Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 48
Chapter 72 — स्नानविशेषादिकथनम्
Special Rules of Bathing, Mantra-Purification, and Sandhyā
शान्तप्रपितामहाय तथाप्रेतपितॄंस् तथा पितृभ्यः पितामहेभ्यः स्वधाथ प्रपितामहे
śāntaprapitāmahāya tathāpretapitṝṃs tathā pitṛbhyaḥ pitāmahebhyaḥ svadhātha prapitāmahe
“Dengan rumusan svadhā,” persembahkanlah kepada moyang yang telah ditenteramkan (prapitāmaha); demikian juga kepada para Pitṛ yang telah berpulang (preta). Persembahkanlah kepada para bapa dan kepada para datuk dengan ucapan “svadhā!”, dan juga kepada para prapitāmaha.
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition, instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vrata","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Apply the svadhā formula across paternal lineage tiers—father, grandfather, great-grandfather—and include pacified (śānta) great-grandfathers and departed (preta) pitṛs in the offering sequence.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Tiered Svadhā Offerings to Fathers, Grandfathers, Great-Grandfathers and Departed Pitṛs","lookup_keywords":["svadhā","prapitāmaha","preta pitṛ","śānta","pitṛ-tarpaṇa"],"quick_summary":"The verse standardizes how svadhā is extended to multiple ancestral generations, explicitly including both pacified ancestors and those classed as departed (preta) within the śrāddha framework."}
Concept: Pitṛ-ṛṇa (debt to ancestors) is discharged by inclusive remembrance across generations, ensuring transition from preta-status to śānta/settled pitṛ-state.
Application: When performing tarpaṇa/śrāddha, explicitly cover three paternal generations and include departed categories to avoid ritual exclusion.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Śrāddha & Pitṛ-tarpaṇa rites)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Three-tier ancestral line shown—father, grandfather, great-grandfather—receiving svadhā offerings; a separate subdued figure represents ‘preta pitṛ,’ gradually becoming calm (‘śānta’) through the rite.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, horizontal register of three ancestral sages with calm expressions, a fourth faint restless preta figure softening into serenity, ritualist below pouring water with sesame, decorative lotus borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold halos for three generations, preta figure at edge with dimmer aura turning bright, svadhā inscription, ornate offering plates and lamps, deep red background.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, diagrammatic generational tiers labeled pitṛ/pitāmaha/prapitāmaha, arrows showing offering sequence, preta-to-śānta transformation depicted subtly, clean pastel palette.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, genealogical portrait arrangement of ancestors in cloud-like medallions, ritualist in courtyard, preta figure in translucent wash becoming clearer, fine floral margins."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"solemn-appeasing","suggested_raga":"Kafi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तथाप्रेतपितॄंस् = तथा + प्रेतपितॄन्; स्वधाथ = स्वधा + अथ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 72 (ancestral tiers and svadhā usage)
FAQs
It specifies the sequence and recipients of śrāddha/tarpaṇa offerings—fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers (including departed ‘preta’ Pitṛs)—using the Svadhā formula, which is the standard ritual utterance for Pitṛ oblations.
By codifying household ritual procedure (śrāddha-mantra usage and generational targeting of offerings), it shows the Agni Purana functioning as a practical manual of dharma and rites alongside its many other subjects.
Correctly directing Svadhā-offerings to the proper ancestral generations is taught as a means of appeasing and supporting the Pitṛs, yielding purification and merit (puṇya) for the performer and continuity of ancestral well-being.