Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 28
Derivation
Uddhāra) of the Sakalādi Mantra (सकलादिमन्त्रोद्धारः
ऊहकञ्चांशुनाक्रान्तं वरुणप्रानतैजसम् पञ्चमन्तु समाख्यातं कृतान्तन्तु ततः परम्
ūhakañcāṃśunākrāntaṃ varuṇaprānataijasam pañcamantu samākhyātaṃ kṛtāntantu tataḥ param
‘ਊਹਕ’ ਅਤੇ ‘ਅੰਸ਼ੁਨਾਕ੍ਰਾਂਤ’, ਅਤੇ ‘ਵਰੁਣ’ ਤੇ ‘ਪ੍ਰਾਨਤ-ਤੈਜਸ’—ਇਹ ਪੰਜਵੇਂ (ਸਮੂਹ) ਦੇ ਨਾਮ ਕਹੇ ਗਏ ਹਨ; ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ‘ਕ੍ਰਿਤਾਂਤ’ ਆਦਿ ਆਉਂਦੇ ਹਨ।
Lord Agni (teaching the Purāṇic compendium to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Jyotisha","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Use of graha/planetary (or graha-like) epithets for identification in stotra, japa, or astrological ritual contexts; supports name-based invocation and classification.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Fifth set of epithets: Ūhaka, Aṃśunākrānta, Varuṇa, Prānata-Tejas; then Kṛtānta-series","lookup_keywords":["ūhaka","aṃśunākrānta","varuṇa","prānata-tejas","kṛtānta"],"quick_summary":"The verse groups multiple epithets as a ‘fifth’ name-set and signals the next sequence beginning with Kṛtānta, functioning as a catalog for ritual/astrological naming."}
Concept: Cosmic forces are approached through structured nomenclature; naming is a tool for grasping and invoking subtle powers.
Application: In jyotiṣa-oriented worship, select the appropriate epithet-set for japa/ārādhana corresponding to the intended graha/devatā identification in the tradition being followed.
Khanda Section: Jyotisha / Graha-nama-nirukti (Planetary nomenclature and epithets)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A cosmic register: a circular zodiac-like diagram with name-bands labeled Ūhaka, Aṃśunākrānta, Varuṇa, Prānata-Tejas, and an arrow pointing onward to Kṛtānta-series.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, circular mandala with graha-like nodes, name ribbons in Sanskrit, deep reds and yellows, stylized ocean motif for Varuṇa, radiant aura for Prānata-Tejas","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, ornate mandala with gold highlights on name plaques, central lamp, rich jewel tones, embossed borders, subtle deity-symbols (water-pot for Varuṇa)","mysore_prompt":"Mysore, instructional astrological wheel with clear labels, neat geometry, soft colors, minimal ornament, arrow indicating sequence progression to ‘Kṛtānta’","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, astronomer-astrologer presenting a chart, fine compass and inkwork, labeled cartouches for the epithets, delicate star field background"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ūhakañcāṃśunākrāntaṃ → ūhaka + ca + aṃśunā + ākrāntam; varuṇaprānataijasam → varuṇa + prāṇa + tejasam; pañcamantu → pañcamam + tu; kṛtāntantu → kṛtāntam + tu
Related Themes: Agni Purana 316 (graha-nāma/nirukti style lists continuing across verses)
FAQs
It transmits Jyotiṣa-oriented technical nomenclature: a structured list of traditional epithets (paryāya-nāmas) used for grahas/deities, arranged in numbered groups for memorization and reference.
By cataloging specialized vocabulary (standard epithets and name-sets) used in astrological and ritual literature, it functions like a reference index—one of the Agni Purana’s hallmark encyclopedic features.
Knowing and correctly employing revered divine/planetary epithets supports accurate mantra-usage and devotional recollection (smaraṇa), traditionally held to aid merit (puṇya) and remove ritual or recitational error.