Agni Purana — Avatara-lila, Shloka 5
Granthaprasthāvanā (Preface): Sāra of Knowledge, Twofold Brahman, and the Purpose of Avatāras
द्वे ब्रह्मणी वेदितव्ये शब्दब्रह्म परं च यत् द्वे विद्ये वेदितव्ये हि इति चाथर्वणी श्रुतिः
dve brahmaṇī veditavye śabdabrahma paraṃ ca yat dve vidye veditavye hi iti cātharvaṇī śrutiḥ
Две формы Брахмана подлежат познанию: Брахман как священный звук (шабда-брахман) и Брахман высший (пара-брахман). Воистину, и два вида знания следует познать — так возвещает атхарваническая шрути (Atharva-śruti).
Lord Agni (as narrator of Agni Purana)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Guides curriculum: distinguish śabda-brahman (Veda/mantra/ritual sound) from para-brahman (supreme reality) and pursue the appropriate discipline—study/recitation for the former, contemplation/realization for the latter.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Dve Brahmaṇī: Śabda-brahman and Para-brahman; Dve Vidye","lookup_keywords":["śabda-brahman","para-brahman","dve vidye","Atharva-śruti","apara para vidyā"],"quick_summary":"The verse defines two ‘Brahmans’—Vedic sound and the supreme reality—and correlates them with two knowledges; it maps a progression from scriptural mastery to direct realization."}
Alamkara Type: Dvandva-vibhāga (binary classification)
Concept: Apara (śabda/śāstra) and para (realization of the supreme) are distinct yet complementary; śabda-brahman is a means, para-brahman is the end.
Application: Balance practice: (1) disciplined Veda/mantra study and correct recitation, (2) meditation and inquiry into the self/Brahman; avoid mistaking textual mastery alone for liberation.
Khanda Section: Jnana-vidya (Veda-vidya and Brahma-jnana)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A didactic scene showing two paths: on one side Vedic recitation/mantra manuscripts (śabda-brahman), on the other a meditating sage in absorption (para-brahman), with Sūta indicating both as ‘two knowables’.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural split-panel: left—brahmins chanting with palm-leaf Veda, right—sage in dhyāna with subtle aura, central inscription motif ‘śabda’ and ‘para’, warm earthy palette and ornate borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: symmetrical composition with gold foil—left a Vedic altar and chanting, right a seated yogin with radiant halo, central teacher figure pointing to both, embossed gold on manuscripts and halos.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clean instructional diagram-like painting, labeled elements (śabda-brahman/para-brahman), fine linework, subdued colors, emphasis on pedagogy and clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: two-register composition—upper register scholars reciting from manuscripts, lower register ascetic meditating by a riverbank, delicate calligraphy noting ‘dve vidye’."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyan","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: चाथर्वणी = च + आथर्वणी. ‘ब्रह्मणी’ द्विवचन-प्रयोगः वैदिक/शास्त्रीय-परम्परायां ‘two Brahmans’ इत्यर्थे (शब्दब्रह्म, परब्रह्म)।
Related Themes: Agni Purāṇa 1.4 (knowing Viṣṇu leads to Brahman-identity knowledge); Agni Purāṇa later mantra, vrata, and mokṣa-oriented teachings that exemplify śabda vs para emphases
FAQs
It distinguishes two learnings: śabda-brahman (Vedic sound—mantra, recitation, and scriptural study used in ritual and discipline) and para-brahman (the transcendent reality realized through contemplation and insight).
By mapping knowledge into a practical-ritual domain (Veda/mantra as śabda-brahman) and a metaphysical-liberative domain (para-brahman), it sets an organizing framework that supports the Purana’s wide coverage—from rites and mantras to philosophy and liberation.
Mastery of śabda-brahman purifies conduct through disciplined Vedic practice, while realization of para-brahman culminates in liberating knowledge—together presenting a complete path from sacred action to spiritual freedom.