Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 23
Chapter 338 — शृङ्गारादिरसनिरूपणम्
Exposition of the Rasas beginning with Śṛṅgāra
शङ्कानिष्टागमोत्प्रेक्षा स्यादसूया च मत्सरः मदिराद्युपयोगोत्थं मनःसंमोहनं मदः
śaṅkāniṣṭāgamotprekṣā syādasūyā ca matsaraḥ madirādyupayogotthaṃ manaḥsaṃmohanaṃ madaḥ
ਸ਼ੱਕ, ਅਨਿਛਿਤ ਦੇ ਆਉਣ ਦੀ ਕਲਪਨਾ ਅਤੇ ਅਸ਼ੁਭ ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾਵਾਂ ਦਾ ਅੰਦਾਜ਼ਾ—ਇਹ ਅਸੂਯਾ (ਈਰਖਾ) ਅਤੇ ਮਤਸਰ (ਜਲਨ) ਹਨ। ਸ਼ਰਾਬ ਆਦਿ ਦੇ ਸੇਵਨ ਨਾਲ ਮਨ ਦਾ ਮੋਹਿਤ ਹੋਣਾ ‘ਮਦ’ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ।
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Self-audit of mental vices (doṣa) to prevent unethical speech/actions; recognizing intoxication as a cognitive impairment to be avoided in decision-making.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Asūyā–Matsara–Mada (envy, jealousy, intoxication)","lookup_keywords":["asūyā","matsara","mada","śaṅkā","madirā"],"quick_summary":"Envy/jealousy are framed as suspicion and pessimistic projection; intoxication is defined as mind-bewilderment caused by liquor and similar substances—useful for ethical restraint and mental hygiene."}
Concept: Mental afflictions (envy/jealousy) arise from suspicious projection; intoxication is a definable cognitive delusion caused by substances.
Application: Cultivate non-suspicion and refrain from intoxicants to preserve discernment (viveka) and ethical conduct.
Khanda Section: Niti-shastra / Dharma-psychology (Vices and mental afflictions)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A moral-psychology tableau: a person gripped by suspicion and envy, contrasted with another person intoxicated, mind-clouded by liquor.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat vibrant colors, two-panel didactic scene: left a figure with narrowed eyes and anxious gestures (śaṅkā, asūyā, matsara), right a staggering figure with a wine cup, swirling dark aura around the head indicating manas-sammoha; traditional borders and lotus motifs.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold leaf highlights: central seated sage pointing to two vignettes—envy/jealousy as shadowy attendants whispering into a man’s ear, and intoxication as a figure holding a golden cup with clouded eyes; rich textiles, embossed ornaments.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional composition: labeled vignettes for śaṅkā, utprekṣā of undesirable events, asūyā/matsara, and mada from madirā; delicate linework, muted palette, clear facial expressions.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly interior: one courtier suspiciously watching rivals (envy/jealousy), another intoxicated with a goblet, blurred gaze; fine architectural details, patterned carpets, subtle psychological expressions."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: śaṅkāniṣṭāgamotprekṣā = śaṅkā + niṣṭā + āgama + utprekṣā (samāhāra-dvandva, treated as sg.); syād = syāt (before vowel); madirādyupayogotthaṃ = madirā-ādi-upayoga-uttham; manaḥsaṃmohanam = manaḥ + saṃmohanam.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 338 (doṣa/bhāva definitions continuing in 338.24–338.27)
FAQs
It gives precise lakṣaṇas (definitions) of inner vices—especially asūyā/matsara (envy/jealousy) and mada (intoxication)—useful for self-governance and dharmic conduct.
Beyond ritual topics, it catalogues psychological and ethical categories (doṣa-lakṣaṇa), showing the text’s wide scope that includes moral science and practical guidance on human behavior.
Recognizing and restraining envy/jealousy and intoxication is presented as essential for purity of mind and right action, reducing harmful karmic tendencies that arise from delusion and resentment.