Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 38
Śāva-āśauca and Sūtikā-śauca: Death/Childbirth Impurity, Preta-śuddhi, and Śrāddha Procedure
Chapter 157
द्वार्यश्मनि पदं दत्वा प्रविशेयुस् तथा गृहं अक्षतान्निक्षिपेद्वह्नौ निम्बपत्रं विदश्य च
dvāryaśmani padaṃ datvā praviśeyus tathā gṛhaṃ akṣatānnikṣipedvahnau nimbapatraṃ vidaśya ca
ਦਰਵਾਜ਼ੇ ਦੀ ਦੇਹਲੀ ਦੇ ਪੱਥਰ ਉੱਤੇ ਪੈਰ ਰੱਖ ਕੇ ਫਿਰ ਘਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਾਖ਼ਲ ਹੋਵੋ। ਅੱਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਖ਼ਤ (ਅਖੰਡ ਚੌਲ) ਪਾਓ ਅਤੇ ਨੀਮ ਦਾ ਪੱਤਾ ਚਬਾਓ।
Lord Agni (instructing sage Vasiṣṭha in ritual procedure)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Vrata","practical_application":"House-entry and pacificatory conduct after rites: threshold-step protocol, offering akṣata into fire, and neem-leaf chewing as a protective/purificatory measure.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Gṛha-praveśa after rites: dvāry-aśmanipāda, akṣata-homa, nimba-patra-bhakṣaṇa","lookup_keywords":["griha-pravesha","dvari-ashmani","aksata","vahni","nimba-patra"],"quick_summary":"On entering the house, step on the threshold-stone, offer unbroken rice into the fire, and chew neem leaf—acts aimed at auspicious re-entry and removal of residual impurity/inauspiciousness."}
Dosha: Kapha
Concept: Śuddhi and śānti through liminal rites: crossing thresholds with awareness, using agni and symbolic substances (akṣata, nimba) to restore auspiciousness.
Application: Perform a simple re-entry rite after inauspicious contact: honor the threshold, make a small offering to fire, and take a purificatory bitter.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Griha-pravesha & Shanti-karmas)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Secondary Rasa: Adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A person re-enters the home by stepping on the threshold-stone, offers akṣata into the household fire, and chews a neem leaf as a protective act.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, detailed doorway with stone threshold, figure stepping in, small sacred fire altar inside, akṣata grains falling into flame, neem leaf held to mouth, warm earthy palette","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, ornate doorway and lamp-like fire, gold leaf highlighting flames and akṣata, figure in traditional attire, neem leaf detail, auspicious domestic setting","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear instructional composition: foot on threshold-stone, hand offering akṣata to fire, neem leaf chewing, labeled sequence feel, delicate lines and soft colors","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, interior domestic scene with hearth fire, careful architecture of doorway, realistic rice grains and leaf, gentle light and fine textile patterns"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shuddha Saveri","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: dvāryaśmani = dvāri aśmani; akṣatānnikṣipet = akṣatān nikṣipet; nikṣipedvahnau = nikṣipet vahnau; nimbapatraṃ = nimba-patram.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 157 (śauca and re-entry practices)
FAQs
It prescribes a gṛha-praveśa procedure: stepping onto the doorway threshold-stone before entering, offering akṣata (unbroken rice) into the household fire, and chewing a neem leaf as a purificatory/inauspiciousness-warding act.
Alongside theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical domestic ritual protocols—house-entry, fire-offerings, and household purification—showing its coverage of lived religious practice (śānti, maṅgala, and gṛhya-style observances).
Stepping on the threshold marks a ritually controlled entry, the akṣata-offering invokes auspiciousness through Agni, and neem functions as a traditional purifier—together intended to avert doṣa (inauspicious influences) and establish maṅgala (well-being) for the new dwelling.