Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 10
Bala-graha-hara Bāla-tantram (बालग्रहहर बालतन्त्रम्) — Pediatric protection and graha-affliction management
हंसाधिका पञ्चमी स्याज्जृम्भाश्वासोर्धधारिणी मुष्टिबन्धश् च तच्चेष्टा बलिं मत्स्यादिना हरेत्
haṃsādhikā pañcamī syājjṛmbhāśvāsordhadhāriṇī muṣṭibandhaś ca tacceṣṭā baliṃ matsyādinā haret
A quinta (mudrā) chama-se Haṃsādhikā. Executa-se com uma inspiração semelhante ao bocejo, mantendo o gesto elevado para cima e com os punhos cerrados; com esse mesmo gesto deve-se oferecer o bali, começando por peixe e semelhantes.
Lord Agni (teaching sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Vrata","practical_application":"Performance of a specific mudrā (Haṃsādhikā) to empower bali-offerings (fish etc.) within pūjā/śānti rites.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Haṃsādhikā pañcamī mudrā for bali (matsyādi)","lookup_keywords":["Haṃsādhikā","pañcamī mudrā","bali","matsya","mūṣṭibandha"],"quick_summary":"Defines the fifth mudrā, Haṃsādhikā, characterized by yawning-like inhalation, uplifted holding, and closed fists; it is used to present bali offerings such as fish."}
Concept: Mudrā + prāṇa (breath pattern) functions as a ritual technology to direct intention and sanctify offerings.
Application: Use consistent hand-gesture, breath, and posture to standardize bali presentation in protective rites.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Tantric Mudras and Bali-offerings)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A ritualist performs the Haṃsādhikā mudrā: fists closed, hands held raised, with a visible yawning-like inhalation, while presenting a bali plate containing fish and other offerings.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, priest before a small altar, stylized hand gesture with closed fists raised, bali plate with fish, lamp flames and incense smoke, bold outlines and flat colors","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold leaf haloed altar, priest in crisp posture showing the mudrā, ornate bali tray with fish, rich reds and greens, temple interior motifs","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, didactic depiction of the mudrā with clear hand positioning, arrows indicating upward hold and breath, bali items neatly arranged, fine delicate lines","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly ritual scene with a learned officiant demonstrating the gesture, attendants holding offerings including fish, detailed textiles, architectural niche backdrop"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्याज् = स्यात् (before voiced consonant). तच्चेष्टा = तत् + चेष्टा. मत्स्यादिना = मत्स्य + आदिना.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 298 (Pūjā-vidhi mudrā/bali sequence)
FAQs
It defines a specific tantric/ritual mudrā—Haṃsādhikā—describing breath-action (jṛmbhā-śvāsa), upward holding, and fist-binding, and instructs its use while presenting bali offerings such as fish.
Beyond mythology, the Agni Purana catalogs practical liturgical details—named mudrās, bodily technique, and offering protocol—showing its role as a manual of ritual technology alongside other sciences.
Performing the prescribed mudrā while offering bali is presented as a correct, efficacy-bearing method of worship—aligning bodily action and offering so the rite is properly completed and yields the intended religious merit and pacification.