal/vertical lines forming four partitions; a teacher indicates how to read the layout.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: stylized classroom with palm-leaf board showing a grid divided by four lines; syllable clusters written in traditional script; earthy tones, bold contours, temple pedagogy mood.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: decorative instructional tableau with gold-highlighted grid lines; central square partitioned into four; syllable clusters (eka/dvi/tri) in ornate calligraphy; teacher figure at side.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clean, technical illustration; precise grid with four rekhās; labeled syllable groupings; students copying; emphasis on clarity and method.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: scholar at desk drawing a quadrant grid; small slips showing syllable clusters; fine brushwork and detailed stationery objects."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Khamas","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: caikārṇā → ca eka-arṇāḥ; dvyarṇās tryarṇādayo → dvi-arṇāḥ tri-arṇa-ādayaḥ; 'bhavan → abhavan; tiryagūrdhvagatā → tiryak-ūrdhva-gatāḥ; rekhāś caturaś → rekhāḥ caturaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Sahitya-shastra / chandas-prakaraṇa passages on prastāra and varṇa-vinyāsa (adjacent sections)
FAQs
It teaches a technical method of metrical/phonetic arrangement: forming syllable-groups (1, 2, 3, etc.) in an initial layout (prastāva) and partitioning the guiding lines (rekhā) into four divisions for systematic analysis or construction.
Beyond theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves applied śāstric knowledge—here, Sahitya-shastra/Chandas—showing it functions as a compendium that also transmits technical frameworks used in Sanskrit poetic composition and analysis.
By promoting correct structure and disciplined recitation/composition, it supports accurate preservation and transmission of sacred and learned speech (śabda), traditionally regarded as purifying and merit-producing when practiced with precision.