Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 2
Raṇadīkṣā (War-Consecration) — Agni Purāṇa Adhyāya 235
पूजनीयो हरिः शम्भुर्मोदकाद्यैर् विनायकः द्वितीये ऽहनि दिक्पालान् सम्पूज्य शयनञ्चरेत्
pūjanīyo hariḥ śambhurmodakādyair vināyakaḥ dvitīye 'hani dikpālān sampūjya śayanañcaret
ਹਰੀ (ਵਿਸ਼ਨੂ) ਅਤੇ ਸ਼ੰਭੂ (ਸ਼ਿਵ) ਦੀ ਪੂਜਾ ਕਰਨੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਮੋਦਕ ਆਦਿ ਨਾਲ ਵਿਨਾਇਕ (ਗਣੇਸ਼) ਦਾ ਪੂਜਨ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ। ਦੂਜੇ ਦਿਨ ਦਿਕਪਾਲਾਂ ਦੀ ਵਿਧੀਵਤ ਪੂਜਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਸ਼ਯਨ-ਵ੍ਰਤ ਦਾ ਆਚਰਨ ਕਰੇ।
Lord Agni (teaching the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vrata","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Stepwise worship sequence for campaign/rite preparation: propitiate Viṣṇu, Śiva, Gaṇeśa with specific offerings; then worship Dikpālas and observe ritual sleep on day two.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Yātrā/raṇa-pūjā: Hari-Śambhu-Vināyaka and Dikpāla worship; dvitīya-dina śayana","lookup_keywords":["Hari-pūjā","Śambhu-pūjā","Vināyaka","modaka","Dikpāla"],"quick_summary":"For auspicious commencement, worship Viṣṇu and Śiva, then Gaṇeśa with modakas; on the second day worship the directional guardians and undertake the prescribed ritual lying-down observance."}
Concept: Success in action is supported by removing obstacles (Vināyaka), harmonizing major deities, and ritually securing space (Dikpālas).
Application: Before risky ventures, perform a structured invocation: begin with obstacle-removal, then establish protection in all directions; include a disciplined rest/observance period.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Vrata and Devata-puja procedures)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A ritual altar with images of Viṣṇu and Śiva, Gaṇeśa receiving modakas; on the second day, offerings placed in eight directions for Dikpālas; the practitioner then lies down in ritual observance.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: temple-like mandapa with oil lamps; Viṣṇu and Śiva panels on either side; Gaṇeśa central with modaka plate; eight directional niches glowing for Dikpālas; devotee preparing for śayana-vrata","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: gold-leafed icons of Viṣṇu, Śiva, and Gaṇeśa; ornate offering trays with modakas; eight small gold medallions around representing Dikpālas; devotee reclining on a simple mat in reverence","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting: instructional layout of a directional pūjā—compass-like floor diagram with offerings at each quarter; clear depiction of modaka offering to Gaṇeśa; calm scene of ritual lying down","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: refined indoor shrine; trays of sweets; small directional lamps arranged geometrically; devotee and priest; delicate textiles and architectural arches framing the ritual"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"devotional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: शम्भुर्मोदकाद्यैः = शम्भुः + मोदकाद्यैः; द्वितीयेऽहनि = द्वितीये + अहनि; शयनञ्चरेत् = शयनम् + चरेत्
Related Themes: Agni Purana pūjā-vidhi sections on Gaṇeśa offerings and dikpāla-nyāsa/arcana; Agni Purana raṇadīkṣā sequence continuing in subsequent verses
FAQs
It gives a practical worship-sequence: worship Viṣṇu and Śiva, offer modakas (and related sweets) to Gaṇeśa, then on the second day worship the Dikpālas and perform the prescribed ritual sleeping/lying-down observance.
It exemplifies the Agni Purana’s manual-like coverage of applied religion—detailing step-by-step vrata and pūjā procedures alongside its many other subjects (law, polity, medicine, arts), functioning as a compact ritual handbook within a broader encyclopedia.
By honoring major deities (Viṣṇu, Śiva, Gaṇeśa) and the directional guardians in proper order, the practitioner is understood to remove obstacles, secure protection from all quarters, and accrue vrata-merit through disciplined observance (including regulated sleep as part of the rite).