Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 19
Chapter 376 — ब्रह्मज्ञानम्
Knowledge of Brahman
प्राज्ञ आत्मा त्रयञ्चैतत् मकारः प्रणवः स्मृतः अकारश् च उकारो ऽसौ मकारो ह्य् अयमेव च
prājña ātmā trayañcaitat makāraḥ praṇavaḥ smṛtaḥ akāraś ca ukāro 'sau makāro hy ayameva ca
Prājña ialah Diri (Ātman); dan (Oṁ) ini bersifat tiga bahagian. Bunyi “M” diingati sebagai praṇava; sesungguhnya ia terdiri daripada “A”, “U”, dan “M” ini juga.
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Pranava-japa and Omkara-dhyana by mapping A-U-M to the threefold structure of experience and the Self, stabilizing attention for yoga-upasana.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Pranava (Oṁ) as threefold A-U-M and Prājña-Self","lookup_keywords":["Pranava","Omkara","A-U-M","Prājña","Mantra-shastra"],"quick_summary":"Defines Oṁ as a triadic phoneme (A, U, M) and links it to the Self as prājña, supporting systematic pranava-upasana."}
Concept: Oṁ as the structured support (ālambana) for realizing the Self through sound and meaning (śabda-artha).
Application: Use A-U-M contemplation to refine awareness from gross to subtle and rest in the witnessing consciousness during japa/dhyana.
Khanda Section: Mantra-shastra (Pranava-Omkara-vicara / Yoga-Upasana)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A yogin seated in meditation visualizing the syllable Oṁ split into A, U, and M, with subtle radiance indicating the Self as prājña.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, seated yogin in padmasana, large stylized Oṁ glyph above, three luminous petals labeled A U M, warm earthy palette, sacred aura, minimal background.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central Oṁ in embossed gold, yogin-sage below with rudraksha and kamandalu, three gold panels for A U M, rich reds and greens, ornate arch frame.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional diagram feel: Oṁ glyph segmented into A-U-M with fine linework, sage pointing to segments, soft pastel wash, delicate ornamentation.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, scholar-yogi in a pavilion with manuscript showing Oṁ and A-U-M segmentation, fine floral borders, subdued jewel tones, precise calligraphy-like detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Ahir Bhairav","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: त्रयञ्चैतत् = त्रयम् + च + एतत्; अकारश् च = अकारः + च; उकारो ऽसौ = उकारः + असौ; मकारो ह्य् = मकारः + हि; अयमेव = अयम् + एव
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Omkara/Pranava-vicara sections in Mantra-shastra; Agni Purana: Moksha-vidya/Atma-jnana passages near 376.20-23
FAQs
It teaches praṇava-vidyā: analyzing Oṁ as the triad A-U-M and linking it to states/aspects of consciousness (here, prājña), supporting correct japa and meditation on the syllable.
Alongside ritual and practical sciences, the Agni Purana also preserves mantra theory and phonemic analysis—showing how sound-structure (A-U-M) is used as a technical framework for spiritual practice.
Meditating on Oṁ as A-U-M with awareness of the Self purifies the mind, stabilizes contemplation, and is traditionally held to lead toward inner stillness and liberation-oriented merit (puṇya) through correct upāsanā.