Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 16
Chapter 305 — Narasiṃha and Related Mantras (नारसिंहादिमन्त्राः)
सदक्षिणमिदं होमद्वयं भूतादिनाशनम् वर्णद्वयमिति ख गव्याक्तपत्रलिखितैर् निष्पर्णैः क्षुद्रमुद्धृतम्
sadakṣiṇamidaṃ homadvayaṃ bhūtādināśanam varṇadvayamiti kha gavyāktapatralikhitair niṣparṇaiḥ kṣudramuddhṛtam
ਦਕਸ਼ਿਣਾ ਸਮੇਤ ਇਹ ਦੋਹਰਾ ਹੋਮ ਭੂਤ ਆਦਿ ਦੋਸ਼ਾਂ ਦਾ ਨਾਸ਼ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈ। ‘ਖ’ ਆਦਿ ਦੋ ਅੱਖਰ ਗਵ੍ਯ ਲੇਪੇ ਪੱਤਿਆਂ ਉੱਤੇ ਲਿਖ ਕੇ, ਉਹਨਾਂ ਪੱਤੀ-ਟੁਕੜਿਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਖੁਦ੍ਰ (ਲਾਜਾ/ਭੁੰਨਾ ਅਨਾਜ) ਚੁੱਕ ਕੇ ਹਵਿ ਰੂਪ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਹੁਤੀ ਦੇਵੇ।
Lord Agni (instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha in ritual procedures)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Apotropaic homa and protective writing practice: a paired homa with dakṣiṇā to destroy bhūta disturbances; write a two-syllable mantra (beginning with 'kha') on leaves smeared with cow-products and use leaf-strips to lift and offer parched grain.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Bhūta-nāśana homa with ‘kha’-bīja leaf talisman and laja offering","lookup_keywords":["bhūta-nāśana","dakṣiṇā","kha-bīja","gavyākta-patra","laja (parched grain)"],"quick_summary":"A paired oblation with proper fee is prescribed for removing bhūta-afflictions; additionally, a two-syllable mantra starting with ‘kha’ is inscribed on cow-product-smeared leaves, which are used as ritual implements to offer parched grain."}
Concept: Mantra-bīja and dravya-saṃskāra (consecrated materials) function as protective technologies; dakṣiṇā is integral to ritual completeness (yajña-aṅga).
Application: Perform the paired homa with proper dakṣiṇā; prepare leaf talismans by smearing with cow-products, inscribing the specified bīja, and using them as implements for laja offerings in protective rites.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Homa-prayoga (Ritual Fire-Offerings and Protective Rites)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A protective homa: priest offers two consecutive oblations with dakṣiṇā set aside; nearby, leaves smeared with cow-products bear inscribed two-syllable mantra starting with ‘kha’; thin leaf-strips are used like tongs to lift parched grain and offer into the fire.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, dramatic fire altar, priest holding leaf-strips with inscribed bīja, parched grains falling into flames, protective aura motifs, subdued dark background with bright ritual fire.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-highlighted fire and vessels, leaf talismans with clear script, dakṣiṇā pouch depicted, intense protective theme with ornate framing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, technical clarity: close-up of leaf preparation (smearing with gavya, writing ‘kha…’ two syllables), then using strips to pick laja and offer; stepwise panels.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed calligraphy on leaves, attendants preparing cow-product paste, priest performing paired oblations, careful depiction of grains and flame, night-time protective rite ambiance."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: sadakṣiṇam = sa-dakṣiṇam; homadvayaṃ = homa-dvayam; bhūtādināśanam = bhūta-ādi-nāśanam; varṇadvayamiti = varṇa-dvayam iti; gavyāktapatralikhitair = gavyā-ākta-patra-likhitaiḥ; niṣparṇaiḥ = niḥ-parṇaiḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 305 (bhūta-śānti and homa-prayoga subsections)
FAQs
It prescribes a bhūta-śānti homa: perform a twofold oblation with dakṣiṇā, write the indicated two-syllable formula (starting with “kha”) on leaves prepared with cow-products, and use those leaf-strips to lift and offer parched grain into the fire.
It records applied ritual technology—mantra selection by syllabic cues, material preparation using gavya, and specific offering-handling methods—showing the text’s coverage beyond myth into practical liturgy and protective rites.
The rite is framed as apotropaic purification: it removes spirit-caused afflictions (bhūta-ādi) and, being performed with proper dakṣiṇā and mantra-material discipline, is presented as a meritorious, corrective act restoring ritual and personal purity.