Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 29
Chapter 280 — रसादिलक्षणम् / सर्वरोगहराण्यौषधानि
Characteristics of Taste and Related Factors; Medicines that Remove All Diseases
अरिवन्मर्दयेत् प्रज्ञो जत्रु वक्षश् च पूर्ववत् अङ्गसन्धिषु सर्वेषु निष्पीड्य बहुलं तथा
arivanmardayet prajño jatru vakṣaś ca pūrvavat aṅgasandhiṣu sarveṣu niṣpīḍya bahulaṃ tathā
ਸਿਆਣਾ ਵੈਦ ਰੋਗੀ ਦੇ ਸਰੀਰ ਦਾ ਮਰਦਨ ਵੈਰੀ ਨੂੰ ਦਬਾਉਣ ਵਾਂਗ ਜੋਰ ਨਾਲ ਕਰੇ; ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਦੱਸੀ ਵਿਧੀ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਜਤ੍ਰੁ-ਭਾਗ ਅਤੇ ਛਾਤੀ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਉਸੇ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਸੰਭਾਲੇ। ਸਾਰੇ ਅੰਗ-ਸੰਧੀਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੀ ਇਸੇ ਢੰਗ ਨਾਲ ਵਾਰੰਵਾਰ ਪੱਕਾ ਦਬਾਅ ਦੇਵੇ।
Lord Agni (traditionally instructing Sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s encyclopedic discourse)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Therapeutic massage (mardana/abhyanga) technique: vigorous rubbing and firm joint-pressing, including collar region and chest, to relieve vāta-related stiffness and pain.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Mardana-vidhi: Jatru–Vakṣas and Joint Compression","lookup_keywords":["mardana","jatru","vakṣas","aṅga-sandhi","niṣpīḍana"],"quick_summary":"Massage should be firm and repeated, including collar and chest regions; joints should receive strong, repeated pressure to loosen stiffness and pacify vāta."}
Dosha: Vata
Alamkara Type: Upama
Concept: Body-maintenance through correct technique (yukti) rather than random force.
Application: Use controlled strength and repetition in therapy; treat joints systematically to restore function.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Massage Therapy / Mardana-vidhi)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An experienced vaidya-masseur firmly kneads a patient’s shoulders (jatru), chest, and presses each limb-joint repeatedly in a systematic sequence.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, earthy reds and greens, a vaidya performing vigorous mardana on a seated patient, emphasis on hands pressing shoulder-collar region and joints, stylized anatomy, traditional interior setting.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, ornate indoor clinic scene, therapist applying firm joint pressure and chest massage, rich textiles, gold highlights on borders and ornaments, calm patient posture.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, instructional composition showing step-by-step joint compression points (aṅga-sandhi) and collar/chest zones, fine linework, muted palette, labeled gestures implied.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed courtly medical chamber, practitioner massaging collar and chest, attendants nearby, precise depiction of hands pressing joints, delicate architecture and textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अरिवन्मर्दयेत् = अरि-वत् + मर्दयेत्; वक्षश् च = वक्षः + च; अङ्गसन्धिषु = अङ्ग-सन्धिषु (समास); निष्पीड्य (नि+पीड् + क्त्वा → क्त्वान्त रूप).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 280 (Ayurveda: abhyanga/mardana and dinacaryā context)
FAQs
It teaches an Ayurvedic bodywork method: vigorous kneading/rubbing and firm compression (niṣpīḍana) applied to the collar/neck-base (jatru), chest (vakṣas), and all limb joints, following a previously stated procedure.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical applied sciences; here it records a clinical-style instruction for therapeutic massage and joint pressure—material typical of Ayurvedic regimen and physiotherapy-like care within a Purāṇic compendium.
While primarily medical, it reflects the dhārmic ideal of preserving health and relieving suffering; caring for the body as a support for dharma is treated as a meritorious, life-sustaining discipline in Purāṇic culture.