Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 18
Rudra-śānti (रुद्रशान्ति)
बाला विंशाक्षरान्ता च रुद्रा द्वाविंशगायुधा तत ऊर्ध्वन्तु ये मन्त्रा दृद्धा यावच्छतत्रयं
bālā viṃśākṣarāntā ca rudrā dvāviṃśagāyudhā tata ūrdhvantu ye mantrā dṛddhā yāvacchatatrayaṃ
बाला-मंत्र वीस अक्षरांत पूर्ण होतो. रुद्रा-मंत्र बावीस (अक्षररूप) आयुधांनी युक्त आहे असे सांगितले आहे. यांपुढील दृढ/प्रतिष्ठित मंत्रांचा विस्तार कमाल तीनशे अक्षरांपर्यंत होतो.
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Mantra-design and verification by syllable-count (akṣara-saṅkhyā), distinguishing shorter deity-mantras (Bālā, Rudrā) from longer ‘dṛḍha’ mantras up to 300 syllables for advanced rites.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Akṣara-saṅkhyā of Bālā and Rudrā mantras; upper bound for dṛḍha mantras","lookup_keywords":["bālā-mantra","rudrā-mantra","akṣara","dṛḍha-mantra","300 syllables"],"quick_summary":"Defines mantra length: Bālā ends at 20 syllables, Rudrā at 22; established/firm mantras may extend up to 300 syllables, guiding correct construction and recitation discipline."}
Concept: Śabda as regulated power: efficacy depends on correct form (akṣara-saṅkhyā) and established transmission (dṛḍhatā).
Application: When learning/teaching mantras, verify akṣara-count to prevent corruption and ensure consistent prayoga.
Khanda Section: Mantra-shastra (Tantric/Mantric Classification and Meter-Counts)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A teacher counts syllables on fingers or beads while writing mantras on a palm-leaf; two short mantra-strings labeled Bālā (20) and Rudrā (22), and a long scroll representing up to 300 syllables.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural; guru seated with palm-leaf manuscript, counting akṣaras with hand gestures; stylized mantra bands with numeric markers 20, 22, 300; warm lamp-lit scholastic setting.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore; gold-highlighted manuscript and rosary; three mantra panels with ornate frames—Bālā (20), Rudrā (22), dṛḍha (300); rich decorative motifs.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting; didactic diagram-like scene: teacher, student, palm-leaf, bead-counting; clear numeric annotations; fine linework and calm palette.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature; scribe-scholar in library, counting on fingers; long scroll unfurled; detailed writing tools, inkpot, and manuscripts; subtle calligraphy emphasis."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: यावच्छतत्रयं = यावत् + शतत्रयम् (त् + श → च्छ).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 324 (mantra classifications and prayoga rules)
FAQs
It teaches mantra-taxonomy by akṣara (syllable) count—identifying the Bālā mantra as 20-syllabled, the Rudrā mantra as 22-syllabled, and stating that higher (more extended) established mantras can run up to 300 syllables.
By cataloging mantras with technical metrics (akṣara-count and functional descriptors like ‘āyudha’), it preserves a reference-style framework typical of the Agni Purana’s wide-ranging, systematizing approach to ritual and esoteric sciences.
Correct identification and disciplined use of mantras in their fixed forms (dṛḍha) is presented as essential for efficacy in worship and ritual, supporting purification and the intended spiritual results through precise practice.