Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 26
Chapter 49 — मत्स्यादिलक्षणवर्णनम्
Description of the Characteristics of Matsya and the Other Incarnations
शङ्खचक्रगदावेदपाणिश्चाश्वशिरा हरिः वामपादो धृतः शेषे दक्षिणः कूर्मपृष्ठगः
śaṅkhacakragadāvedapāṇiścāśvaśirā hariḥ vāmapādo dhṛtaḥ śeṣe dakṣiṇaḥ kūrmapṛṣṭhagaḥ
Hari yang berkepala kuda memegang sangkha, cakra, gada, dan Veda di tangan-tangan-Nya; kaki kiri-Nya disokong oleh Śeṣa, sedangkan kaki kanan-Nya bertumpu di atas belakang Kura-kura (Kūrma).
Lord Agni (narrating to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Avatara-Katha","practical_application":"Dhyāna and iconographic specification for Hayagrīva/Horse-headed Hari: attribute set (śaṅkha-cakra-gadā plus Veda) and distinctive foot supports (Śeṣa and Kūrma) for sculpture, painting, and ritual visualization.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Hayagrīva (Aśvaśiras) Hari: śaṅkha-cakra-gadā-veda; Śeṣa and Kūrma foot-supports","lookup_keywords":["Hayagrīva","Aśvaśiras","śaṅkha cakra gadā","Veda in hand","Śeṣa Kūrma"],"quick_summary":"Defines the horse-headed form of Hari holding conch, discus, mace, and the Veda, with the left foot supported by Śeṣa and the right foot placed on Kūrma—key identifiers for correct dhyāna and icon-making."}
Weapon Type: Conch (signal), discus, mace (plus Veda as jñāna-attribute)
Concept: Veda upheld by the divine (Hayagrīva as guardian of sacred knowledge); cosmic stability symbolized by Śeṣa and Kūrma supporting the Lord’s stance.
Application: Meditate on Hayagrīva for learning/recitation discipline and for steadiness of mind; use the Veda-in-hand cue to orient the sādhana toward śruti-centered devotion.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Iconography and Dhyana of Vishnu/Avatara forms)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Horse-headed Hari stands with four attributes—conch, discus, mace, and a Veda text—his left foot supported by the coiled Śeṣa serpent and his right foot planted on the back of the tortoise Kūrma, forming a cosmic pedestal.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: Hayagrīva with horse head, four arms holding śaṅkha, cakra, gadā, and a palm-leaf Veda manuscript; left foot on Śeṣa coils, right foot on Kūrma; oceanic blue background, lotus motifs, bold outlines.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: Hayagrīva with radiant gold halo, embossed ornaments; Veda as gilded manuscript in one hand; Śeṣa and Kūrma rendered as ornate pedestal elements; rich green/red background with heavy gold work.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: precise iconographic painting emphasizing the Veda in hand and the distinct foot placements; soft gradients, clean contours; Śeṣa coils and Kūrma shell clearly delineated for instructional value.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: Hayagrīva in a stylized seascape; delicate rendering of Śeṣa and Kūrma as supporting creatures; fine detailing on the Veda manuscript and weapons; subtle gold accents and patterned borders."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: śaṅkhacakragadāvedapāṇiścāśvaśirā→śaṅkha-cakra-gadā-veda-pāṇiḥ ca aśva-śirāḥ; vāmapādo→vāma-pādaḥ; kūrmapṛṣṭhagaḥ→kūrma-pṛṣṭha-gaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 49 (Viṣṇu-form dhyānas; adjacent iconographic prescriptions)
FAQs
It gives dhyāna–murti-lakṣaṇa (visualization and iconographic specification) for worship: Hayagrīva-Hari’s four attributes (śaṅkha, cakra, gadā, Veda) and the prescribed placement of the feet on Śeṣa and Kūrma.
Beyond narrative, it preserves precise temple/ritual iconography—how a specific form of Vishnu should be conceived or depicted—showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of practical liturgy, image-making standards, and theological symbolism.
Accurate dhyāna aligns the worshipper’s mind with the deity’s form and attributes; such correct visualization is traditionally held to make pūjā effective, support concentration (ekāgratā), and yield purifying merit through properly directed devotion.