Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 23
Śāva-āśauca and Sūtikā-śauca: Death/Childbirth Impurity, Preta-śuddhi, and Śrāddha Procedure
Chapter 157
अथवा द्वादशाहेन सर्वमेतत् समापयेत् संवत्सरस्य मध्ये च यदि स्यादधिमासकः
athavā dvādaśāhena sarvametat samāpayet saṃvatsarasya madhye ca yadi syādadhimāsakaḥ
Atau, seseorang boleh menyelesaikan semuanya ini dalam dua belas hari; dan ketetapan ini terpakai juga walaupun di pertengahan tahun berlaku bulan sisipan (adhimāsa).
Lord Agni (in discourse, traditionally to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vrata","secondary_vidya":"Jyotisha","practical_application":"Providing an alternative completion schedule—finishing the observance within twelve days—ensuring continuity even when adhimāsa occurs within the year.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Dvādaśāha alternative completion despite Adhimāsa","lookup_keywords":["dvadasaha","vrata-completion","adhimasa-exception","kalpa-rule","twelve-days"],"quick_summary":"A condensed twelve-day completion is permitted as an alternative, and the rule remains valid even if an intercalary month occurs during the year."}
Concept: Anukalpa (authorized alternative) to preserve vrata integrity when extended timing becomes difficult.
Application: Adopt the dvādaśāha option when constraints or calendrical complications arise, while keeping the rite complete and rule-compliant.
Khanda Section: Pūjā-vidhi / Vrata-kalpa (Ritual observances and calendrical adjustments)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A twelve-day vrata sequence depicted as a compact cycle; a lunar calendar shows an extra month, yet the practitioner completes the observance within twelve days.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, twelve small vignettes around a central altar representing each day’s rite, a moon-calendar motif with an added segment for adhimāsa, priest calmly concluding the cycle","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, circular composition with twelve day-panels in gold-bordered medallions, central deity/altar, lunar disc showing intercalary month, celebratory completion posture","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional storyboard of 12 steps/days, clear numbering, side panel showing adhimāsa note, neat ritual implements","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, album-page layout with twelve small scenes of daily observance, marginal calendar annotation indicating adhimāsa, refined detailing"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: sarvametat = sarvam + etat; syādadhimāsakaḥ = syāt + adhimāsakaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 157: preceding rule on adhimāsa increase (157.22) and subsequent śrāddha timing (157.24)
FAQs
It gives a practical rule for completing the prescribed rite/vow: it may be concluded within a fixed twelve-day period, and the timing is not बाधित (invalidated) by the occurrence of an intercalary month (adhimāsa).
It integrates ritual procedure (vrata/pujā-vidhi) with calendrical science (adhimāsa, saṃvatsara), showing how the text functions as a manual that bridges religious practice and time-reckoning conventions.
By prescribing a clear completion rule despite calendar irregularities, it safeguards continuity and correctness of observance, ensuring the intended पुण्य (merit) of the rite is attained without procedural doubt.