Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 3
Chapter 280 — रसादिलक्षणम् / सर्वरोगहराण्यौषधानि
Characteristics of Taste and Related Factors; Medicines that Remove All Diseases
त्रिधा विपाको द्रव्यस्य कट्वम्ललवणात्मकः द्विधा वीय्य समुद्दिष्टमुष्णं शीतं तथैव च
tridhā vipāko dravyasya kaṭvamlalavaṇātmakaḥ dvidhā vīyya samuddiṣṭamuṣṇaṃ śītaṃ tathaiva ca
ਦ੍ਰਵ੍ਯ ਦਾ ਵਿਪਾਕ ਤਿੰਨ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ ਦਾ ਹੈ—ਤਿੱਖਾ, ਖੱਟਾ ਅਤੇ ਨਮਕੀਨ ਸੁਭਾਵ ਵਾਲਾ। ਵੀਰਯ ਦੋ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ ਦਾ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ—ਉਸ਼ਣ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼ੀਤ।
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Predict therapeutic outcome by identifying a substance’s vipāka (threefold) and vīrya (hot/cold), aiding safe prescription and diet planning.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Vipāka (threefold) and Vīrya (twofold) classification","lookup_keywords":["vipāka trividha","kaṭu amla lavaṇa vipāka","vīrya uṣṇa śīta","dravya-guṇa","post-digestive effect"],"quick_summary":"Vipāka is taught as threefold (kaṭu, amla, lavaṇa), and vīrya as twofold (uṣṇa, śīta). These categories help infer a drug’s systemic action beyond initial taste."}
Concept: Causal inference in therapeutics: observable qualities (vīrya) and resultant transformation (vipāka) determine effect.
Application: Use a consistent analytical grid for materia medica to reduce trial-and-error in treatment.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Dravya-guṇa: Rasa–Vipāka–Vīrya classification)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A physician explains two tables: vipāka as three outcomes (kaṭu, amla, lavaṇa) and vīrya as two potencies (uṣṇa, śīta), with example jars and herbs placed beneath each heading.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized teaching board with three vipāka symbols and two vīrya symbols; physician pointing with palm-leaf stylus; jars and herbs arranged; bold outlines, traditional palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, symmetrical taxonomy display with gold-highlighted headings ‘Vipāka’ and ‘Vīrya’; ornate vessels representing categories; central teacher figure; rich colors and gilded accents.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear instructional scene: neatly drawn chart showing 3 vipāka and 2 vīrya; students seated; fine linework, soft washes, emphasis on legibility.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, scholar-physician in a library presenting a folio with vipāka/vīrya classification; detailed apothecary jars and herbs; delicate brushwork and architectural depth."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कट्वम्ललवणात्मकः = कटु + अम्ल + लवण + आत्मकः; समुद्दिष्टमुष्णं = समुद्दिष्टम् + उष्णम्; तथैव = तथा + एव; वीय्य (पाठ) = वीर्यम् (सामान्यपाठ/लिप्यन्तरदोष सम्भव).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 280 (rasa-vīrya-vipāka exposition sequence)
FAQs
Ayurvedic dravya-guṇa knowledge: it defines two core diagnostic parameters for substances—vipāka (post-digestive effect) as three types and vīrya (potency) as hot or cold—used to predict therapeutic action.
It shows the Agni Purana functioning as a compendium beyond myth, preserving technical Ayurveda taxonomy (vipāka and vīrya) that underpins classical drug-action analysis and formulation design.
By promoting correct knowledge and application of healing substances, the verse supports dharmic care of the body—viewed as a means to sustain sādhana and righteous living—thus aligning wellbeing with religious duty.